(Reuters) – Bobby Rydell was a rock n’ roll singer and actor. He was a teenage idol who starred as the lead in “Bye Bye Birdie”, and had dozens of hit songs. Rydell’s website stated that he died in Pennsylvania. He was aged 79.

Rydell succumbed to non-Covid-19 associated pneumonia complications on Tuesday at Abington’s hospital, according to his statement.

Rydell was a performer and entertainer who rose to stardom on Paul Whiteman’s 1950 television program “Teen Club”. He became a star when his 1959 hit “Kissin’ time” landed on Billboard’s Hot 100 Hits. According to the statement, he sold over 25 million albums and was awarded 34 of his top 100 hits.

Rydell’s film debut was in 1963’s hit musical, Bye Bye Birdie. Later, he starred in many movies and television shows.

Rydell appeared on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” several times and was named high school in “Grease”, a classic 1950’s musical about a teen’s love story.

Rydell was born Robert Louis Ridarelli in Philadelphia, April 26, 1942.

Rydell and Frankie Avalon from Philadelphia, Fabian, founded The Golden Boys. The group performed for over a decade.

Rydell’s biography “Teen Idol on the rocks: A tale of second chances” describes his struggles with depression and alcohol following the loss of his first wife. He also details his experience after a 2012 double organ transplant.