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Rest In Peace Jeff Conaway
Hey folks. Quint here.
The first film I saw theatrically wasn’t Star Wars or Indiana Jones or any of the assumed first theater movies of my generation. My first film was a Disney production called PETE’S DRAGON.
I love that movie to death. Pre-dating Roger Rabbit by a solid decade the film told the story of an orphan boy on the run from his abusive redneck foster family. He is aided by an animated green dragon. Combining live action and cartoons drew me right in… Mickey Rooney as a drunk lighthouse keeper named Lampie was great, the songs were great, I wanted my own not-so-imaginary dragon, but I probably most affected by the Gogans. This dirty, hillbilly child abusing family was a disturbing threat, especially from a child’s perspective.
When I attended DragonCon in 1998, I saw that Jeff Conaway was going to be there signing, so I brought my Pete’s Dragon 1-sheet. Conaway played one of the Gogan boys. He gleefully sang along with Shelley Winters about tying this poor young boy to railroad tracks, slicing and dicing him… all manners of truly horrible shit.
That trip saw me meeting a lot of figures from my childhood… from C-3PO to John Carpenter, but it was my brief interaction with Jeff Conaway that I remembered most fondly. Not only was he kind, but seemed to genuinely enjoy the experience of speaking with the people coming up to him.
I remember his eyes lighting up when I pulled out the Pete’s Dragon poster. He said that he always gets Grease, Babylon 5 and Taxi fans, but nobody really ever came to him with Pete’s Dragon things. He told me he held a special place in his heart for Pete’s Dragon, one of his very first movie experiences.
We talked a little about shooting that movie and he went on to talk about his disappointment at losing the role of Danny Zuko to John Travolta since he played that character in the Broadway production and thought he was a shoe-in for the movie. Even this he didn’t dwell on, saying he was happy to still be included as Kenickie and talking about how wonderful that film turned out to be.
He didn’t charge me for a signature (a rarity at Cons even then) and just seemed happy to talk movies with a strange fat kid from Texas.
Conaway died yesterday while in hospital. He was in a coma and his family decided to take him off life support.
I had been unaware of his trouble with substance abuse or the sad circus his recent health troubles have caused, but I truly hope he’s found some peace. My impression of the man was nothing but kindness and sincerity.
My thoughts are with Mr. Conaway’s friends, family and fans.
-Quint
quint@aintitcool.com
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Readers Talkback
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Loved that movie as a kid, need to revisit it, also forgot how crazy it was as far as the abuse you mentioned. Though drunk Rooney is classic
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well, I love Grease too. Bite me!
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He was pretty cool in Taxi.
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May 28, 2011, 6:12 a.m. CST
He also directed a Jessica Hahn-sploitation movie called Bikini Summer 2.
by Doctor_Strangepork
So strange to remember that.
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May 28, 2011, 6:13 a.m. CST
R.I.P. Gil Scott Heron - The Revolution will be Televised in Heaven!
by glodene
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Thanks for watching over the station for all these years.
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A show that beat TV's Hercules and Xena to the punch by about 10 years. I hoper Mr. Conaway is at peace now
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May 28, 2011, 6:30 a.m. CST
Harry, you didn't know about his substance abuse?
by Inexplicable_Nuclear_Balls
That must be a pretty big rock you've been living under. RIP Jeff... I hope there are 72 Rizzos waiting for you to give them buns in their ovens.
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May 28, 2011, 6:48 a.m. CST
Wierd I just literally read in the latest Entertainment Weekly that he was ill, then 20 seconds later see this..damn RIP
by MRJONZ72
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from Kenickie is like a hallmark card...
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Wizards and Warriors was painful. RIP Mr. Conaway
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But i don't remember him being there. All i remember is seeing GWAR. Rest in peace.
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Jim Dale absolutely rules that movie. The "Every Little Piece" number is knock-down hilarious, it kills me everytime they pull back and show them singing to that empty pier. RIP Jeff - Grease and Pete's Dragon will keep you forever around in our house.
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Loved Pete's Dragon and Grease as a kid. Still do. Was he in a coma because of drugs? What exactly was he addicted to? Need more info.
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May 28, 2011, 7:27 a.m. CST
I've never seen Grease, and barely remember Pete's dragon, but...
by Rebel Scumb
he was awesome on Babylon 5
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RIP Jeff Conaway. :(
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Not to speak ill of the dead, but I too met Jeff Conaway, by way of a Con (Get it? Anyway...) and at this particular Con (Circa 1997/8-ish) he was very, VERY, unpredictable and erratic. Anyway everyone at the Con was happy to see him, I know I was. I had always liked him and had admired his work, and had always thought it would be nice to see him in more roles and in better parts. To me until that time, it always seemed that he just never got the kind of role that could show off the true potential that I thought he might have. But at this Con, I think I saw what might have led to his problems getting hired and getting better parts. While people made their way through his autograph line he was rude, sharp/short, and even terse with some people in his autograph line, and acted as if those people that were in the line to see him and pay for an autograph were actually bothering him and that he was upset that he was having to pay even the slightest bit of attention to their accolades, much less sign an autograph or have a picture made with him. And then for other people he was extremely gracious, and kind. Full of smiles and gratitude. It was odd to say the least. It was like watching a string of blinky Christmas tree lights going off and on, one second he was brilliant, vibrant, and full of warmth, and the next second he was just plain dark and cold. I got the feeling that if you so much as looked at him in a way that percieved to be wrong or if he though he got a bad vibe from you, he was going to let you know about it right then and there. But on the flipside, if he felt like being nice to you, you'd never know he had that other side to him. I've met my fair share of celebs both at Cons and otherwise, and most of the time the experience is just an absolute blast, (Especially at a Con.) and sometimes it isn't. It happens. And I also realize that even celebs can have a bad day, even when they are in an environment created especially for them for the express purpose of being fawned over by their fans, hell they are just people, and people are entitled to be grouchy or have a bad day every now and then. But, I will always remember my Jeff Conaway experience as being off-putting and just plain weird.
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May 28, 2011, 7:32 a.m. CST
I think he wondered onto the B5 set and that's how he got his job.
by Mahaloth
He'd seen it on TV or something and liked tit so much, he visited. They hired him and he became Zack Allen. He joins: G'Kar Stephen Franklin Zathras :(
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I love Grease. Feel good movie, Yo.
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Interesting. Sounds like he was bi-polar.
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In fact, "Taxi's" the only bit of Jeff Conaway's work that I'm not terribly well-versed in. I watched "Wizards and Warriors", too. And I too, got to meet him at Dragon*Con a couple of times. He was down-to-earth, appreciative of his fans...he was a real guy, not some 'star.' With real-world problems, apparently--but we all have those. I hope people remember him for the talent he displayed onscreen, and the class he displayed offscreen. Rest in peace.
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Where was the memorials for Dana Wynter of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and William ST Squire of Gothos Campbell? They had significant careers that AICN should have remembered. AICN should show better respect for the departed
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May 28, 2011, 8:11 a.m. CST
I saw Pete's Dragon on the big screen. I was too young to know
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
who Jeff Conaway was. I knew he was in Taxi, but was never big on the show. Now that I think about it FRIENDS seemed to copy Joey Tribiani from that character to some extent. Yeah he was great in Grease, but not only as a fan of the the show, but as someone who saw his acting progress I think he did his best work in Babylon 5.
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Can't believe I didn't know he was in Pete's Dragon. Of course that family was all slimy & covered in filth. Used to creep me out bad as a wee lad.....
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Certainly sad but, whenever I think about the countless individuals fighting for their lives everyday with diseases that they never asked for, I just can't generate sympathy for the ones that court and flirt with their own end over and over and over again.
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May 28, 2011, 8:16 a.m. CST
I forgot Pete's Dragon had "Hey, it's that guy" as one of the Gogans
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
And at that point Shelley Winters decided the Gogan look was for her, and stayed in character the rest of her life.
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May 28, 2011, 8:31 a.m. CST
do not fall into the trap of metering out sympathies
by Arcadian Del Sol
Jeff Conaway was loved by someone, somewhere. Their grief deserves our sympathies, no matter what choices Mr Conaway made in his life.
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Wow. Well, RIP, I was a huge B5 fan. That's 3 main cast members from B5 dead now, even though Jeff's character wasn't really a main one, he became a main one over time. B
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May 28, 2011, 8:34 a.m. CST
And at that point Shelley Winters decided the Gogan look was for er, and stayed in character the rest of her life.
by cinematt
I swear to God that is the funniest thing I've read in a long time! Thanks, grammaton, I needed a good laugh.
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I got to know him on the set of B5 when I was out there while they were shooting one of my episodes. The crew loved him; he was pleasant, convivial, without pretense. He was also just damned grateful to be there. He'd been struggling with addiction problems even then, trying to get past them and Joe Straczynski decided to give him a chance to get back into showbiz at a time when no other producer or casting agent would touch him. I always gave Joe full marks for that, trying to jumpstart Jeff's career. Unfortunately in the long term it didn't work out, as we all know. What a waste. PAD
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May 28, 2011, 8:37 a.m. CST
I was really surprised when Brian Williams mentioned his passing on NBC
by sunwukong86
Its sad and everything, but I had never heard of him before yesterday.
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May 28, 2011, 8:40 a.m. CST
Damn if that's real I'm pleasantly surprised Peter David commented.
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
Well whoever wrote it I agree. It's a shame because as stated earlier I thought his best work was on B5 probably because from a character standpoint it was his most serious one. Wizards and Warriors was short-lived and a little campy. Bobby was just some young actor character. Kinickie was, well Kinickie. But Zach had to come to grips with right and wrong, to fully embrace Nightwatch, or to fight for justice. There were depths of Conway we hadn't seen before.
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May 28, 2011, 8:44 a.m. CST
sunwukong86, you must be a youngster. Nothing wrong with that but
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
You should take the time to watch Grease, and Babylon 5 (although Conaway wasn't in it until the 3rd season or something like that). Taxi wasn't my thing, but others enjoyed it.
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Loved that movie as a kid. Not the first movie I ever saw, but likely the fourth or fifth. Snow White was my first movie. RIP Jeff Conaway.
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May 28, 2011, 9:07 a.m. CST
I'm not going to say anything bad about this guy because I know doing so can get you banned.
by Coughlins Laws
Suffice it to say, not every deserves praise upon their death. However, I do feel sorry for his family members who had to go through a lot the last two decades of his life...
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Now maybe Dr. Drew, can stop his ridiculous celeberity Rehab crap, 3 have died that he was caring for. end of line
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But I did see one of the four performances of "the News" on Broadway. Horrible show, but Jeff could certainly sing.
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May 28, 2011, 10:05 a.m. CST
NO LOVE FOR HIS WORK IN ELVIRA : MISTRESS OF THE DARK??? FOR SHAME!!!
by CreepyThinMan
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May 28, 2011, 10:05 a.m. CST
He was a main character in the last few seasons
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
actually they were arguably the best seasons when B5 seceded from Earth. I'm not saying they were the best because of him, but as I mentioned earlier I believe it was his best tv role to date.
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May 28, 2011, 10:10 a.m. CST
Koloth and Trelane are dead and no obit? This is a geek site.
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
How was this missed? I loved the DS9 episode that had the return of Kang, Kor, and Koloth.
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I doubt that saying, "Yes, that's really me," is of much use because that's exactly what someone who wasn't me would say. But yeah, I'm really me. If you've any doubt, swing by my website at www.peterdavid.net and ask, and I'll confirm it there. I was also on a B5 panel with Jeff at Dragon*Con. What I SO wanted to do was turn to him and say, "Jeff, there's a question I've always wanted to ask you: What does a yellow light mean?" But I didn't know how he'd react because "Taxi" was still a bit of a sore spot. So I didn't. Now I wish I had; he probably would've just gone with it, to the delight of the audience. I was so hoping that he'd really manage to pull himself together so I could see him at another Dragon*Con. Wasn't meant to be. Damn. PAD
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And yeah, I love that series, too. I saw the first episode and immediately thought, "There's no way this'll last. It's too good." My favorite moment was Jeff's character having a picnic with the princess, played by Julia Duffy. She opens the picnic basket and offers cheerfully, "Quiche?" And Jeff says in a manly way, "No thanks. I don't eat that." PAD
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I was just a kid at the time. Some things never change. Every hero needs the chubby geeky comic relief sidekick.
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May 28, 2011, 10:50 a.m. CST
I'll take you at your word. Especially since today's the first day
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
I've seen "Peter David" as a talkback name.
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That's a shame, since he did (IMO) his best work there. He had great comic timing, especially during the previously mentioned "yellow light" scene.
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He's been a fairly regular poster for quite a while, actually.
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May 28, 2011, 11:04 a.m. CST
Actually, Peter David has commented on several stories in the past.
by V'Shael
And confirmed on his site that it's him. Slap "site:peterdavid.net "aintitcoolnews"" into a google search bar, and you'll probably find enough references.
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As much as we love film, Hollywood is run by accountants and lawyers. When an actor signs a contract today, abstinence from liquor and drugs while under said contract is often stipulated, for insurance reasons. The same way an abstainers' policy reduces your auto insurance.
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...I knew him from the tv series Taxi before I went back and saw that he was also in Grease. Life is too short. Thanks for the laughs, and even a few tears.
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The season of Celebrity Rehab that Conaway appeared on was the first I watched from beginning to end. You could see was trying very hard to break the addiction that had him in its grip. My thoughts go out to his family.
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I had just finished reading and re-reading Tolkien so I was looking for any kind of movie or television show of high fantasy to fill in the void so to speak. Wizards and Warriors was not it. It was like wanting more Batman after only seeing The Dark Knight film and only getting the 1960s Batman series--except not even that good.
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Time to go up to that malt shop in the sky.
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Well-a Well-a Well-a Ungh.
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Now THAT'S how you write a personal obit.
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...was Pete's Dragon. I remember being a little freaked out by the dentist scene.
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In Jeff's case, yes, it was because of his addiction problems. He was considered unreliable and unpredictable. At the time he had apparently gotten himself together, but casting agents weren't interested because there were worries he'd relapse. Joe took the chance on him and for quite some time, Jeff lived up to that confidence. PAD
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I remember the first time I seen him on Babylon 5. IMO he fit in perfectly right from the start. I'm glad he eventually went on to have a larger role in the series. Taxi honestly wasn't my style so I really dont have much reference there. I had seen Grease but was more interested in Olivia N.J. than anybody else in the film lol. Sorry to hear that he had struggled with addiction (and appeared to for a very long time). I know that John Travolta has stated several times he really wanted to help him if he could. A shame it got him in the end, :[ but on the brighter side he did accomplish some great things before it did.
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May 28, 2011, 12:06 p.m. CST
Jeff has joined other cast members of B-5 beyond the rim
by David Werring
Met Jeff out in burbank in 2004/2005 he was my last autograph after tracking down every member of the B-5 cast..he was the last...after a 7 year quest to get everyone...which happen to include melissa gilbert with Bruce boxlightner. to sign my 8-10 cast shot... I already had andrea katsulas (forgive spelling) and richard biggs...now Jeff... He was very warm and polite..we ended up talking about this that and other things...he was supposed to do a short story for the next b-5 the lost tales..which had only one dvd...but i guess it never made it round... God rest your soul jeff..and we will see you again ...beyond the rim....
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What a moving little piece you wrote here - in so few words, you really summed up the heart of this guy. I wish I hadn't seen his "work" over the last few years. What he had become was such a sad final act.
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Loved the anecdote. Peace be with you Mr. Conaway.
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It's corny, but it's damn entertaining. It's a shame Jeff was never able to really capitalize on the phenomenon it became. And then there's Taxi. One of the best sitcoms ever, one of the best TV ensembles ever, dramas included. RIP Jeff Conaway. It's a damn shame he died so young and struggled through so many years of misery.
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His addictions all ballooned when he kept taking overdoses of pain medication for his back troubles. Troubles he never would have had if this country had a good preventative medical establishment. Instead, we do nothing but give pain killers and symptom alleivers and do absolutely squat about the main problem. Other countries are curing cancer for christ's sake. All we're doing is finding a way to make an erection last longer.
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How is RIP tacky? It's stand for Rest In Peace. Duh....
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May 28, 2011, 12:40 p.m. CST
I should check You Tube for Wizards and Warriors clips. I'm sure it's painful
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
to watch now, but as a young kid into Dungeons and Dragons it was cool stuff,short lived as it was.
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Jeff surprised the heck out of a lot of people by giving a stand-out performance as Zack Allen in Babylon 5's 4th season. The man should never be considered a mediocre actor in any way, and it's a damn shame he had problems with substance abuse. Another B5 cast member leaves us. :( Andread Katsulas, Richard Biggs and now Jeff. Cryin' shame.
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May 28, 2011, 12:45 p.m. CST
Ooh, ouch yeah. This was 80s cheese. Good cheese as a kid but
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
tastes mature. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdWDudfObIU&feature=related
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May 28, 2011, 12:50 p.m. CST
Biggs death was a shocker. Katsulas I think smoked himself to death.
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
Jeff, as good an actor as he was unfortunately brought it on himself. Some people can shake it, some can't. In hindsight it's surprising that Ray Charles and Johnny Cash didn't die earlier.
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Guess you've headed to that malt shop in the sky.
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that this Dr. Drew fellow aint worth a damn...
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May 28, 2011, 12:56 p.m. CST
Dr. Drew just tries to put a straight face on people who
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
can't keep their pants zipped.
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In 1978, I was 7 years old, and went to see Grease - whatever the cheesiness now that people harp-on about, its still a classic movie (and at home the soundtrack was played regularly!!). Very sad that Jeff Conaway has passed-away. I know he may have regretted not having the part of Danny, but without Kenickie (as well as Rizzo and Frenchie!!) the film may have been less. I remember him for Babylon 5 as well. He'll be missed.
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That's the kind of simple tribute that means more than his resume or anything else. Well done.
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I forget who said it, but I love this quote... "Every life is an act of bravery". The older I get the less I judge.
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He gets to keep the role of Danny in Grease and becomes the star he was meant to be. A great actor and much better singer than Travolta. He was exploited (Although willingly) at the end of his life. His co-dependent spouse drove him right into the grave.
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With so many solutions that are usually ignored when it comes to opiate addiction/dependence (Iboga, Ascorbate) IN THE US, it shocks and angers me when I read about another death or ruination related to or directly caused by said addiction/dependence. I can only assume in his case, it was addiction. However, many with dependency rather than addiction ( very, VERY different animals) are treated for addiction, making what was a physical problem into a shame issue that wasn't necessary, many times destroying relationships, jobs, etc. Clearly, from stories I've heard in the media AND stories related to me from 2 individuals personally, the problems he faced went far beyond simple addiction. My guess would be manic-depression/bi-polar, based on the nature of said interactions, which can intensify addiction in the manic phase, when bi-polars can very much feel as though they are very , very invincible and capable of anything they set their minds to. (which has blessed US, in my opinion, with all kinds of great art and performance throughout history, something anyone interacting with anyone suffering with this disorder would do well to remember) It makes me so sad to realize that when it comes to people like Jeff, most professionals treat the patient in the same ways they would treat anyone else, simply because they are either afraid of the treatments or are skeptical (in spite of multitudes of evidence proving otherwise), OR are unwilling to admit that the only current treatments are very "scorched earth" and unscientific (Lamictal-type drugs, Lithium, both of which have some horrific and detrimental side-effects). Oh they'll point to the PDRs and DSM-IV's of the world. But what they will not admit is that the approach to the DSM is not based on hard science, but instead a kind of "agreed lack of understanding made official" by the APA. Some say "well, that's the best we have", but is it? Even more are now saying in fact that this manual does more harm than good. (see recent articles, including a very well-researched one in Wired Magazine) Why all this detail? Related to a man I knew only for his performances and exploitation through reality TV? Because it's an opportunity. Because maybe one person reading this will treat someone close to them suffering from this better. Because he did not get the help he needed, even though I'm sure his friends and loved ones tried to the best of their ability. And because in his least years here, I believe he was exploited more than he was helped. And because many here would attribute his death to his "self-destruction" rather than any kind of disorder or dis-ease. When it comes to the human brain, we are still fiddling around in darkness. But many of our doctors and "scientists" are acting as if they have the answers when in fact they have very few, some say close to none. Rather than throw our hands up and say that's just "the best we can do for now", we must instead approach with AT LEAST enhanced compassion and understanding care rather than treating these people as if they are just "another nutcase" while history is showing that more often than not, many of these people are contributing to society in higher percentages than the general population when it comes to innovation, invention and creativity. I'm sorry you didn't get what you needed, Jeff. Maybe we'll learn from your life. I hope so. RIP... and love to those who truly helped you.
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I like to think he'll still be there they turn the lights out. I found his character transformation over the seasons fascinating - it's subtle, but Zack "grows up" a lot as responsibility descends on him. An excellent portrayal by a skilled and dedicated actor.
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May 28, 2011, 2:02 p.m. CST
unscripted, he was if you recall, or maybe not
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
I forget if it was the last episode, or one of the movies, but I think it's that latter where he's the last one to go.
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If you have alternatives that you feel are better, you should suggest them. Otherwise, I'll stick with what has always worked in the past.
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He has great presence in Grease.
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I well recall the episode. I meant that I'd like to think Zack is still on duty, somewhere in the future, even if it's not ours.
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"Handed everything"? I'm pretty sure the guy worked hard at his talents. Yes, he fucked up big time in many respects, but you should understand that just because someone's been in some TV shows and movies that they're not necessarily fabulously wealthy. Show biz is full of sharks taking their bites, so who knows how Mr. Conaway was able to handle all that when he was a young man and breaking through. You don't know. I don't know. Kindly shut the fuck up.
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Fucking a. Amen, rebeck2.
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Thats how I will remember him plus a story from a friend of mine who bought the rights for the B5 CCG. Its not a flattering story, so I'll get it go. I was hoping he would attend WizardWorld Philly after he did one early this year. A shame.
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Normally, I would ask that the acronym gods strike you down for that one, but it sounds like a fun game.
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Sorry to see him go. He was really great in "Taxi" and as Kenicki in Grease. ( I believe he played Danny Zuko on Broadway as well.) Farewell Bobby wheeler! Farewell Kenicki! Say Hi to Latka for me!
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As a Christian minister who deals with people with addiction, please stop disgracing the bible by making stupid and evil statements. It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak out and prove it.
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I kinda grew up with Taxi and loved him in the show - he really was a beautiful, energetic, soulful guy in that and that's how I'll choose to remember him. I sincerely hope he is at rest now and free of the demons that he fought with for so long. So long, Bobby.
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My first memory of Dana Wynter was from SINK THE BISMARCK! Damn, she looked fine in a British officer's uniform.
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Alex Rieger, apparently not so much. RIP Jeff.
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May 28, 2011, 4:36 p.m. CST
By the way the Taxi clip here is the one I remember best when recalling Conaway's character on the show.
by Ingeld
It was well done. That episode and the one in which he "acts" as Louie (Devito) and goes in his place for his high school reunion--also a great episode--and one that was stolen for a SpongeBob episode between Spongebob and Mr. Krabs. (I know that because I have little kids.)
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May 28, 2011, 4:36 p.m. CST
Never thought Hollywood could make building a hot rod so queer.
by Orion
Greased lightning indeed.
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It wasn't a big role, but it was pivotal to the theme of how people can learn to hate each other based only on fear.
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Beats Magic, Naruto, Star Trek, Dragonball Z and others. The shame of it being canceled and my friends getting the license is that WB kept asking for more money. When my friends thought they got it, they invited Jerry Doyle, Conway and a few others to do the autographs for it. It never got released due to WB's greed thus they had to cancel the signings.
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Jeff was one of the reasons why it was so great. I love the bit where he gets hit in the head by the car door and his necklace lands in his eye and he completes the scene like it. great guy. hey kenickie, where you at?
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You go Jeff!
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Rest in peace Jeff. Also, everyone agrees Quint is the finest writer on this site, correct?
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May 28, 2011, 6:36 p.m. CST
Screw Grease. B5 lost it's 2nd best security chief in its 25 year history
by JacksParasites
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Its not like Andy K, Biggs and now Jeff were old guys. Too bad, I liked him a lot as Zach Allen.
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You will be missed!
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and although he was very nice, I didn't appreciate the mention of "Jesus Christ" and "praying for me" on the photo he signed for me. (I'm very openly gay, and was there with my boyfriend) other than that, I did like him as an actor, and it's always sad when someone's addictions win out. R.I.P. Mr. Conaway.
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Well. . Mr. Conaway *was* 60. . while not "old", it certainly wouldn't be considered "young ages" Biggs was a shocker due to heart issues, but Andreas wasn't a youngster either! and keep in mind, there are still TONS of B5 cast members alive.
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Dead.
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Damn that sucks to hear that 2 parts of my childhood have gone within a week... Kenickie AND the Macho Man? I was in Grease at school, started off as Kenickie and then took over Danny... kinda the reverse... I always liked Jeff Conaway's personality, he seemed such a nice guy just trapped in pain... Hopefully Travolta, Lloyd and DeVito show some class and show up at the funeral... they were nothing without Jeff...
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Damn that sucks to hear that 2 parts of my childhood have gone within a week... Kenickie AND the Macho Man? I was in Grease at school, started off as Kenickie and then took over Danny... kinda the reverse... I always liked Jeff Conaway's personality, he seemed such a nice guy just trapped in pain... Hopefully Travolta, Lloyd and DeVito show some class and show up at the funeral... they were nothing without Jeff...
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May 28, 2011, 10:35 p.m. CST
"My first film was a Disney production called PETE’S DRAGON."
by HyphenatedWords
We've always had a lot in common, Quint. I was five when my family went to see Pete's Dragon. I was spellbound. One of the greatest aspects of growing up in the '70s and '80s was the lack of instant gratification with home video. You'd see a movie once or twice, and that was IT. You just expected to NEVER SEE IT AGAIN. Films lived in the imagination then. I watched my own version of Empire a thousand times before ROtJ came out. So it was with Pete's Dragon. I remember seeing it on video for the first time, what a treat it was. I recognized Conaway from Grease and Taxi then and thought it looked like he was having a BALL. He's lanky and full of prat falls.<br> <br> Best line? "Aww! We done had our bath in May!"<br> <br> I cassette tape recorded the songs off the television on my little tape recorder and listened to it constantly. I knew they thought of Julie Andrews before they got Helen Reddy. I knew they were hoping it would be come a classic like Mary Poppins. It didn't in scale, but it sure did in depth for the fans who love it.
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I cannot count the number of times I saw that movie as a kid on The Movie Channel. And I have seen Grease so many times as well. I used to watch Taxi as a kid too. And, I loved Wizards & Warriors as a young 'un as well. Isn't it strange how someone can touch you in little ways wihout you realizing it, until they are gone? Rest well, Jeff. You entertained many millions, millions of times over. I, for one, thank you heartily.
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I loved reading your stuff in my formative years. Big fan.
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May 29, 2011, 8:14 a.m. CST
There's no reason for Dr. Drew to end Celebrity Rehab. It's not his fault when someone that was under his care dies.
by Coughlins Laws
He gives them the tools to succeed, it's up to them whether or not they want to work at it. Celebrities have different problems that go along with their addictions because they are so used to fame. Dr. Drew is uniquely qualified to deal with alot of these egos. However, no type of counseling or rehab program is 100% effective. Hell, it's hard to be even 10% effective. But, going through the process with other people that have gone through similar life experiences makes it easier than trying to do it by yourself...
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One of my favorite scenes is when he goes to a kids party dressed like the easter bunny. Sees the kids parent is a casting director, then does a scene for her and the kids from "Who's LIfe is it Anyway?" : "Okay, kids just pretend Mister Bunny is paralyzed from the neck down" before Shelley Long and David Caruso, he really became the cautionahry tale of leaving the hit TV show. Does anyone remember his albums he released, when he couldn't find acting work.
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Sorry to see him go, but the man did this to himself.
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But to all of you, seriously: On this particular thread, let's not talk about me, okay? This is about Jeff and the last thing I want to do is hijack it just by being here. PAD
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Post 0
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Damn shame. Hopefully hes in a better place, if that sort of thing exists, but atleast hes out of pain
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I'd forgotten he was in Pete's Dragon, loved that movie when I was little. Back when I was a kid I used to make up movies in my head and 'cast' actors in roles. For some reason, Jeff Conaway seemed to get a lot of work in those films. Maybe more than he actually got in reality. Too bad he had all those problems. RIP.
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I was in Fort Worth and I ran into a certain someone at the IHOP right there off the expressway. I'm also a huge Pete's Dragon fan and so naturally I was interested in talking to the guy about what it was like to be on the set of such a magical film. He said he wouldn't say a word unless I paid for his breakfast. So I say, "Sure, why not?" The next thing I know, he orders three additional breakfasts. Keep in mind, he's nodding out the whole time. I think he forgot I was there because he started shouting at the guy next to him. "Jew! JEW!!" I was disgusted. Then, instead of eating the breakfasts, he spat in each of them and called me a jew too. He said jews screwed him out of money on Pete's Dragon and jews kept him out of the film adaptation of Grease. This guy had a lot of pent up hostility for the jews. I know this is a hard time for all of you, but it is time that you start considering the idea that maybe he deserved to die. It is harsh to say that, I know. If he signed my obscure poster at a nerd fest, I'd love him too and be completely ignorant toward who the guy was or what he said. The sad truth is that he was an anti-Semite and while many of the points made by anti-Semites are valid, that does not make it okay for them to say them in a public forum. And no matter how watered-down and arbitrary the information posted on AICN has become, we can't overlook the fact that this guy was in Pete's Dragon.
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Not cool.
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He was a much better actor than losers like David Spade. Shame he had problems that overwhelmed him. Hope he's in a better place.
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Must've been rough on him, too. Not only did they give his part to John Travolta, they even let Travolta sing "Greased Lightning," Kenicki's big song from the musical. Must have sucked. And am I the only one who thinks Celebrity Rehab should be paying for this funeral? Addiction isn't entertainment. I hope Dr. Drew is ashamed of himself.
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He was convicted in 92 and released in 95. That's 14 years in between for the scandal to die down. I don't believe it was ever an ethical issue, or at least not for everyone involved in the second film. I think they believed that Mel Gibson wold negatively affect the films box office.
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Because I am a heterosexual man. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
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from chasin petes dragon to chasin the dragon, at least he lived his life to the full
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Such as?
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lol,please tell me this is a true story.
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Ah..Aaaaah.....Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh. nnnnnn.. Aaaaaaaah...shsh sh sh shut up...aaaah...aaaaaaaah..
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I'm not gonna pretend that I was well versed on his complete filmography but Grease was such a mainstay in my childhood viewing and it succeded thanks in no small part to Mr Conaways great performance.The guy def had charisma. Gone but not forgotten..RIP sir. "A hickey from Kenicky is like a hallmark card"
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First movie I ever remember seeing. At a drive-in cinema in Australia, 1977.
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"One of the greatest aspects of growing up in the '70s and '80s was the lack of instant gratification with home video. You'd see a movie once or twice, and that was IT. You just expected to NEVER SEE IT AGAIN." Very much so. I once tried to explain this idea to my young niece and nephew. They couldn't get their heads around it. It wasn't really until the mid-to-late 80s that even the sell-through VHS existed. If you loved a movie and wanted to have your own copy, you either taped it off the TV (the most common method), copied it from a video store copy (second most common) or actually bought one of the tapes sold to video stores (very uncommon; they cost somewhere between $70 and $100). First time I remember seeing sell-through VHS movies at retail prices (i.e. around $20 at the time) was 1987. And there weren't that many of them.
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Damn. Heron did die. Bummer. When the fuck is Secrets coming out on CD? My 5 vinyl copies are getting warped and worn out.
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Everybody who likes musicals is a "fag". You got it, buddy. And I guess love stories, old black and white movies, serious drama, and subtitled foreign films are also just for the gays. Enjoy your sad narrow-minded little life. Oh yeah, and your title of "movie geek" has been revoked.
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I like ur Hulks. Smashy smashy
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From Taxi to B-5, the guy was a part of my younger life, sad to see him go. And drugs just suck, sad. Hope you are in a better, less painful place, Mr. Conaway. Peace be with you fellow traveler..
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He was muy bueno on that show!
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I was doing a Con appearance in Anaheim last month and he was there. I ran into him when i was washing my hands in the men's room. Asked me if I was having a good show,. He was very nice but he looked bad. Its a shame.
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I remember him from Taxi, but mostly from Grease. B5 was on the air when I had no cable or internet thanks to a financially draining divorce so I missed that entirely (so far). From the glimpses I saw of what his life had become on 'Celebrity Rehab', I sincerely hope that Mr Conaway is finally able to find some measure of peace.
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