Jeff Conaway, best known to 70s fans as Kenickie in the film Grease and Bobby Wheeler on TV’s Taxi, has passed away at the age of 60. Conaway had been in a coma since May 11th and was under care at Encino Tarzana Medical Center where “the actor’s family decided to take him off life support on Thursday, after doctors said there was no hope of recovery.” You can find further details at CBS News.
Conaway with Kaufman on Taxi, 1978
Interesting Factoids:
The film Grease was released in 1978. According to IMDB, Conaway “had to walk slightly stooped so John Travolta would appear taller.” Additionally, although Conaway played the role of Kenickie in the film, in the Broadway production he was cast as Danny Zuko.
Conaway played the role of hillbilly kid Willie in 1977’s Pete’s Dragon and appeared on Happy Days in both ’75 and ’76 as Rocko.
Conaway was nominated for Golden Globe Awards for TV Supporting Actor for Taxi in 1979 and 1980.