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Anne Heche slips into coma, in ‘critical condition’ after car crash

Anne Heche slips into coma, in 'critical condition' after car crash

Anne Heche is fighting for life after her horror car crash.

The US actress’ representative told foxnewsthat she is “in an extreme critical condition” following the fiery collision on Friday, local time.

“She has a significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation and burns that require surgical intervention,” the rep said.

“She is in a coma and has not regained consciousness since shortly after the accident.”

thenew york postreported that the Los Angeles Police Department had received a warrant to test the vanished actress’ blood to determine whether she was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the accident.

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Officers believe Heche, 53, may have been intoxicated when she ploughed her blue Mini Cooper into an LA home, igniting a massive fire that torched her and her car.

“The info we received this morning was a warrant that was obtained the same day as the traffic collision, which was August 5. The warrant was to draw blood, and an investigation is ongoing pending the blood test results,” a rep for the LAPD said.

“If found intoxicated, [Heche] could be charged with misdemeanor DUI hit and run. No arrests have been made so far.”

A red-capped bottle could be seen in Heche’s car’s cupholder in a photo TMZ reports was taken before the accident.

According to eyewitnesses, the actress first crashed into the garage of a nearby apartment complex but backed up and sped off before residents could help her.

Officials with the LAPD West Traffic Division have confirmed she hit another vehicle before slamming into the house that went up in flames.

Photos from the scene captured Heche being put on a stretcher and showed serious injuries to her back, while aerial shots documented smoke billowing out of the house into which she drove as well as numerous fire trucks surrounding the area.

Heche, also known for a high-profile romance with Ellen DeGeneres in the 1990s, has been open about her struggles with substance abuse.

“I drink. I smoked. I did drugs. I had sex with people. I did anything I could to get the shame out of my life, ”she told ABC News in 2020, explaining that she spent much of her childhood getting sexually abused by her father.

“I’m not crazy,” the Six Days Seven Nights star said at the time.

“But it’s a crazy life. I was raised in a crazy family. And it took 31 years to get the crazy out of me.”

This article originally appeared on The New York Post and was reproduced with permission

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Collingwood wine bar Congress is closing to make way for a new, mystery restaurant

Collingwood wine bar Congress is closing to make way for a new, mystery restaurant

Hatted Collingwood restaurant Congress will serve its last pig’s head sanga on September 3. The slick brutalist-inspired wine bar opened by brother-sister duo Katie and Michael McCormack in 2017 is closing to make way for a fresh new restaurant whose identity is yet to be determined.

Front-of-house pro Katie McCormack, who managed Congress and helped build its reputation as one of Melbourne’s best new-wave wine bars, passed away in February aged 39 from cancer. Following that tragedy and Katie’s inextricable influence on Congress’s identity, Michael feels it’s time for a fresh start.

“It’s been a tough decision for me, to be honest,” he says. “Do we take a break, have a breath and then continue on with the name and same concept? We just thought we loved what Congress was and we don’t want to dilute that.”

Congress was the ground-floor magnet of a Collingwood apartment building, in a novel new business model that brought...

Congress was the ground-floor magnet of a Collingwood apartment building, in a novel new business model that brought together restaurants and developers. Photo: Dan Hocking



Michael says he is already in talks with a number of (unnamed) Melbourne hospitality groups to operate the space but is also considering his business, Milieu Hospitality, installing something fresh there. He says the beauty of Congress’s minimalist, concrete-forward fit-out is that it lends itself to lots of different ideas.

“If we were to partner with someone, we’d be looking to give someone an opportunity,” he says, adding that it’s a dream scenario for first-time operators who won’t need to spend a cent on the fit-out.

Collingwood locals will have to be patient, though, as Michael doesn’t anticipate the new venue will open until early next year. Current head chef Zach Tinsley will not be part of the next chapter. His desire for him to pursue his own projects was “part of the decision making process,” Michael says.

Siblings Katie and Michael McCormack at their Fitzroy North restaurant Lagotto in 2019.

Siblings Katie and Michael McCormack at their Fitzroy North restaurant Lagotto in 2019. Photo: Jason South



Congress was the first Milieu Hospitality restaurant; Richmond’s Future Future and Fitzroy North’s Lagotto followed.

The two McCormack siblings created a unique model where Michael’s property development business Milieu would build well-designed apartments in desirable locations, while Katie created restaurants at ground-level that added extra pulling power.

Milieu is working on several developments around Melbourne with Brunswick East’s Lygon Street build its next major hospitality project.

For its final month, Congress will serve a menu of greatest hits, such as the kangaroo pastrami, Dutch spice cake and, yes, the pig’s head sanga. Run, don’t walk.

Open Tue-Fri 5.30pm-late, Sat noon-late

49 Peel Street, Collingwood, 03 9068 7464, congresswine.com.au

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Ashton Kutcher says he’s ‘lucky to be alive’ after vasculitis diagnosis which left him unable to see or hear

Ashton Kutcher says he's 'lucky to be alive' after vasculitis diagnosis which left him unable to see or hear

Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher has declared he is “lucky to be alive” after he was diagnosed with a rare form of vasculitis almost two years ago.

The Two and a Half Men star revealed the auto-immue disorder left him without the ability to see, hear or walk, and took him almost a full year to recover.

“Like two years ago I had a weird, super-rare form of vasculitis that knocked out my vision, knocked out my hearing and knocked out all my equilibrium,” he revealed on a new episode of Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge.

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“It took me like a year to build it all back up again. You don’t really appreciate it until it’s gone, until you go, ‘I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to see again; I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to hear again; I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to walk again’.”

Kutcher added he is “lucky to be alive.”

“The minute you start seeing your obstacles as things that are made for you, to give you what you need, then life starts to get fun, right?” he said.

“You start surfing on top of your problems instead of living underneath them.”

The 44-year-old enjoyed some quality beach time with his wife Mila Kunis, 38, over the weekend – just days before the clip where he spoke publicly about his health battle was released.

Kutcher was pictured shirtless and wearing a white baseball cap while Kunis sported a black hat along with a white t-shirt and denim shorts.

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels, which means the immune system attacks the body’s own cells, tissues and organs.

The disease is “relatively rare” and can affect people of all ages, according to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.

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Hopelessly devoted to the queen of my childhood

Hopelessly devoted to the queen of my childhood

Like every Australian daughter of the 80s, I worshiped Olivia Newton-John. I’d spend hours in my bedroom wearing a Physical-style headband and legwarmers, listening to the cassette of her greatest hits and singing magic into my hairbrush.

On weekend trips to Video Ezy, I’d make a beeline for the VHS musicals and hire grease and Xanadu on alternate weekends. I’d watch until the tape went funny or my brother had a tantrum about being denied access to the VCR to watch Return of the Jedi.

Olivia Newton-John pictured in 1978 at a press conference to promote Grease.

Olivia Newton-John pictured in 1978 at a press conference to promote Grease.Credit:Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Then during the week at primary school, we’d act out the scenes.

Parents were pretty loose about what their kids watched back then. None of us understood, but still dutifully enacted, Kenickie’s reference to his “25 cent insurance policy” during a steamy back-seat romp with Rizzo. We’d chant the “lousy with virginity” song at the top of our voices.

Journalist Jordan Baker with Olivia Newton-John.

Journalist Jordan Baker with Olivia Newton-John.

But Olivia was the only one we cared about.

That voice, which gives me shivers even now. That face. And that accent, which she kept, and which showed girls in suburban Australia – always at least six months behind the rest of the world in everything back then – that one of us could make it over there.

We all wanted to be her. Countless backyard baby pools had to be emptied after a young girl in a white nightdress dunked pieces of paper in it, and peered into an imaginary photo of Danny singing Hopelessly Devoted to You.

Our ardent renditions of summer nights burst eardrums, both in the 1980s and at retro nightclubs in the decades since. And then there was the old smooching trick, when you’d face the wall, cross your arms, put your hands behind your back and wriggle like you were pashing Danny at Rydell High.

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Martha Kalifatidis looks pale as she’s spotted for the first time since being sick

Former Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis has been seen for the first time since she was left bedridden for weeks after catching a viral infection in Europe

Martha Kalifatidis looks pale and frail as she leans on fiancé Michael Brunelli for support as MAFS star is spotted for the first time since being left bedridden for weeks due to mystery illness

By Chloe-lee Longhetti For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Former Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis has been seen for the first time since she was left bedridden for weeks after catching a viral infection in Europe.

The 34-year-old influencer looked pale and frail as she lent on her fiancé Michael Brunelli for support as they paid a visit to the Northland shopping center in their hometown of Melbourne.

The couple recently returned to Australia after Martha’s illness forced the couple to cut their trip short.

Former Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis has been seen for the first time since she was left bedridden for weeks after catching a viral infection in Europe

Former Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis has been seen for the first time since she was left bedridden for weeks after catching a viral infection in Europe

The former makeup artist rugged up against the winter chill in a beige jumper and gray sweatpants and wore a pair of cozy Ugg boots on her feet.

Makeup free, she shielded her face with a navy cap and tied her dark locks into a low ponytail.

Martha kept up her fluids on the outing, clutching a water bottle as she walked around.

The 34-year-old influencer looked pale and frail as she lent on her fiancé Michael Brunelli for support as they paid a visit to the Northland shopping center in their hometown of Melbourne

The 34-year-old influencer looked pale and frail as she lent on her fiancé Michael Brunelli for support as they paid a visit to the Northland shopping center in their hometown of Melbourne

The 34-year-old influencer looked pale and frail as she lent on her fiancé Michael Brunelli for support as they paid a visit to the Northland shopping center in their hometown of Melbourne

Makeup free, she shielded her face with a navy cap and tied her dark locks into a low ponytail

Makeup free, she shielded her face with a navy cap and tied her dark locks into a low ponytail

The former makeup artist rugged up against the winter chill in a beige jumper and gray sweatpants and wore a pair of cozy Ugg boots on her feet

The former makeup artist rugged up against the winter chill in a beige jumper and gray sweatpants and wore a pair of cozy Ugg boots on her feet

The couple had been holidaying in Europe for three months when they had to cut their trip short after Martha fell ill with a mystery illness.

Last month, Michael revealed his partner had been suffering from a viral infection and Martha broke her silence shortly after.

‘Hello, everyone. I know I’ve been quiet on here. I’ve been bedridden for a few weeks, but I’m finally home and getting the care I need,’ Martha wrote on Instagram at the time.

The couple had been holidaying in Europe for three months when they had to cut their trip short after Martha fell ill with a mystery illness

The couple had been holidaying in Europe for three months when they had to cut their trip short after Martha fell ill with a mystery illness

Last month, Michael revealed his partner had been suffering from a viral infection

Last month, Michael revealed his partner had been suffering from a viral infection

Martha broke her silence shortly after, telling her fans 'Hi, everyone. I know I've been quiet on here. I've been bedridden for a few weeks, but I'm finally home and getting the care I need'

Martha broke her silence shortly after, telling her fans ‘Hi, everyone. I know I’ve been quiet on here. I’ve been bedridden for a few weeks, but I’m finally home and getting the care I need’

She continued: ‘I’ll be back soon. Thanks for all the messages. Sorry I haven’t got back to anyone. I really do appreciate the support though.’

Michael revealed his partner was unwell after fans noticed she had been uncharacteristically silent on Instagram.

He posted a photo on his Stories of himself holding the influencer’s hand as she lay in bed next to a half-eaten sandwich.

‘I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has reached out and messaged us asking about Martha,’ he wrote.

‘She’s been offline and unwell with a viral infection. It’s taken a toll on her energy levels, but she she’s okay and on the mend.’

While they were overseas, the pair visited Italy, the UK, and Turkey.

Michael, 31, posted a photo on his Stories of himself holding the influencer's hand as she lay in bed next to a half-eaten sandwich. 'She's been offline and unwell with a viral infection. It's taken a toll on her energy levels, but she she's okay and on the mend, 'he wrote

Michael, 31, posted a photo on his Stories of himself holding the influencer’s hand as she lay in bed next to a half-eaten sandwich. ‘She’s been offline and unwell with a viral infection. It’s taken a toll on her energy levels, but she she’s okay and on the mend, ‘he wrote

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Does Vegemite expire: Man discovers Vegemite jar sitting in shelf for 10 years

An American man was shocked to find his Vegemite jar was more than 10 years old. 'If you've ever wondered if it's true that Vegemite has no expiration date, I can confirm that it's true,' the man wrote on Reddit (pictured: the 'use by' date - June 23, 2011)

American man discovers ‘incredible’ fact about Vegemite that ‘every Australian already knows’: ‘My mind is blown’

  • A US resident was amazed after discovering a fact about Vegemite
  • Sharing a photo on Reddit, the man was impressed by the ‘use by’ date
  • The jar was more than 10 years old and the expiration date was labeled June 23, 2011
  • ‘It’s true that Vegemite has no expiration date,’ he wrote
  • But Aussies know the popular spread doesn’t expire since it’s made from yeast

By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

An American man who enjoys eating Vegemite on toast has discovered an ‘amazing’ fact about the Aussie spread after taking a closer look at the jar.

Sharing a photo on Reddit, the man was shocked by the ‘use by’ date that read June 23, 2011 – more than a decade ago.

‘If you’ve ever wondered if it’s true that Vegemite has no expiration date, I can confirm that it’s true,’ the man wrote.

While the fact came as a shock to the American, most Aussies know Vegemite doesn’t expire since it’s made from yeast extract and salt.

An American man was shocked to find his Vegemite jar was more than 10 years old. 'If you've ever wondered if it's true that Vegemite has no expiration date, I can confirm that it's true,' the man wrote on Reddit (pictured: the 'use by' date - June 23, 2011)

An American man was shocked to find his Vegemite jar was more than 10 years old. ‘If you’ve ever wondered if it’s true that Vegemite has no expiration date, I can confirm that it’s true,’ the man wrote on Reddit (pictured: the ‘use by’ date – June 23, 2011)

‘I bought a 220g jar of Vegemite some time ago from a well-known import store in the US. I’ve been using it sparingly for quite a while, and I still have not used it all up,’ the man continued.

‘This morning I got it out to spread on some toast for breakfast. As I was eating it, I wondered how long I’ve been on this same jar.

‘I looked for a ‘use by date’, and this is what I saw.’

In the comments Australians joked Vegemite could withstand the test of time and survive unscathed against a ‘nuclear war’.

While the fact came as a shock to the American, most Aussies know Vegemite doesn't expire since it's made from yeast extract and salt

While the fact came as a shock to the American, most Aussies know Vegemite doesn’t expire since it’s made from yeast extract and salt

‘Vegemite is to Australians what honey was to the ancient Egyptians. You will be ok to uncover a jar from a grave in 2000 years and still use it,’ one person wrote.

‘It’s 70 per cent salt so you probably have at least another 6 Australian prime minister changes before it stops being effective against drop bears,’ another Reddit user joked.

A third added: ‘Two things will outlast humanity: 1. Micro plastics 2. Vegemite.’

‘New goal unlocked: be buried in a tomb surrounded by jars of Vegemite to sustain me in the afterlife,’ another said.

On a serious note, some said Vegemite could go bad or become moldy if contaminated with butter.

Vegemite doesn’t have a ‘use by’ date, but instead a ‘best before’ date.

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The Block’s Elle Ferguson accused of ‘deleting negative comments’ amid backlash for quitting show

The Block's Elle Ferguson has been accused of 'deleting negative comments' amid social media backlash from quitting the show after just 48 hours into filming

Bondi Influencer Elle Ferguson goes into damage control and wipes all negative comments from her social media after quitting The Block 48 hours into filming for the show

By Caleb Taylor For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

The Block’s Elle Ferguson has been accused of ‘deleting negative comments’ amid social media backlash from quitting the show after just 48 hours into filming.

Fans accused the Bondi influencer of going into damage control after her and fiancé Joel Patfull’s shock exit was aired on Monday night.

‘Gotta respect not turning the comments off,’ one of her followers wrote, only for another to reply: ‘They’re just being deleted.’

The Block's Elle Ferguson has been accused of 'deleting negative comments' amid social media backlash from quitting the show after just 48 hours into filming

The Block’s Elle Ferguson has been accused of ‘deleting negative comments’ amid social media backlash from quitting the show after just 48 hours into filming

While many fans took aim at the couple for leaving the abruptly leaving show, others offered a gentler take of the fiasco.

‘It’s her page. Why would you want rude ignorant people who’s biggest concern is a couple leaving the Block leaving disgusting messages.’

Others joined in the chorus to defend the couple.

‘Ignore the negativity. You’re worked hard for what you have…you’re clearly not a quitter! If only all of the Insta-trolls could walk a mile in your (fabulous) shoes,’ one wrote.

Elle and boyfriend Joel (pictured) have faced backlash after quitting the popular Channel Nine show

Elle and boyfriend Joel (pictured) have faced backlash after quitting the popular Channel Nine show

Another said it was ‘their choice’ to leave the top-rated reality renovation show.

‘Whether you agree with their choice, it is their choice. Did they leave in the right way? They did it the way they wanted to. Saying you’re disappointed is different from being a troll and writing awful comments.’

On Monday night, viewers finally got to see the moment Scott Cam told the stunned Blockheads that Elle and the former AFL star decided to quit the show.

During the episode, the host, 59, was pulled aside by two executive producers who revealed the glam influencers decided to leave after just 48 hours of being on-set.

On Monday night, viewers finally got to see the moment Scott Cam told the stunned Blockheads that Elle and the former AFL star decided to quit the show

On Monday night, viewers finally got to see the moment Scott Cam told the stunned Blockheads that Elle and the former AFL star decided to quit the show

‘Last night I gave you all an opportunity – an out – if you thought you couldn’t cut it on the show that you could leave if you wanted to,’ the fuming host began.

‘I didn’t think anyone would drop an opportunity like this, but I’ve just found out that Joel and Elle are on their way to the airport.’

He added: ‘They have left their show. They didn’t say goodbye, they didn’t say thanks for having us. They just left.’

During the episode, the host, 59, was pulled aside by two executive producers who revealed the glam influencers decided to leave after just 48 hours of being on-set

During the episode, the host, 59, was pulled aside by two executive producers who revealed the glam influencers decided to leave after just 48 hours of being on-set

Scott previously said at the Logie Awards that Elle and Joel giving up so soon into the competition was ‘unAustralian’ and ‘p**s poor’.

He told TV Tonight: ‘We had a 48-hour challenge to choose the house that you get and they scarpered after 48 hours. It’s something that’s never happened before.

‘Forty-five thousand people applied to be on The Block and win life-changing money. These guys got on and they just couldn’t handle the pace after 48 hours,’ he continued.

Scott previously said at the Logie Awards that Elle and Joel giving up so soon into the competition was 'unAustralian' and 'p**s poor'

Scott previously said at the Logie Awards that Elle and Joel giving up so soon into the competition was ‘unAustralian’ and ‘p**s poor’

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Olivia Newton John Death: Watch Olivia Newton-John’s final performance at Fire Fight Australia

Olivia Newton-John‘s selfless nature was something known by her fans and loved ones – and her final performance, which saw her take the stage in Sydney to raise money for bushfire relieftruly exemplified that fact.

It was February 2020, and Australia had been devastated by the Black Summer bushfires for months. Newton-John, meanwhile, had been diagnosed with breast cancer for a third time three years priorand although she had undergone radiation to shrink a tumor in her breast, the cancer had spread to the base of her spine and caused a fracture, meaning she required a wheelchair and had to learn to walk again.

That did not stop her from performing, however, and she joined a slew of Aussie and international legends – including What in (fronted by adam lambert), Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian, to name a few – on the stage at Fire Fight Australia on February 16, 2020, in what, unknownst to the audience at the time, would be her final performance. Watch above.

READMORE: How Olivia Newton-John met the love of her life at 59

Olivia Newton-John’s performance at Fire Fight Australia was, unknownst to all, her final performance ever. (Getty)

In front of a crowd of thousands at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park – and even more watching the broadcast at home – Newton-John sang ‘Two Strong Hearts’ with John Farnhamdazzling the crowd in a wide-sleeved floral top from Camilla and jeans.

The concert, which was hosted by comedian Celeste Barber and raised $9 millionwas held three months after Newton-John was named a dame of the Order of the British Empire for her services to singing, acting, and her charity work, a fact Farnham celebrated – loudly and proudly – ​​when he introduced her to the cheering crowd.

Newton-John was unfazed by Farnham’s fanfare over her personal achievements, however, saying a quick thanks with a kiss on the cheek before turning her attention to the audience and greeting them with a big smile and wave.

“It’s amazing, what an amazing night,” Newton-John said on stage. “I’m so proud to be a part of this and to be singing with [Farnham] again.”

READMORE: John Travolta’s touching tribute to Olivia

Olivia Newton-John: Her extraordinary life remembered

READMORE: Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi shares tribute after her death

The duo then performed an energized rendition of their 1998 hit ‘Two Strong Hearts,’ smiling and embracing as they did so.

At the conclusion of the song, as the audience cheered, Newton-John gave Farnham her hand, which he grasped with his own and then kissed.

They later sung his 1986 hit ‘You’re the Voice’ alongside Queen with Adam Lambert, the artists joined by firefighters and first responders on stage.

READMORE: Tributes flow for Olivia Newton-John as she loses battle with breast cancer

Although Newton-John was fighting stage four metastatic breast cancer for the third time, she was actively touring the United States in 2017 – but slowed down in 2018, taking a six-month break between shows from March to September of that year.

Following her show at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theater on September 14, 2018, Newton-John did not perform again for over a year, only taking the stage once again in Florida in December 2019 before her brief appearance at Fire Fight Australia in 2020, her final performance.

Opening up about her most recent cancer battle – she was first diagnosed in 1992 – to The Mirror nine months after her last performance, Newton-John did say she was feeling better and stronger than she had in the previous few years, but, like any person, she sometimes fell into bouts of melancholy when thinking about her health.

IN PICTURES: Olivia Newton-John’s extraordinary life remembered

John Farnham celebrated Olivia Newton-John’s recent damehood when he introduced her to the crowd. (Getty)

“I’m human. I have had moments of fear, and all those things, just like everybody. But I talk myself round. There’s no way around pain. You have to go through it, but you’ll come out the other side if you believe strongly enough that it is just temporary,” Newton-John told the publication in November 2020.

“I’ve been dealing with this for a very long time, so I know how important the mind is in your journey. I really believe in that, in positive thinking, and reinforcing, talking to my body, and thanking it. It’s all up to that.”

After a 30-year battle with breast cancer, Newton-John passed away on August 8 at the age of 73surrounded by family and friends.

“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” her friend and grease co-star John Travolta wrote in tribute. “Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”

Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi, meanwhile, shared a heartbreaking post full of photos of herself with her mother.

Three days before Newton-John’s death, Lattanzi also wrote: “I worship this woman. My mother. My best friend.”

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Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta star in Grease.

The cast of Grease: Then and now

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Richard Marx pays tribute to Aussie icon

Music legend Richard Marx has shared some of his favorite memories about his long-time friend, Olivia Newton-John.

The 58-year-old singer revealed to Today Extra when he heard of Olivia’s passing he couldn’t believe it.

“We always stayed in touch, we were friends for 40 years – I just can’t believe it,” Marx said.

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You can sign up for the Today newsletter here. (Today)
Richard Marx and Olivia Newton-John
Richard Marx professed his love to Olivia Newton-John when he was in his 20s and she “handled” it like a pro. (Supplied/Today)

READMORE: Richard Wilkins breaks down remembering Olivia Newton-John

Marx said he first met Olivia while performing back-up vocals for her when he was just 19-years-old and he was “madly in love with her”.

“We had already been friends for almost a year and she took me out to a fancy dinner that I could not have afforded for my 20th birthday,” he said.

Around that time, Marx revealed he actually professed his love to Olivia – who was in a relationship and 15 years his senior.

“I have never told anybody this except my wife,” he revealed.

Richard Marx Olivia Newton-John tribute
Richard Marx said he still can’t believe his friend of four decades Olivia Newton-John has died. (Today)

READMORE: David Campbell pays tribute to friend Olivia Newton-John

“I wrote her a letter, we were friendly but I had such a crush on her. I just thought I have to put it out there.”

But in true style, Marx said Olivia “handled it” and didn’t feel weird about the confession.

“She handled it like I’m sure she did with everyone because I was not unique in that way,” he said.

“To her credit – she carried on and said: ‘That makes me feel so happy’. She handled everything with grace and elegance and that really began our deep friendship.”

Watch Richard Marx”s touching tribute to Olivia Newton-John above

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Better Call Saul’s Bob Odenkirk: ‘Without CPR I’d have been dead in minutes’ | Better Call Saul

The actor Bob Odenkirk has spoken about his collapse on the set of Better Call Saul, saying that if his colleagues had not performed CPR on him he would have been “dead in a few minutes”.

Odenkirk, 59, was shooting the final season of the Breaking Bad prequel in New Mexico when he collapsed due to a heart attack last year. Crew members called an ambulance, which took him to hospital for emergency surgery to clean out the artery that the actor called “the widowmaker.”

“I went down on one knee, and then I went all the way down. I guess I said, ‘I don’t feel very good,’” Odenkirk said in an interview with the Radio Times.

He said castmates Rhea Seehorn, who plays Kim Wexler, and Patrick Fabian, who portrays Howard Hamlin, grabbed his head and hand and “started yelling at [him] to stay on Earth”. I added: “I wasn’t breathing. I mean, if nobody had been there, if they didn’t do that CPR, I’d have been dead in a few minutes.”

The cast and crew had been shooting all day and were changing shots when Odenkirk headed to the exercise bike he used between scenes. He started to watch a Chicago Cubs baseball game on TV and then collapsed.

The show’s health officer had a defibrillator in the boot of her car and, while she ran to retrieve it, a trained crew administered CPR before three defibrillator shocks were given. Odenkirk said he had no memory of the immediate aftermath of his collapse of her.

Better Call Saul comes to a close next week after six seasons on Netflix. Odenkirk plays the titular character Saul Goodman, a dodgy Albuquerque lawyer who becomes increasingly corrupt.

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“I’ve been doing it for so long and it’s such a part of my life that I don’t think I’ve fully accepted that it’s over,” he said. “It’s been 12 years of my life. But when I finish watching this season with everyone else, that’s when it’ll hit me: that’s done.”

This season, Breaking Bad’s two main characters, Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) made cameos after years of anticipation. In Breaking Bad, Odenkirk’s character became entangled with the high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine kingpin White and his hapless sidekick Pinkman.

Odenkirk said it was “the greatest joy ever” to reunite with his former castmates. “The first episode I did on Breaking Bad was a big scene with those guys in the desert, at 2am, in a sandstorm. So to revisit the relationship now … I can’t say more than that. Because it’s a mindblower, man!”

The actor, who has been nominated for five Emmys for his role in Better Call Saul, is now working on Straight Man, a comedy drama based on a novel in which he plays a small-town east coast university academic having a midlife crisis.