Family members made the agonizing decision Thursday to remove life-support from television and movie actor Jeff Conaway. The 60-year-old-actor, famous for his roles in Grease and Taxi, was found unconscious in his home earlier this month. The actor has been in a medically induced coma.
While some speculate the incident was due to a drug overdose, Dr. Drew Pinsky, who treated the actor, said Conaway was suffering from pneumonia and sepsis, a potentially deadly blood infection. On May 21st Pinsky tweeted:
"Still considered critical with #sepsis. Many people die from septic shock.yes,he is VERY tenuous." He added, "My hopes & prayers r with him & his family! yes,we all need to pray for him."
Conaway, who has battled drug and alcohol addiction for years, was featured on the 2008 Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew VH1 television series. On the show, Conaway revealed he was a victim of child pornographers and pedophiles when he was a young boy. Various physical injuries requiring pain medication made it difficult for Conaway to kick the habit.
Jeffery Charles William Michael was born in 1950 in New York City and is the youngest of three children. He has been married twice and has no children of his own. His relationship with girlfriend Vikki Lizzi has been contentious at times. On Thursday, Lizzi posted on her Facebook page:
“Am on my way to a beautiful cathedral to say prayers for Jeff. Please pray with me. Thank you to everyone. I have the most beautiful friends and family, and you know who you are, who have helped me stay sane these last couple days. Everyone's thoughts on my page have filled me with love and strength. Thank you. From the Bottom of my Heart.
Watch Lizzi and Conaway perform together at Cher Rue's Annual Christmas Charity event in December.
Conaway’s ex-wife, Rona Newton-John, is Olivia Newton-John’s sister who starred with John Travolta in the 1978 classic film Grease. Conaway, who played Kenickie in the film, had to stoop over when he walked to make Travolta appear taller!
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