Olivia Newton-John’s publicist admits it’s ‘disappointing’ she was snubbed from Emmys In Memoriam

Olivia Newton-John’s publicist has admitted it was ‘disappointing’ the actress was snubbed from the In Memoriam section at the 2022 Emmy Awards.

The Grease star’s rep spoke out after fans shared their outrage that Olivia was omitted from the annual tribute, following her death last month at the age of 73.

Olivia’s exclusion sparked fury from fans as they claimed that she made a slew of guest appearance on US shows and starred in a slew of festive TV movies, including the 1990 favourite A Mom For Christmas.

While Olivia’s publicist confirmed the family are still grieving her loss and would not like to comment, he was personally ‘very disappointed’ by the snub, noting her extensive history with Hollywood.

Prior to her death, Olivia had an extensive TV track record with guest appearances on American Idol, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Murphy Brown, Glee and Dancing With The Stars.

She also appeared in TV movies including A Mom For Christmas, and live specials including A Special Olivia Newton-John and Olivia Physical.

Outraged: The Grease star’s rep spoke out after fans shared their outrage that Olivia was omitted from the annual tribute, despite appearing in a slew of TV specials (pictured in 1976)

What? Olivia’s snub from the Emmy Awards’ annual In Memoriam segment sparked outrage from her fans

Olivia’s snub from the Emmy Awards’ annual In Memoriam segment sparked outrage from her fans. 

Celebrities who did make the cut included actors Betty White, Bob Saget, Sidney Poitier and James Caan. 

Reacting to the snub, one fan tweeted: ‘How do forget Olivia Newton John? How dare you. She is and always will be an icon. And you forgot her?’ 

‘Olivia Newton-John not being included? Explain yourselves #Emmys,’ another tweeted, as someone else added: ‘Ok watching Emmys and they just honored many who have passed, where was Olivia Newton-John?’

While Olivia wasn’t mentioned during the live tribute, her name does appear on The Emmys’ online in memoriam page.  

Reacting to the snub, one fan tweeted: ‘How do forget Olivia Newton John? How dare you. She is and always will be an icon. And you forgot her?’ 

 

‘Olivia Newton-John not being included? Explain yourselves #Emmys,’ another tweeted, as someone else added: ‘Ok watching Emmys and they just honored many who have passed, where was Olivia Newton-John?

Olivia starred in many popular TV shows during her long career, including Sordid Lives: The Series, Bette, Murphy Brown and Ned and Stacey.

Olivia died peacefully in her home in Southern California on August 8, surrounded by family and friends.

It came after a brave and extraordinarily public decades-long battle with cancer in which she was diagnosed three times in 1992, 2013 and, for a final time, in 2017. 

RIP: Olivia died peacefully in her home in Southern California on August 8, surrounded by family and friends. (she is pictured in April 2022)

An outpouring of public grief followed her death and Australia’s Victorian Premier Dan Andrews offered a state funeral to her family, which they accepted. 

Her husband John Easterling revealed the Grease star’s final wish before her death.

He said Olivia and her family requested donations be made to her charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, in her memory instead of flowers.

Just days before her death, Olivia posted this heartwarming photo to Instagram alongside her husband John Easterling

Icon: Olivia was best known for her role in the 1978 smash hit musical Grease (pictured in the film with her co-star John Travolta)