Musicals comprise an enormous part of cinema history and a massive part of our everyday viewing habits. Whether we are tuning in to the newestMatildareboot or indulging in classics likeGene Kelly’sSingin' in the Rain, the singalong nature of these movies makes them like no other. That is why certain movie musicals are forever engrained in our minds, with one of the most widely celebrated to this day being the 1978 filmGrease.
Originally based on a stage musical of the same name,Greasecaptured the hearts of a generation of moviegoers and subsequent generations. The music, the setting, and the love story all help makeGreasethe success it still is today, but perhaps it is the ensemble cast that is why we come back as an audience time and time again. So, withGreaseabout to celebrate its 45th anniversary and with a re-release of the movie in theaters scheduled, here is a breakdown of that beloved original cast of characters and exactly where the actors are now after all these years.
Related:‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’ Review: A Prequel Series That Puts on a Show With a Powerful Message
John Travolta As Danny Zuko
Danny is the handsome, sought-after romantic male lead. Yearning to rekindle his summer lovin' with Sandy, he spends the narrative trying to win her back without damaging his ego. A true heartthrob, his swagger and over-confidence get him into trouble, but he is still desperately lovable, a trait that actorJohn Travoltacould only pull off.
After starring inSaturday Night FeverandGrease, Travolta made a name for himself as the perfect musical male lead and attracted much attention. However, the demand for movie musicals lessened slightly during the 80s, much like Travolta’s career. However, a resurgence in the decade following would bring him back as a household name. He began to star in well-loved non-musical movies, such asFace/OffandPulp Fiction. The latter is arguably his most impressive role to date, including a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. In 2007, he returned to mainstream musical attention with his portrayal of Edna Turnblad inHairspray, which felt fitting considering his off-screen music career, including nine album releases. Travolta has unfortunately not been seen on screen since the passing of his wife, Kelly Preston, in 2020, so the re-release ofGreasewill provide many with the long-awaited return of Travolta to theaters.
Olivia Newton-John As Sandy Olsson
The perfect contrast to Danny’s lovable rogue, Sandy is a kind-hearted do-gooder who falls for the seemingly equivalent Zuko during the summer holidays. After transferring to the same school as him, she realizes he wasn’t quite the boy she had met previously, at least not on the outside. Sandy is well-mannered and sweet when we first meet her, but by the movie’s end, her character arc has curved drastically to round off one of cinema’s most famous on-screen couples.
Olivia Newton-John’s portrayal of Sandy still undoubtedly stands as her most famous role to date, with the character forever etched into the annals of cinema history. She was an activist, actress, and singer-songwriter, with the latter making up most of her career. She is one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. In later years, Newton-John toured concerts, often singing the hits fromGrease. Sadly in 2022, despite only just hitting number 1 in the iTunes charts with her latest single the year prior, Olivia Newton-John passed away at the age of 73. The world of film and music had truly lost a great, and perhaps the re-release ofGreaseinto theaters will offer many the chance to pay their respects.
Jeff Conaway As Kenickie
Kenickie, one of the members of the T-birds and a great friend of Danny Zuko is one of the most fondly remembered characters inGrease. Kenickie has his own ‘will-they/won’t-they’ relationship with Rizzo. The two characters tease many moments throughout the narrative, finally causing every audience member to call for their love to blossom desperately.
Interestingly, actorJeff Conawayplayed the role of Danny Zuko in the original stage musicalGrease, with John Travolta playing a supporting role instead. By the time the film was cast, Conaway was Kenickie, which was a blessing in disguise as many would not be able to imagine anyone else in the role. Outside ofGrease, Conaway succeeded in shows such asHappy DaysandTaxi, leading to two back-to-back nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the 1978 and 1979 Golden Globes, respectively. Unfortunately, Conaway passed away in 2011, making this re-release ofGreasea great time to pay tribute to the man.
Stockard Channing As Rizzo
The on-screen lover of Kenickie, Rizzo is the leader of the Pink Ladies and the woman who catalyzes Sandy’s famous character change. Rizzo is also a character with many memorable musical numbers in the film, with tunes such as “There are worse things I could do” and “Look at me, I’m Sandra-Dee,” some of the most beloved songs in the movie.Stockard Channingplays the role to perfection, finding the nuance between her feisty exterior and fragile interior. Aside fromGrease, she is well-known for portraying First Lady Abbey inThe West Wingand Ouisa Kittredge, a role she originated inSix Degrees of Separation. The part of Ouisa would land her a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. She has spent most of her latter years on the stage, with her most recent role as the lead ofApologiain 2018. So for fans of Channing who haven’t seen her face on the big screen for many years, this re-release is a wonderful opportunity to fix that.
Didi Conn As Frenchy
The wonderfully sweet Frenchy takes the frightened Sandy under her wing and cares for her in her first days at Rydell High. However, her dream is to enter beauty school, leading her to leave Rydell and pursue that goal. This, famously, leads to one of the film’s most celebrated musical numbers and certainly Frenchy’s highlight as a character. A standout favorite ofGreasefans, the role wouldn’t be the same withoutDidi Conn’s bubbly portrayal, which makes up one of many on-screen roles for the actress. Her career makes for long reading, with over 50 on-screen credits spanning six decades. Her attention to detail as an actress is admired, with beloved roles such as Denise inBensonand Stacy inShining Time Station. Her most recent on-screen appearance was in 2022 as Mrs. Devlin inBlue Bloods, although fans will be desperate once again to see her with her famous pink hair in theaters.
Of course, there are many other incredible performances inGrease, with the likes ofBarry Pearlas Doody,Dinah Manoffas Marty, andEve Ardenas Principal McGee all part of the excellent ensemble cast. There are far too many to mention in detail, but this collection of adored roles makes the 45th anniversary ofGreaseone to be rightfully celebrated and the re-release into theaters not to be missed.
