CELEBRITY

Olivia Newton-John’s career blunder: ‘I thought I was done’

Her days in the spotlight were over.
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Known best for her iconic role as Sandy from Grease, singer and actor Olivia Newton-John is one of Australia’s most famous exports. However, though the showbiz icon continues to soar to new heights, Olivia has confessed there was a point where she thought her career was over for good.

WATCH: Olivia Newton John and Chloe Lattanzi reveal exciting new project

Though we don’t see her scantily clad in a leather body suit telling life-long pal John Travolta that “he better shape up” much anymore, Olivia Newton-John has managed to remain well and truly in the public eye.

From appearing in the occasional movie, to stretching her vocal chords on a musical number even more frequently, Olivia has proven time and time again she’s still got her showbiz chops.

But the Xanadu star has recently confessed that she thought she would have to hang up the microphone for good. 

ONJ
Olivia Newton-John has confessed she thought her career was over. (Credit: Getty)

Speaking to radio duo Fitzy & Wippa on Wednesday, the Hall Of Fame inductee revealed she thought her singing days were long gone.

“I had no intention of singing again. I thought I was done to be honest,” Olivia said.

The 72-year-old went on to explain it was her recent song, Window in the Wall, with daughter Chloe Lattanzi that nudged her back into the spotlight.

“This song forced me out of retirement,” the singer told the hosts. “When I heard it, it grabbed my heart. I thought, I have to record this song and I want to do it with Chloe.”

ONJ and Chloe Lattanzi
Like mother like daughter – Olivia and Chloe are both actresses and singers. (Credit: Getty)

When it comes to working with her mum, Chloe certainly shares Olivia’s enthusiasm.

“When we get together, we make magic,” the 35-year-old explained. “I always love singing with her.”

Since teaming up for their new song, the mother-daughter duo have confessed that their once rocky relationship has finally healed.

“Chloe is an adult and our relationship has evolved. We have a wonderful time together,” Olivia told New Idea earlier in the month. 

“One of the greatest gifts of the pandemic has been being able to spend time with Chloe because neither of us has been able to go anywhere or do anything!”

Olivia and Chloe currently reside in the US. And, despite the Grease star being a loud and proud Aussie, the singer told Fitzy & Wippa she has no intention of returning home any time soon. 

ONJ and John Easterling
Olivia lives in the US with her plant medicine researcher husband, John Easterling. (Credit: Instagram)

The 72-year-old put her reluctance down to COVID and the risks of travelling given her weakened immune system.

Olivia was originally diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1992, then again in 2013, and later in 2017. The star has since bravely opened up about her battle with cancer and advocated for “kinder treatments” when it comes to the awful disease.

Despite making a home in the US with her husband John Easterling, Olivia admitted that she misses her home country.

Considering she’s not quite ready to hang the mic up just yet, perhaps the showbiz icon can tour Down Under with Chloe once it’s safe to do so.

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