Susan George, Olivia Newton-John’s lifelong friend of almost 60 years, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actress.
The legendary Grease star died peacefully Monday at the age of 73 at her home in Southern California surrounded by family and friends.
And as she reflected on her memories of Olivia, fellow actress Susan, 72, shared how she felt “privileged to have known her,” while also reminiscing about their last conversation together.
Best friends: Olivia Newton-John’s lifelong friend of almost 60 years Susan George (R) paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actress (pictured together in 2009).
Raised amidst the glitz and glamor of Hollywood away from the camera, the two women cemented their friendship as they bonded over their love of the outdoors and horses.
Susan, writing for The Mirror, recalled the couple meeting when they were teenagers and developing a lifelong friendship, noting that the movie star “filled my heart and my head with pride.”
Discussing Olivia’s rise to fame thanks to her role as Sandy in Grease, Susan said: “I was with her during filming and at the London premiere and when our stretch limousine was bullied she was overwhelmed and playfully humiliated by everyone the amazing attention. Did she ever know how beautiful she was? No, never, and that was part of her magic.”
Rest in peace: The legendary Grease star died peacefully on Monday at the age of 73 at her home in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends
She went on to say that while Olivia enjoyed the swanky premieres, parties and lunches that fame brought, the Aussie beauty felt happiest when surrounded by horses, calling Susan’s stud her “sanctuary.”
The TV star went on to recall some fun moments they’d shared over the years, including a hilarious moment when she struggled to control Olivia’s Shetland ponies – the Grease star filmed and Susan still does “precious video”.
She added that despite living far apart, the couple “were always there for each other” in “good times and bad” no matter what.
Honour: Reflecting on her memories of Olivia, her colleague Susan, 72, shared how she felt “privileged to have known her”, while also reminiscing about their last conversation together
Bond: Growing up amid the glitz and glamor of Hollywood away from the camera, the two women cemented their friendship as they bonded over their love of the outdoors and horses
Speaking of which, when Olivia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, Susan shared how Olivia had a “kind of acceptance,” adding that the star “knew” she could use her fight as a “platform to help others.” ‘, and had ‘ no doubt that she would survive.
In fact, Olivia survived after battling the disease twice more before finally succumbing to it earlier this month.
Speaking of their last phone call, Susan said: “We spoke a few weeks ago and had the longest chat about past and present, laughed a lot and I was afraid it might have been too much effort but she insisted.
“She seemed to have things she wanted to bring out and share and I’ll always cherish what our last conversation was.”
A long time ago: Susan recalled the couple who met when they were teenagers and formed a lifelong friendship, noting that the movie star “filled my heart and my head with pride” (pictured in 1980)
Stark: Speaking of which, when Olivia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, Susan shared how Olivia had a “kind of acceptance,” adding that the star “knew” she could use her fight as a “platform to help others.” to help,” and had “no doubt” that she would survive
The Straw Dogs star ended her tribute with touching words about her best friend, describing her as “talented”, “loving”, “generous” and “beautiful like no other” who always put others before herself.
She shared: “I just feel privileged to have known her as a friend, loved her and been a part of everything. Her light may have been dim for a tiny moment, but now it shines somewhere brighter than ever.’
Olivia passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous and extraordinarily public battle with cancer spanning decades.
Reminiscence: Of her last call, Susan said, “We spoke a few weeks ago and had the longest chat about times past and present, laughed a lot and I was worried it might have been too tiring, but she insisted insisted not to do it.”
Beautiful: The Straw Dogs star ended her tribute with touching words about her dearest friend, describing her as ‘talented’, ‘loving’, ‘generous’ and ‘beautiful like no other’.
Her husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page.
‘Dame Olivia Newton-John, 73, died peacefully this morning at her Southern California ranch surrounded by family and friends.
“We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the family at this very difficult time.
Tragic: The Grease star died peacefully on Monday morning at the age of 73 at her home in Southern California surrounded by family and friends after a brave and extraordinarily public decades-long battle with cancer (pictured Olivia and husband John Easterling)
“A symbol of triumph and hope for over 30 years, Olivia shares her journey with breast cancer.
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicines continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund dedicated to research into plant medicines and cancer,” he said.
He also said Olivia and her family had asked for donations to her charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, in lieu of flowers to commemorate her.
The foundation supports research in the field of herbal medicine and the holistic treatment of cancer.
Charity: Easterling said Olivia and her family asked for donations to her charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, in lieu of flowers to commemorate her
Olivia, who was diagnosed with cancer twice in 2017 and 1992 and 2013, has campaigned for years to get the Australian government to authorize the use of medicinal cannabis for cancer patients.
Easterling grew medicinal cannabis for Olivia on her US ranch to “help with her symptoms.”
Olivia is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi.
The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was re-diagnosed in 2017.
She has spent the last few years at home campaigning for animal rights and raising money online for her charity.
Family: Olivia is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi