Another entertainment icon is no longer with us, as Bobby Rydell has reportedly passed away. Per TMZ, the famous singer and Bye Bye Birdie star had been battling health issues over the past few months, according to a source close to the music and movie legend. His illness was not COVID-related, as Rydell was recently diagnosed with pneumonia and this is believed to be the cause of death. He was 79 years old.Rydell was one of the first teen idols of the 1960s, celebrated for his classic hits like "Volare" and "Wild One." He performed as part of The Golden Boys stage production alongside Frankie Avalon and Fabian Forte. The former teen idol was such an inspiration that Paul McCartney of The Beatles has credited Rydell for influencing the band's famous song, "She Loves You." The name of the school in the Broadway and movie versions of Grease, Rydell High, is also a direct reference to the singer; a planned Rydell High spinoff was announced in 2019. Actor Von Lewis played Rydell in the 2018 film Green Book.Though very well known for his music career, Rydell had done some acting work. He appeared in the 1960s series Combat! and starred in the 1975 film That Lady from Peking, a crime drama directed by Eddie Davis. In 1999, he appeared in the TV movie Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story, which starred Judd Nelson as Freed. Rydell also appeared as himself on The Facts of Life in 1987 and again in the 2016 film The Comedian.
Bobby Rydell Shined in Bye Bye Birdie
Rydell's most notable acting role was for the hit 1963 movie Bye Bye Birdie. Directed by George Sidney and written by Irving Brecher, the film is adapted from the original musical by Michael Stewart. Inspired by the story of Elvis Presley joining the U.S. Army in the 1950s, Bye Bye Birdie follows teen idol Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson) getting a draft notice. Rydell is featured prominently in the movie as Hugo Peabody, the high school sweetheart of Ann-Margret's Kim MacAfee. Many other notable stars of the era are featured in the film, including Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ed Sullivan, and Maureen Stapleton.
Fans of Rydell's music will never forget his classic songs, which include popular hits like "Wildwood Days," "Volare," "Swinging School," "Wild One," "I've Got Bonnie," "The Cha-Cha-Cha," and "Forget Him," among many others. A lifelong performer, Rydell had still been active as a singer before his passing. He was scheduled to perform at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City in June.
Many of Rydell's friends are paying tribute. Actor Joe Piscopo tweeted an image of himself with the singer and wrote, "So sad to report that my pal, the legendary #BobbyRydell just passed away at 79 yrs. young. Rest In Peace, my dear friend."
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bobby Rydell, a good friend and one of my idols. He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his family," a similar tribute post from Tommy James of Tommy James and the Shondells stated.
Rydell will certainly be missed by many with so many fans across the world, and our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time. May Bobby Rydell rest in peace as his legacy lives on forever.