'Grease: Live' Cast Vanessa Hudgen's Dad Dies, Actress Honors Father in Performance
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Vanessa Hudgens announced on social media that she lost her father, Greg Hudgens, to cancer just hours before she was set to go on "Grease: Live!" The 27-year-old actress, who played Rizzo in the Fox TV musical production, dedicated her performance to her father.
"I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer," Hudgens wrote on Twitter. "Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers."
I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer. Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
USA Today reported that the former "High School Musical" star first talked about her father's condition in August for the 2015 Industry Dance Awards & Cancer Benefit Show. "Last year, my boyfriend, Austin (Butler), lost his mom, Lori, to cancer, and my dad has just been recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer," the actress told guests and participants. "And, let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being."
The actress also called on her social media followers to pray for her father's healing more than once and would often expressed her gratitude after her father's chemotherapy treatments. However, in January, the actress also disclosed her dad's condition has worsened, Teen Vogue reported.
Yet, in the midst of a family tragedy, Vanessa made sure that the show must go on. As "Grease: Live" rolled on Fox Sunday, viewers looked out for the actress' scenes. Viewers commended the actress' performance on Twitter, describing that she did bravely well and likely made the original Rizzo, Stockard Channing, proud of her performance, too.
Major props to Vanessa Hudgens who still went on to preform even after her father died. — Kayleigh Tourt (@Kay_Marie717) February 1, 2016
Oh my gosh...Vanessa Hudgens dad passed away from cancer hours before Grease live...mad props to her she's staying real strong out there.
— emily † (@EmilyyLaffertyy) February 1, 2016
Vanessa Hudgens is doing an absolutely wonderful job as Rizzo!! I hope Stockard Channing is watching and so so proud!! — SC Sweetheart (@Charleston_Sass) February 1, 2016
Vanessa Hudgens dad died today and she's rocking this whole grease live show. Props to that woman!!!! & prayers to her family
— Madds (@maddie_bachlor) February 1, 2016
I will never underestimate Vanessa Hudgens again. #GreaseLive — Michael Ausiello (@MichaelAusiello) February 1, 2016
Let's give it up for @VanessaHudgens who is performing under unimaginable circumstances, and doing it brilliantly. #GreaseLive
— Robbie Rozelle (@divarobbie) February 1, 2016
Just Jared, Jr. reported that Vanessa originally wanted to play Sandy. However, her manager told her the production wanted her to audition for Rizzo. "I always saw myself as Sandy. I was always the good girl in my mind," she said. "Then I was like, 'Oh my gosh, Rizzo is so amazing. This is gonna be so much fun.'"
Rizzo is the leader of the Pink Ladies and is described as a tough and intimidating girl with a "reputation." Refinery 29 cited that the character is complex but she may very well be the real hero of "Grease."
