Jeff Conaway Planning His Funeral, Girlfriend Says

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 22nd 2010 06:22AM

As Jeff Conaway struggles to recover from a fall at his home that led to emergency hip surgery, his longtime girlfriend is saying the 'Grease' and 'Taxi' actor has sunk to new lows emotionally and is planning his own death.

"He's talking about being burned on a boat and sent out to sea like a Viking funeral. It sends chills up my spine," Vikki Lizzi told E! News. "We're all trying to save his life, and he's not listening."

She blames his addiction to prescription pain killers for his erratic behavior lately, including the fall down a staircase on Monday that reportedly resulted in a brain hemorrhage, broken hip and a fractured neck.

"I don't think he wants to die. I think it's the meds that are destroying his mind," Lizzi added. "He knows the meds are killing him. He can't get off them."

Conaway, 59, rocketed to fame in 1978 with a starring role in 'Grease' and in the same year began his 3-year run on the hit TV series, 'Taxi.' Roles dried up in the 1980s as his substance abuse problem worsened.

In 2008, he surfaced on VH1's 'Celebrity Fit Club' and later on 'Celebrity Rehab,' where he admitted to being addicted to cocaine, painkillers and alcohol.

'Rehab' guru Dr. Drew Pinsky is reportedly back to helping Conaway, and relayed this message to his Twitter followers after news broke of his injuries: "Jeff Conaway's family has asked me to thank people for the prayers and well wishes.Jeff is awake and stable awaiting surgery on his hip."

Comments

(49)

Friday 22 January

By frenchblue367

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Wow, what a shame. This guy used to be so handsome, so good-looking back in the day. Now he just looks like... Gary Busey.

By leon

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lol gary bushey I guess that is better than Danny Divito or Howard Stern.

By Brens

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OMGosh . . . Gary Busey . . . too, too funny. Thanks!!

By Bobby G

Conaway has been at high risk for long time. This hospital stint isn't going to help, since he is going to need more pain drugs after his fall and the resulting needed surgery. Good grief! Another recovery to recover from while still recovering!

By totalstranga

well its illegal to be buried at sea in the USA so good luck with that Jeffy boy. Dennis Wilson got an exemption but Conway isn't Dennis Wilson.

drugs kill

By Mike

No, it is not illegal to be buried at sea in the US. JFK Jr was buried at sea a few years ago after he was killed in a plane crash. On the other hand, VIKING funerals are probably illegal....the setting adrift of a boat, with the body atop a pile of kindling soaked with oil, and friends and family members shooting flaming arrows from the shore until they hit the boat and set it ablaze.....yeah, that would be illegal.

By Vanna

Actually I think your ashes can be tossed into the sea but it has to be from a military boat. At least that's what I heard here in NJ and in Florida. You just aren't supposed to row out there yourself and throw them over. Whereas I do have a certain degree of sympathy for Jeff I do feel he did this to himself. No one put a gun to his head and made him abuse drugs. He had a career going and his own self destructive behavior may have been the cause for his downfall. I do hope he recovers and straightens out.

By Micky

Being a military member, I've buried many people at sea. Its not illigal.
What a moron.

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Planning His Funeral

From the looks of the guy, it might not be such a bad idea.

By gmbp44

Jeff Connaway was a good looking, talented actor when he played in Grease and on TV's Taxi. What a shame he has been so troubled...and for a long time now.

Hawaiian's have a beautiful custom with many boats rowing out to sea where the deceased person's ashes are spread. Everyone sings and celebrates the life of the person. Very moving.

By jacnllij

I think I recall hearing that he had fallen during the filming of Grease-specifically during the Greased Lightening scene-he slid off the car or something and seriously injuried himself. This led to prescription drug overload during the healing process and the need for lifelong use of prescription drugs, leading to his eventual addiction to them.

By Jake

Personally, I'd always thought Jeff was bigger than his role on Taxi.
And, I think it was during his Taxi run when the situation you mentioned came to light.

By Darin

he's pathetic...Dr. Drew tried to help but this guy doesn't want help and doesn't think he needs help so if he ends up killing himself..OH well!

By pnut166

Dr. Douche only helps himself

By Terry

Bump to Mike! Don't forget to have "Immigrant Song" playing in the background while the flaming arrows are soaring thru the sky!

By 4me2knw

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I believe if you kill yourself you'll get reincarnated right back into the same sitution you were trying to leave. Will have to do it again. Maybe if he knew this it might make him think twice?

By linda

if u beleive in the bible there is noooo reincarnation this is your only chance to get it right

By judejaded

i wish the man well. life sucks the big one, doesn't it?

By jsumnersum

It really is a shame. I went to Grammar School with Jeff in Flushing, NY where we grew up. I remember him when he played on Broadway as a kid. So sorry to see him like this, maybe he can pull through. My prayers are with him.

By pacrowderholyoke

Wow, what happened to PRIVACY? sure glad his girlfriend is no friend of mine! Wonder how she'd like it if she were in his place, and someone was blabbing all kinds of personal info on her? Looks like she wants the spotlight on HER

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