ONJ & Hoges
These Aussie icons are besties
As she takes on the third and biggest battle of her life, Australia’s golden girl Olivia Newton-john has turned to her dear friend Paul Hogan for love and support. Since the Grease star opened up about her cancer rearing its ugly head once again, she was recently seen putting on a brave face in Melbourne with the Crocodile Dundee great. The friends’ outing is proof Olivia’s not giving up her health battle and she’s determined to keep business as usual. While not yet confirmed, it appears she may make an appearance in Hoges’ latest film The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, currently being filmed in Australia. The 78-year-old hinted the flick will feature some of his A-list friends. “I’m honoured to have many of my friends and colleagues, whose work I adore, agree to join us for this hilarious new adventure,” Hoges teased.
And sources believe Olivia’s role in the movie is a heartfelt gesture from Hoges to show his support to the 69-year-old actress during such a tough time.
FRIENDS FOR DECADES
“Olivia and Paul have been good friends for decades. It makes sense he’d want her to play a part in the movie, especially because it’s about him,” a source close to both stars tells Woman’s Day.
“Despite everything Olivia’s going through, she didn’t stop smiling. It was wonderful to see her looking so happy and to see Paul rallying around her.”
Olivia was first diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer in 1992
and another cancer was found in her shoulder in 2013. After beating and treating both with a combination of chemotherapy and natural remedies, including medical marijuana, a third cancer has metastasised to her spine.
TRAGIC NEWS
“I’m one of millions in this fight – I shouldn’t say fight – in this journey,” Olivia said. “A lot of people see it as a fight, and however you choose to see it, that’s your prerogative. I see it as part of my mission.”
When the Grammy-winner announced her diagnosis, Hoges was one of the first to share a message of support, calling the news a “tragedy”. “Send all my best wishes to my old friend Olivia, I’ve ve known her for over 40 years, she’s an absolute princess,” ”h he said. id
Paul and Olivia’s friendship has seen them both go through life’s lows, with health scares, divorces and kids with their fair share of issues. But they’ve also shared highs, including meeting the Queen at the Opera House in 1980 – and fun times too – in 2001 Olivia even took Paul to a gay bar!
“It was very funny,” he later said. Hoges admitted he wasn’t a fan of the bar because the men were too good-looking. “I said, ‘They’re all pervin’ on you,’” he remembered. “And she said, ‘Oh no, they’re lookin’ at you!’”
The friendship that’s stood the test of time is now deeper and stronger than ever as Paul pulls out all the stops to be a rock for Olivia. “They genuinely care about each other and Olivia knows Paul is someone she can lean on,” says our insider. “They’ll always be a big part of each other’s lives.”
‘I’m one of millions in this fight… it’s part of my mission’