FOX Pays Tribute to Vanessa Hudgens' Father; Lin-Manuel Miranda 'In Awe' of Her Performance
By: Caryn Robbins Feb. 01, 2016
Just hours before performing in the role of Rizzo in FOX's GREASE: LIVE yesterday, actress Vanessa Hudgens, revealed on Twitter that her father passed away on Saturday, from Stage 4 cancer. Ever the trouper, she tweeted to her loyal fans that she will perform last night's show in his honor.
The actress bravely sang her heart out on Sunday night's broadcast (click here to watch her musical performances), and the FOX network paid tribute to her father as the final credits began to roll with a special message. (see photo at left)
Throughout the night, Hudgens' fans took to Twitter to send their love and support to the talented actress. One such supporter, HAMILTON star and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, summed up the star's performance in a single tweet:
Imagine you had Vanessa Hudgens' day, and doing that.
What a superhero.
In total awe.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) February 1, 2016
Other celebs tweeted their amazement at Hudgens' performance as well:
@VanessaHudgens has blown me away! I cannot believe, given her circumstances, how amazing she was tonight. Wow. Beyond impressed
- Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 1, 2016
@VanessaHudgens Couldn't be more proud of and in awe of you! What you channeled tonight was magical! Your father is watching and smiling ??
- Corbin Bleu (@corbinbleu) February 1, 2016
My dear @VanessaHudgens, you were absolutely perfect on @GoGrease.. Your strength is inspiring. What a smile your father must have.
- Wilmer Valderrama (@WValderrama) February 1, 2016
But in all seriousness, bravo @VanessaHudgens for performing like that the day after your father dies. Well done you strong, brave woman.
- Sara Chase (@sara_chase) February 1, 2016
Watch Vanessa Hudgens perform 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do' from last night's GREASE: LIVE:
Hudgens recently made her Broadway debut in GIGI. She began her work in musical theater at a young age with shows such as "The Wizard of Oz," "The King and I," "The Music Man" and "Cinderella." In addition, she starred in the iconic role of "Mimi" in "Rent" at the Hollywood Bowl. She made her feature film debut in Catherine Hardwick's controversial "Thirteen." Other credits include Harmony Korine's "Spring Breakers," "Gimmie Shelter," "Sucker Punch," "Bandslam," "Beastly" and "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island." Hudgens became a worldwide household name after starring in "High School Musical" and its follow-up films.
Image courtesy of FOX
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