Vanessa Hudgens dedicates ‘Grease: Live’ to her father, who died a day before the show
Vanessa Hudgens dedicated her “Grease: Live” performance to her father, who died the day before.
It was a night of highs and lows for Vanessa Hudgens, who announced that her father died of cancer just before her highly anticipated performance in Fox’s “Grease: Live.”
The “High School Musical” alum took to Twitter just before the show to share the sad news and dedicate her performance to him.
“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,” she tweeted Sunday, adding, “Tonight, I do the show in his honor.”
A dedication to her dad was also included in the show’s end credits.
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The 27-year-old played Pink Ladies leader Betty Rizzo opposite Julianne Hough’s squeaky-clean Sandy Young in the 1950s-set musical, which was widely praised by critics, celebrities and social media users. Hudgens delivered the heart-aching “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” in the ambitious production and didn’t break character during the emotional ballad.
Hudgens also received an outpouring of support from costars and fans who were astounded by her performance and professionalism.
“I am devastated. Just thinking of my girl and praying for her strength today,” tweeted her “HSM” costar Ashley Tisdale. “I wouldn’t expect anything less @VanessaHudgens is killing it! So proud of my girl #GreaseLive.”
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“Imagine if you had a day like @VanessaHudgens & performed like that. Wow.What a strong woman.My new hero#GreaseLive,” added her “Grease: Live” costar Mario Lopez, who played “American Bandstand” host Vince Fontaine.
Hudgens’ boyfriend, Austin Butler, also showed his fandom, tweeting that he is “so proud” of his girlfriend.
“#GreaseLive is MIND-BLOWING! Constant chills @VanessaHudgens,” he wrote, adding, “WOW @VanessaHudgens singing ‘Worst Things’ had me in tears. Just brilliant #GreaseLive”
“Just heard about @VanessaHudgens terrible loss-god bless her for showing such strength tonight.v-you gave an incredible performance:)” tweeted E! host Maria Menounos.
Twitter: @NardineSaad
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