HomeFeaturesBONJ SeriesTeen Idol Bobby Rydell Discusses Successes and Vices

Teen Idol Bobby Rydell Discusses Successes and Vices

Countless Americans have vices and obstacles that they must overcome every day. From minuscule habits to more serious concerns, very few individuals are exempt. However, many Americans often expect their most beloved idols, including celebrities, athletes and professional entertainers, to be exempt from such struggles. Unfortunately, such as in the case of Bobby Rydell, they are very wrong.

Actors, athletes and other professional performers have incredible jobs where they are able to entertain and bring joy to the masses; yet, they also possess very tight schedules in their demanding professions. Their careers are often difficult to maintain and can sometimes be bumpy roads, even when filled with success.


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Bobby Rydell Battles Back

60s teen idol, Bobby Rydell, sat down for a segment of One-on-One with Steve Adubato to talk about his iconic role in Bye Bye Birdie and how he both overcame alcoholism and rebuilt his career.

This video was made possible thanks to JFK Medical Center.
This video was made possible thanks to JFK Medical Center.

Most know Rydell for his 1960s rock and roll hits, quickly catapulting him into teenage stardom. His musical talent was noticed early in his lifetime when he was just a young child; though he continued to be a music icon into adulthood.

He enjoyed a wonderful career, but soon after his first wife died of breast cancer, Rydell succumbed to alcoholism as a means to deal with the stress. It wasn’t until he met his current wife that he was able to overcome his destructive vice and climb the ladder back up to success.

“[My wife and I are] married seven years now. Thank God—if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I’d be sitting talking with you right now,” Rydell told Adubato. “She had an intervention and that kind of, like, put me on the straight and narrow.”

To learn more about Bobby Rydell and his brand new autobiography Teen Idol on the Rocks: A Tale of Second Chances, check out this edition of One-on-One with Steve Adubato.

For more stories that impact New Jersey residents, click over to our Hot Topics in NJ series.


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