Olivia Newton-John is best known for her roles in the blockbuster musicals Grease and Xanadu.
But some fans of the late entertainer fondly remember one of her lesser-known films, the 1990 Christmas film A Mother for Christmas.
The Disney production was Olivia’s first-ever telefilm and left a deep mark on children growing up in the ’90s.
Fans fondly remember Olivia Newton-John’s 1990 Christmas film A Mom For Christmas. Olivia pictured with co-stars Juliet Sorci and Doug Sheehan
“Just thinking about how A Mom For Christmas is gonna make me cry this year,” tweeted one heartbroken fan.
“A Mom for Christmas – where ONJ plays a live mannequin – was one of my favorite Christmas movies growing up,” said Rolling Stone editor Angie Martoccio.
“While most consider Grease or Xanadu to be her most memorable movies, mine is quite simply A Mom for Christmas, a 1990 Disney TV movie in which she played a department store doll that magically comes to life. ‘ added another.
The Disney production was Olivia’s first-ever telefilm and left a deep mark on children growing up in the ’90s. Olivia pictured in 2016
“Oh that is sad. Olivia was a big part of my childhood. And not because of Grease. The most vivid memory is from A Mom For Christmas, a 1990 film where a mannequin became a stepmother,” another fan tweeted.
Following Olivia’s death this week, Rolling Stone spoke to actress Juliet Sorci Duncan, who played Olivia’s daughter Jess in the film.
In the interview, she recalled the Grease star’s immense “generosity and kindness” that extended to the cast, crew and their fans.
“We were shooting A Mom for Christmas in Ohio and it was Halloween so Olivia took her daughter Chloe with us [Lattanzi], and I trick or treat. People would recognize them and invite us for a cider. She would accept so graciously, she took so much time to talk to everyone,” Jessica shared.
Tweets poured in on social media from fans reminiscing about the memorable film
“After we wrapped, she made a point of not losing touch. She was the kind of person who would call me to say she had breast cancer so I wouldn’t find out in the press,” she continued.
“When I needed surgery years later, Olivia was my first visitor. She was so busy but she took the time to be there. There are endless stories like this. She really had the biggest heart and I’m so thankful I got to know her.”
Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on their social media pages on Monday.
Easterling said his wife died at their home in Southern California surrounded by family and friends.
Juliet Sorci, who played Olivia’s daughter in the film, recalled the Grease star’s immense “generosity and kindness” on set in a new interview this week. Julia in the picture
“Dame Olivia Newton-John, 73, died peacefully this morning at her Southern California ranch surrounded by family and friends,” he wrote.
“We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the family at this very difficult time.
“A symbol of triumph and hope for over 30 years, Olivia shares her journey with breast cancer.
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicines continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund dedicated to research into plant medicines and cancer,” he added.
Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on their social media pages on Monday. Easterling said his wife died at their home in Southern California surrounded by family and friends. Oliva pictured in 2020
The family asked for donations to their cancer charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, in lieu of flowers.
She is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36.
The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was re-diagnosed in 2017.
She has spent the last few years at home campaigning for animal rights and raising money online for her charity.
The family asked for donations to their cancer charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, in lieu of flowers