Grease star Barry Pearl paid tribute to his beloved co-star Olivia Newton John on Tuesday's instalment of This Morning.
The show opened with co-hosts Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle paying tribute to the Australian singer, before discussing her tragic passing with Barry. The actor, who played T-Bird Doody and Frenchy’s boyfriend in Dame Olivia and John Travolta’s iconic musical rom-com, called it 'cathartic' speaking to the press about her passing.
Dame Olivia died at her home in California on Monday at the age of 73 surrounded by her family and friends, her husband John Easterling confirmed. In a statement from her husband, it was announced: "Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.
"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org)."
Barry's touching words about his dear friend and co-star even left This Morning host Josie Gibson in tears after she heard him recall a sweet story. He had explained how he knew Olivia's health was worsening and was told she may not have long.
The actor went on to recall how he decided to send her an email which alluded to her own signature sign-off. Reminiscing about how the Physical singer used to sign off her emails: "With love and light," he went on to say he sent her a poignant message before her death.
He explained: "I said 'On your journey forward, simply know that you, Olivia, are the love and the light.'" Josie became tearful at the story and later admitted it had "got her".
During the interview, Barry went on: "I like to think that I surround myself with those kinds of people. I like to think that I have a spark of that. And it helps to get your message across, and hers was love and light." "Oh Barry," Josie exclaimed. "Those words are just beautiful, they're absolutely beautiful, thank you."
Barry also recalled her kindness to him. Remembering "her campaigns for animal rights and of course fighting the big C," Pearl highlighted how Dame Olivia had "always been here for us".
Telling another cherished memory, Barry said: "Our cat had cancer and she called me one day to give me advice on how to care for our Gracie. It was just the person that she was. She was always looking to do good, and she did, and her memory will continue to do that in her passing. She’s left an amazing legacy that will continue to impact people in a positive way for time in memoriam I’m sure."
As the interview came to an end, Co-host Craig Doyle: "Take care of yourself today, Barry, it's going to be a hard day for you."
"Yeah, we're sending you so much love," Josie stated. "Because it must be very, very hard for you because we know how close you were, so." Barry replied: "Indeed, thank you very much for having me on and to speak to the collective heart of the fans."
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