Actor Jeff Conaway Dead at 60
'Grease' and 'Taxi' star Jeff Conaway died Friday after falling into a coma two weeks ago, TMZ is reporting. He was 60.
Conaway was known for his role as Kenickie in the 1978 movie-musical 'Grease.' From 1978-1981, he also played Bobby Wheeler on the sitcom 'Taxi,' earning a Golden Globe nomination along the way before leaving the series after its third season.
After taking parts in various shows and movies, Conaway would re-surface in 1994 on the small screen as a regular on the syndicated show 'Babylon 5.' He stayed with the franchise until 1999.
Conaway's acting abilities and credits, however, would eventually be overshadowed by his struggle to stay sober. He acknowledged in the '80s that he had a problem with drugs, but he could never shake his addiction. A stint on 'Celebrity Fit Club' ended abruptly when he had to leave to check into rehab. In 2008, he appeared on another VH1 series, 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew,' in which he admitted he battled cocaine, alcohol and painkiller abuse.
His most recent health scare started May 11 when his ex-girlfriend found him unconscious in his house. Conaway's manager said he overdosed on prescription pills.
Jeff Conaway in 'Grease'
Jeff Conaway on 'Taxi'
Jeff Conaway on 'Babylon 5'
[TMZ.com]