Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John, born in Cambridge on September 26, 1948 and who passed away in Santa Barbara on August 8, 2022, died at her Southern California home at age 73, according to her husband. He asked fans to honor her memory by supporting the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, a charity dedicated to medical research, plant-based nutrition, and cancer research, rather than sending flowers.
Her life stood as a beacon of resilience to many for over three decades. The entertainment world is marking her loss as the end of a remarkable era. Her influence stretches across music and film, with a lasting impact on a generation raised on her performances alongside John Travolta and the timeless film Grease.
Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John, star of the Grease TV series, has passed away.
She faced breast cancer, first diagnosed in 1992, with years of treatment and hope. The disease resurfaced two decades later, and in 2017 it returned in a new form. Doctors later disclosed a tumor at the base of the spine, a challenge she faced with courage and grace.
During a later period, Olivia Newton-John traveled to Galicia to visit a sister who had settled there and bought a home in Ribeira Sacra, living with family. The visit brought warmth to the public, who shared photos from the trip across social networks, including moments captured in local spots such as a nearby inn and dining areas where the artist was seen with relatives in June 2019.
The inn frequently hosted Olivia and her family at meals, and the staff recalled a relaxed, friendly presence. The innkeeper noted that Olivia enjoyed simple, quiet evenings, far from the image sometimes associated with fame.
Conversations around the time highlighted a sense of connection between the artist and the people of Galicia. A publication from a fashion magazine at the time recounted local impressions, quoting Isabel, the inn’s manager, about the actor’s easygoing nature and the beauty of the surrounding area. The sister of Olivia also uses a home in the region, and locals described the area as a place that left a strong, lasting impression on visitors.
Meanwhile, the recollections of those who hosted the star emphasized her warmth and humility. She enjoyed a simple dinner and came across as a peaceful person who was down to earth, contrary to any diva stereotypes that sometimes accompany fame.
Olivia’s super club
The traces of Olivia Newton-John in Galicia reveal a broader story about how her popularity bridged continents. An artist once inspired by a film connection with Xanadu helped inspire a local 1980s nightclub dream in Pontevedra province. The project drew on the film Xanadu, released by Robert Greenwald in 1980, to name a venue that would become a cultural landmark for a period in Galician nightlife.
That era saw Olivia starring in the musical Rent alongside characters who explored cosmic and romantic themes, and it inspired a cluster of projects across Europe. The tale of Xanadu, including its film and the music linked to it, became a symbol of artistic collaboration between the screen and stage world. A former musician and actor, along with creative partners, imagined an old-fashioned club where disco and dance would reign supreme, inviting audiences to experience visual and musical performances that echoed the film’s mood.
Despite the film’s initial reception and reception at awards shows, its music reached audiences far and wide. The soundtrack soared on charts, delivering a catchy title track that became a defining moment for fans and established Olivia as a global musical icon.
The disco scene in Galicia, driven by late 70s and early 80s energy, drew inspiration from global pop culture. Towns near Vigo and beyond saw the emergence of large night venues with elaborate lighting, buses bringing fans from nearby areas, and a culture of social dancing that defined a generation. Xanadu in Galicia became a memorable chapter in local entertainment history, its distinctive signage mirroring the movie title to mark its place in the cultural memory.
The era produced vibrant venues that brought together music, performance, and community. A venue that opened in the early 80s evolved over time, eventually undergoing name changes and a revival that reflected the region’s enduring love for live events. The space and its legacy continue to be spoken of as a key pillar of Galicia’s nightlife during those decades.
The story of Xanadu also reflects the broader arc of entertainment thriving in Galicia, where spectacular shows, concerts, and artistic production offered audiences a unique blend of local character and international influence. The era left a mark on the local cultural landscape, shaping how communities experienced music and theatre together.
The nostalgia for that period remains strong among fans who witnessed the crossover of cinema, music, and live performance. The era’s aura is preserved in photographs and stories shared by the people who lived through those vibrant nights, a reminder of how art travels and becomes part of a place’s memory.
Today, the memory of Olivia Newton-John endures through her music and her philanthropic work. Her influence extends beyond her concert tours and film roles, reaching into community projects and charitable initiatives that continue to inspire new generations of artists and supporters around the world.
The impact of her life—marked by resilience, generosity, and artistry—continues to resonate with fans, colleagues, and friends who remember a performer who touched many lives with warmth and undeniable talent.