Celebrities
Jeff Conaway dies
Updated: 2011-05-31 14:39
(Agencies)
'Grease' star Jeff Conaway has died at the age of 60.
The actor - who was famed for his role of Kenickie in the 1978 film, which also starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John - passed away at a Los Angeles hospital on Friday (27.05.11) as doctors failed to revive him after he fell into a coma two weeks ago following a reported drug overdose.
His family are understood to have decided to turn off his life support machine on Thursday (26.05.11) although ex-girlfriend Vikki Lizzi - who claims she has power of attorney over Jeff - tried to block the move.
Jeff - who is also known for appearing in 'Taxi' - was taken to a Los Angeles hospital after reportedly laying unconscious for 10 hours and was found to be suffering from pneumonia and sepsis, a potentially lethal blood infection.
His manager Phil Brock said at the time: "We are concerned it may have been an overdose but we have no way of knowing for sure."
In 1980, Jeff married Olivia Newton-John's sister Rona, but the couple - who have a grown-up son, Emerson, together - divorced five years later.
In the 80s, Jeff was treated for a substance abuse problem and in 2008 he signed up for 'Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew' and spoke candidly about his addictions to cocaine, alcohol, and painkillers.
John Travolta - who played Danny in 'Grease' - has paid tribute to Jeff, saying he was a "wonderful and decent man and we will miss him."
He added: "My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time."
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