News Bobby Rydell, ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ star and 1950s teen idol, dies at 79 from pneumonia complications April 5, 2022April 6, 2022Charles Trepany, USA TODAYComments Off on Bobby Rydell, ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ star and 1950s teen idol, dies at 79 from pneumonia complications Bobby Rydell, a 1950s teen idol who starred in the hit musical film "Bye Bye Birdie," has died. He was 79. Rydell died from pneumonia complications.