Remembering Olivia Newton-John – We’ll Always Be Hopelessly Devoted To You
On August 8, 2022, the world learnt the news that actress, activist and beloved LGBTQIA+ icon Olivia Newton-John has died. At 73-years-old, Newton-John was too young to be lost and she is being remembered by her family, friends and loved ones.
ONJ LEAVES BEHIND A POWERFUL LEGACY
In 1978, the smash-hit film Grease arrived on screens and became an instant classic. Olivia Newton-John, then 28 and already famous, was thrust to greater heights. Her talent and star quality was evident from an early age. Her next big role came in the 1980 film Xanadu. It was considered a commercial flop, though it was a hit in Australia, and it lives on as a camp classic, and provided a hit single with the theme tune for ONJ.
Olivia Newton-John is to be remembered as a talented artist, brilliant performer and a true ally. Throughout her many years in the industry, she used her influence to advocate for those without a voice. She was an avid environmentalist and philanthropist who dedicated much of her time and resources to causes close to her heart.
According to Variety, it as her long battle with breast cancer that demonstrated her tenacity and power to inspire others. In a post on her official Facebook page, her husband John Easterling wrote, “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.”
Olivia was also an icon to the LGBTQIA+ community whom she embraced warmly from the very start, reports Advocate. “I sang at gay pride in New York the night after [gay marriage] was announced, so it was an incredible night to experience,” says Newton-John in an interview. “The air was electric, and there was so much excitement in the air from the couples.”
Her allyship didn’t end with her performances after gay marriage was legalised in the US, she performed at both London Pride and Sydney Mardi Gras where adoring fans found solidarity with her. “I think love is love. You find it when you can. It’s wonderful that it can be recognised. People who have had long relationships and care about each and take care of each other should have the right to be married.”
Olivia Newton-John told Curve Magazine in 2008 that she faced rumours that she was a lesbian. “I’ve noticed that it happens to just about every female pop star,” says Newton-John. “So you know I was way up there, it was the normal thing. But in those days it wasn’t something that was so open and talked about and everyone would have been cool with. Then it was kind of hard, and now it’s kind of fun to play the lesbian.”
To glimpse even a sliver of her impact on those she knew, you need only look to the outpouring of love from the tributes that have flooded social media. Celebrities, journalists and politicians alike are all mourning the loss of a legend.
Our condolences to Olivia’s family and loved ones and to the world that has lost one of it’s brightest stars.
Olivia performing Xanadu at Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Party in 2008.
