Grease Cast Then and Now: Stars of iconic 1978 musical rom-com through the years
The 1978 musical rom-com became an instant blockbuster and it's cast hit superstardom
The leather jackets, the school rivalries, and those unforgettable "summer nights" all belong to a bygone era. Grease, which premiered on June 16, 1978, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Remarkably, its influence on pop culture remains as vibrant today as it was on that initial release day. Let's journey back in time to appreciate the luminous stars who immortalized beauty school dropouts and summer romances, and to applaud the timeless songs that continue to resonate with generations of high school students.
John Travolta as Danny Zuko
Following his captivating performance in Grease, John Travolta went on to do impressive filmography includes notable hits such as 'Urban Cowboy' (1980), 'Look Who's Talking' (1989), 'Pulp Fiction' (1994), 'Get Shorty' (1995), 'Face/Off' (1995), 'Hairspray' (2007), and many more. Although he experienced a brief career downturn in the 1980s, Travolta made a remarkable comeback and secured his second Academy Award nomination for his role in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 masterpiece, 'Pulp Fiction'. Recently, Travolta earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Robert Shapiro in 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story' (2016). He also took on the role of the titular character in 'Gotti', (2018) a film. After the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Kelly Preston, in July 2020, John Travolta announced a pause in his career through a social media post.
Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson
The late Olivia Newton-John’s portrayal of Sandy garnered her huge critical acclaim. She was a four-time Grammy Award winner with an impressive 12 nominations, and received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in 'Grease.' Her performance of the Academy Award-nominated song 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' at the 1979 Oscars remains a memorable highlight. Following her successful stint in 'Grease,' Newton-John ventured further into the music scene, releasing one of her most triumphant studio albums in 1981 — 'Physical'. However, her career was disrupted when she was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly before her 1994 'Gaia: One Woman's Journey' album release. Tragically, in 2013, her cancer resurfaced, and after a period of relative seclusion, she died in August 2022 with her husband confirming the sad news.
Jeff Coneaway as Kenickie
Following his notable role in 'Grease', Jeff Conaway transitioned to the realm of television, featuring prominently in series like 'Happy Days' and 'Taxi'. However, Conaway's tenure on ‘Taxi' concluded after the completion of the third season, driven by mounting health issues. Throughout his life, Conaway grappled with a longstanding substance abuse problem, which led him to participate in two seasons of the reality show ‘Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew’ in a bid to address his addiction issues. Sadly, Conaway died in 2011, as he succumbed to multiple causes, including pneumonia. His legacy continues to live on through his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Stockard Channing as Rizzo
Stockard Channing continued to embody resilient and empowered female roles long after her iconic performance in 'Grease'. Her versatility was evident as she took on various characters, including a car thief in the 1976 film ‘Sweet Revenge,' a fearless stunt woman in the 1979 film 'Silent Victory,' and even the role of the First Lady in the esteemed television series 'The West Wing'. Channing’s enduring career spanned well into the 2000s. Remarkably Channing continued to pursue her passion at the age of 79, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the world of entertainment as per People.
Didi Conn as Frenchy
Didi Conn stands out as one of the very few original cast members who reprised her role, not once but twice. In 1982, she returned to her character in the sequel, 'Grease 2,' and then again in 2016 when she made a cameo appearance in Fox's 'Grease: Live’. Beyond her ‘Grease’ legacy, Conn's career included notable roles in ABC's soap-opera comedy 'Benson' and the beloved children's television show 'Shining Time Station' in 1989. On a personal note, Conn parted ways with her first husband, Frank Conn. In 1982, she married David Shire. Currency, she works as an advocate for autism after her son’s diagnosis and was named the spokesperson of Autism Speaks in 2008.
Michael Tucci as Sonny LaTierri
After his iconic role as Sonny in 'Grease', Michael Tucci transitioned into television, gracing popular shows like 'Barney Miller,' 'Night Court,' and more. He also shone on the live theater stage, starring in 'Chicago'. Later, he became a dedicated educator for 15 years, sharing his experiences with young minds at St Francis High School and UCLA. Now, at 77, Michael Tucci is back in the entertainment industry, represented by BBR across the Board, proving his unwavering commitment to his craft and his enduring love for acting.
Barry Pearl as Doody
Barry Pearl played 'Doody, one of the three supporting T-Birds, in the 1978 film version of 'Grease'. Apart from being Danny's pal at Rydell High School, the now 74-year-old actor was also Frenchy's boyfriend. Pearl, who is an actor, director, producer has gone to appear on plenty of TV shows over the years, including 'Beverly Hills', '90210', 'Baywatch', 'Criminal Minds' and more cult favorites such as 'The Munster's Revenge', 'Making of a Male Model' and 'Avenging Angel' plus appearing in 2016's 'Grease: Live'.