Years after undergoing double organ transplant to replace a liver and a kidney, the 'Bye Bye Birdie' star took his final breath at the age of 79 with his wife by his side.
- April 6, 2022
AceShowbiz - The entertainment world bids farewell to another star yet again. Bobby Rydell, who was the early '60s teen heartthrob, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, weeks before his 80th birthday.
The "Bye Bye Birdie" star drew his last breath at Jefferson Abington Hospital in Pennsylvania, with his wife, Linda Hoffman, by his side. His death was confirmed by his marketing and event coordinator, Maria Novey.
The cause of Bobby's death was non-COVID-19-related pneumonia. Despite his previous health problems, such as the double organ transplant he underwent in 2012, the singer's passing still came as a shock.
Upon hearing the news of Bobby's passing, singer Tommy James expressed his condolences via Twitter. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bobby Rydell, a good friend and one of my idols," he wrote. "He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his family. #BoobbyRydell."
A member of Low Cut Connie, Adam Weiner, also shared a memory of Bobby. In remembrance of the late singer, he wrote on Twitter, "RIP to my pal South Philly legend Bobby Rydell. I sang with Bobby twice, both times because my dear friend Jerry Blavat, aka the Geator with the Heator, brought us together."
Adam further noted that the late singer did "the greatest version of 'Volare' ever." He concluded his tweet by showing his gratitude. "He was a fantastic singer and a true gentleman. Thanx Bobby," he wrote.
Born Robert Louis Ridarelli, Bobby started singing at the age of six. After winning Paul Whiteman’s talent contest in 1950, he changed his name to Bobby Rydell. During his heyday, he was famous for his hit songs that were on top of the chart.
In 1959, the '60s star released his first million seller hit, "We Got Love". In 1960s, he received a bigger exposure for his cover of Domenico Modugno's "Volare" and "Wildwood Days".
Following his accomplishment in the music industry, Bobby received the title heartthrob for his acting performance in the 1963's film "Bye Bye Birdie" alongside Ann-Margaret. His impact and art were so significant to the pop culture, that the high school in musical "Grease" was named Rydell High, in honor of him.
