Olivia Newton-John: 'Jeff Conaway will be missed'

Olivia Newton-John has expressed sadness at the passing of her Grease co-star Jeff Conaway.

The 60-year-old actor died last Friday, almost two weeks after being rushed to hospital with a suspected overdose.

His death elicited tributes from former Taxi co-star Marilu Henner and Celebrity Rehab host Dr. Drew Pinsky.

John Travolta also weighed in, praising Conaway as a "wonderful and decent man" and sending his "heartfelt thoughts" to the late star's family.

Newton-John has now acknowledged her own close relationship with Conaway, who was married to her sister Rona for five years.

"It's so very sad," the Australian star said in a statement to E! News. "Jeff had a good heart and was so very talented. He was a big part of our family for many years and he will be missed."

Conaway's acting career began at age 2 when he joined his first Broadway production. He would later star in a series of acclaimed movies including the aforementioned Grease and Peter's Dragon.

He was nominated for Golden Globes in 1979 and 1980 for his portrayal of Bobby Wheeler in Taxi.

> Daniel Baldwin: 'Conaway had suffered enough'