Rebel Wilson Remembers Onscreen Mom Olivia Newton-John: 'It Was Such a Blessing to Know You'

Mar. 15, 2025

Rebel Wilsonis honoring her onscreen momOlivia Newton-John.

The singer/actressdiedMonday morning at the age of 73. Wilson was among the countless stars to pay tribute to her on social media after Newton-John’s husbandJohn Easterlingannounced the sad news.

Wilson, 42, worked with Newton-John on the 2011 romantic-comedyA Few Best Men.

“@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,“wroteWilson on Instagram, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of herself smiling with Newton-John and costar Laura Brent.

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TheSenior Yearactress also expressed how much Newton-John’s role as Sandy in the 1978 movie musicalGreasemeant to her growing up in Australia.

“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,” wrote Wilson. “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!”

A Few Best Men(2011).Icon Film Distribution/Courtesy Everett Collection

Wilson — who has been open about her recenthealth journey— added that Newton-John, an advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection, “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. I’ll never forget us singing at the piano in our lunch break on set together - what a complete legend you are!” concluded Wilson. “I am so sad you are gone 💗 Love and Light always to you ONJ, Rebel xoxo.”

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty, Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic

HerGreasecostar and friend John Travoltashared a messageon Instagram Monday, saying, “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever.”

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source: people.com