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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Josh Luckhurst

Rebel Wilson opens up about health advice from 'true Aussie icon' Olivia Newton-John

Rebel Wilson paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John by calling her a "true Aussie icon" as she opened up about the health advice she received from the Grease star.

On Monday, Newton-John passed away "peacefully" at her Southern Californian ranch at the age of 73. The actress' death was announced by her husband John Easterling in an emotional statement shared via the actress' official Facebook page.

Olivia, who had been battling breast cancer for 30 years, passed away at her ranch in Southern Californian Monday August 8 surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband John, 70, and daughter Chloe, 36.

Olivia became a popular culture icon after her performance as Sandy in Grease (Copyright unknown)

She was known around the world for her portrayal as Sandy Olsson, who became an icon in popular culture, in the musical film Grease and she soared to stardom as a result. But she still had time to give to others despite her health issues, with Wilson recalling when Newton-John spoke to her about her health before her dramatic weight loss in 2020.

The Pitch Perfect star lost a staggering six stones after she decided to completely overhaul her lifestyle at the beginning of 2020 as she finally ditched bad eating habits and stuck to a gruelling exercise regime.

Rebel, who played the daughter of Olivia in the 2011 comedy 'A Few Best Men', wrote on Instagram : "You tried to teach me about health years before I took it seriously. You were so kind to me and it was such a blessing to know you Olivia."

Rebel starred alongside Olivia in 2011 comedy 'A Few Best Men' (Icon Film Distribution)

Her lengthy tribute continued: " @therealonj, you were the most gorgeous lady inside and out, you are a true Aussie icon and to play your daughter on screen in A FEW BEST MEN was beyond an honour. Seeing you star in the huge Hollywood blockbuster GREASE with your natural accent was so instrumental to me as a little girl, helping me to believe that it was possible for an Aussie girl to star in huge international musicals.

"You were the reason I auditioned for my high school production of GREASE at 15 - I was only in the chorus, but it was a start! I’ll never forget us singing at the piano in our lunch break on set together - what a complete legend you are! I am so sad you are gone. Love and Light always to you ONJ, Rebel xoxo."

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