Actor Jeff Conaway in coma following drug overdose

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
5/20/2011
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Star of 'Grease' and TV's 'Taxi' had long history of substance abuse problems

Jeff Conaway, star of the movie "Grease" and the TV series "Taxi" is in critical condition at an Encino hospital after an apparent drug overdose. The actor has had a long history of substance abuse issues, and had appeared on "Celebrity Rehab" to discuss his battles with cocaine and alcohol.

In 2008, actor Jeff Conaway joined 'Celebrity Rehab,' where he opened up about his longtime addictions to cocaine, painkillers and alcohol.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Conaway was found unresponsive in his home on May 11. "He is in a coma and unresponsive at this time," said manager Phil Brock. Family members have been waiting for news, Brock said, adding, "He turned his head two days ago, but nothing since." There is no word on whether doctors expect Conaway to wake up.

Conaway had been battling drug and alcohol abuse for the past several years, and suffered a bad fall a year ago while he was under the influence of methadone and OxyContin.

Conaway is perhaps best known for his role as "Kenickie" in "Grease" in which he starred alongside John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Conaway is also known for his part in the comedy series "Taxi," in which he starred as out-of-work actor Bobby Wheeler from 1978 to 1981.

In 1980, he married Olivia Newton-John's sister Rona, but the couple, who have a son called Emerson, divorced five years later.

During that decade, Conaway was treated for a substance abuse problem which reared its ugly head again in the mid-2000s.

He signed up for Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and spoke candidly about his addictions to cocaine, alcohol, and painkillers.

He left "Taxi" in 1982 and worked in television throughout the 1980s and '90s, including a starring stint on "Babylon 5."

In 2008, Conaway joined "Celebrity Rehab," where he opened up about his longtime addictions to cocaine, painkillers and alcohol.

Manager Phil Brock described Jeff Conaway as a "gentle soul" who has been unable to "exorcise his demons."

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General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
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Keywords: Jeff Conaway, substance abuse, coma

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1 - 2 of 2 Comments

renea farmer
2 years ago
PLEASE DONT GIVE UP ON JEFF, MY FATHER WAS IN A COMA FOR MONTHS AND CAME OUT OF IT THIS HAPPENEN TWICE OVER A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS GOD GAVE US THOSE YEARS WITH HIM EVEN THOUGH HE BATTELED THROUGH THEM IM ALSO A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SURVIVOR AND I THANK GOD EVERY DAY HE GAVE ME WITH MY FAMILY. IF U CAN ASK JEFF IF HE WOULD WANT TO LIVE THAT WAY IN CASE OF RESPIRATOR BECAUSE MY FATHER WAS ON THAT AND HE DID TELL US THAT HE WANTED TO STAY ON IT BY WINKING THEN ASK JEFF TELL HIM I FAUGHT THE SAME STRUGGLES WITH OXYCOTTIN AND NOW IM BATTLING THIS HORRIFIC ACCIDENT THAT CRIPPLED ME,BROKE MY BACK, AND GAVE, ME 8 BRAIN HEMORRAGES WITH NOTHING, TELL HIM WE LOVE HIM HES OUR INSPIRATION, HE GAVE ME COURAGE ON CELEBRITY REHAB.
Tracy
2 years ago
My heart goes out to him, and all people who are afflicted with this disease.. its not something to be taken lightly, having a family member battle his own addictions, and is on the winning path now, its not easy, because you want to help, you want to be there, but when the person addicted doesnt want the help, there really isnt much you can do, but pray, push if you can, and help them fight.....

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