What are the best Olivia Newton-John films? 1:08
(CNN) — Hollywood icons joined fans around the world in mourning the loss of Olivia Newton-John, the Australian singer and “Grease” star, who died Monday at her Southern California ranch aged 73.
In Los Angeles, fans laid flowers at Newton-John’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while those who had worked with her over the years shared memories and condolences on social media.
John Travolta, who played Newton-John’s love interest in Grease, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram. “My dearest Olivia, you have made our lives so much better,” she wrote. “Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.”
Another of her “Grease” co-stars, Barry Pearl, who played T-Bird Doody, broke down while reminiscing about his boyfriend during an interview with the Today Show on CNN affiliate Channel 9.
“It all sounds so corny when you talk about who she is and what she was, but that’s because it’s so deeply true… such a generous and loving heart,” Pearl said.
Grease casting director Joel Thurm was emotional when asked how he remembered the star, saying she was “lovely, absolutely wonderful and polite to everyone.”
Newton-John’s death is particularly noticeable in Australia, where he grew up. Born in England, she moved to Melbourne, Australia with her family at the age of 5 and performed on the country’s weekly pop music shows as a teenager.
In a tweet, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Newton-John was “a huge part of the Australian soundtrack”.
Australia House in London said Newton-John, who was made a Dame by the Queen in 2019 for services to charity and cancer research, brought Britons and Australians together. “Lady Olivia inspired us in the song and brought us together as one,” the official account tweeted.
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center in Melbourne, where flags were lowered to half staff on Tuesday, said in a statement: “Olivia has touched the lives of many in Australia and the world, but no more than our Cancer staff and patients at the Olivia Newton-John Center whom she has encouraged, inspired and supported every day.”
Kylie Minogue, one of Australia’s most successful singers whose early career has often been compared to Newton-John’s, shared a photo of the pair at the 1988 Royal Bicentennial Concert. “I’ve loved and admired Olivia Newton John since I was ten years old. And always will… She was and will be an inspiration to me in so many ways,” Minogue tweeted.
Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, who played Newton-John in a 2018 biographical TV movie, posted a heartfelt tribute on Twitter.
“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the whole world has felt Olivia’s matchless light. A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and friendly. My mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who has always guided me. … always there. Family to me… I love you forever,” Goodrem shared, with a photo of her and Newton-John together.
Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin took to Twitter to honor Newton-John, her co-star in the 1996 film It’s My Party. “I’m SO sad to hear of the passing of Olivia Newton-John. I remember being so impressed with the star when I met her at my first Hollywood meeting for Paramount. She was the sweetest, brightest light and I loved watching her at ‘It’s my party.’ .RIP dear sweet Olivia,” Matlin wrote.
Dionne Warwick, who recorded a duet with Newton-John in 2006, called her “dear friend” and “one of the nicest people” she has had the pleasure of recording and performing with. “Another angelic voice has been added to the heavenly choir,” he added.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill tweeted: “Everything she did was filled with an absolutely contagious joy. We loved her and she loved us. #RIP_OliviaNewtonJohn.”
Julianne Hough, who appeared in the 2016 TV remake of Grease Live! As an artist and actress she came first, but it was her heart that really won mine. Forever an icon and a legend!”
Taking to Twitter, Oprah Winfrey recalled “an impromptu dinner party” she threw in 2019 after an interview about Newton-John’s cancer diagnosis. In the Post, Oprah noted that “her positivity was just contagious.”
Jane Lynch, who sang along with her to Newton-John’s hit “Physical” on “Glee,” simply tweeted, “ONJ. Fishing rod”.
RuPaul’s Drag Race shared a photo from Newton-John’s time as a guest judge on an episode of the show in 2015 and tweeted, “Rep Olivia Newton-John. Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiring us all.”