Rebel Wilson's emotional tribute to Olivia Newton-John reveals star helped her on drastic weight loss journey

Rebel Wilson revealed that Olivia Newton-John was a huge influence on her career and even helped kickstart her healthy lifestyle change

Rebel Wilson revealed Olivia Newton-John
(Image credit: Future: Getty / Canva)

Rebel Wilson revealed Olivia Newton-John's influence on her incredible weight loss journey and explained that the Grease star tried to teach her about health for many years.

John Travolta led the emotional celebrity tributes to Olivia Newton-John as it was announced that the legendary Grease star passed away aged 73 on August 8, 2022. Among the celebrity tributes, Rebel Wilson reached out to her fellow Australian star and reflected on Olivia's influence on her career and lifestyle.

Rebel and Olivia played mother and daughter in the 2011 film A Few Best Men and the pair grew close while filming. Rebel penned an emotional tribute to the late star and revealed their close connection.

Grease

(Image credit: Getty)

"@therealonj, you were the most gorgeous lady inside and out, you are a true Aussie icon and to play your daughter on screen in A FEW BEST MEN was beyond an honour," began Rebel's tribute.

The star explained that Olivia was a huge inspiration to her growing up and she even auditioned for Grease when it was her school play. 

"Seeing you star in the huge Hollywood blockbuster GREASE with your natural accent was so instrumental to me as a little girl, helping me to believe that it was possible for an Aussie girl to star in huge international musicals. You were the reason I auditioned for my high school production of GREASE at 15 - I was only in the chorus, but it was a start!" said Rebel.

The star then took on a more serious tone as she reflected on her health. Rebel Wilson's weight loss has seen the actor shed a huge amount of weight in an attempt to improve her fertility chances and the star has been frank about her health journey and even opened up on the 'unexpected benefit' that losing weight has had on her career.

Rebel revealed that Olivia encouraged her to care about her weight many years ago and suggested that she was one of the inspirations that encouraged her journey. "You tried to teach me about health years before I took it seriously." said Rebel as she added, "You were so kind to me and it was such a blessing to know you Olivia."

Rebel Wilson

(Image credit: Vivien Killilea / Stringer)

The star concluded the sweet tribute by saying, "I’ll never forget us singing at the piano in our lunch break on set together - what a complete legend you are! I am so sad you are gone 💗 Love and Light always to you ONJ, Rebel xoxo"

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.