Fun Facts About the Movie “Grease”.

“Grease” was released 45 years ago on June 16, 1978. And there are some fun facts about the movie “Grease” you never knew!

First fun fact: My mother took me to see “Grease” in the summer of 78 and I absolutely LOVED IT. My mother had another reaction.

After the movie, we got into her little red Maverick, slammed the door and looked at me.

“I hated that movie!” she said. “A GIRL SHOULD NEVER CHANGE FOR A BOY.”

Message received.

But I still loved it. I unfortunately wanted the exact outfit Olivia Newton John wore during the “You Better Shape Up” scene. I was six. It’s not a good look on a six year old. I DID manage to get Grease sandals. I think I turned my ankle 10 times in those suckers.

Here’s the thing: “Grease” is, hands down, one of the best movies ever, and trust me, everyone should experience its pure awesomeness.

Drive-ins, jukeboxes, and slicked-back hair. Fun Facts About the Movie “Grease”.

“Grease” brings back the retro charm in full force, whisking you away to a time when the twist was the hottest dance move in town.

The Gang That Makes You Go “Wow!”

Meet Danny Zuko, the smooth-talking greaser with moves that could make Elvis jealous, and Sandy Olsson, the Aussie cutie with a heart of gold. Their summer fling and unexpected reunion at Rydell High will have you rooting for their love story like a cheerleader on caffeine. And let’s not forget the hilarious Pink Ladies and their slick counterparts, the T-Birds.

Soundtrack that Sticks Like Bubblegum

From the moment John Travolta belts out “Summer Nights,” you’ll find yourself bopping your head and singing along louder than a car alarm. “You’re the One That I Want” and “Greased Lightnin'” will have you dancing like no one’s watching. (And no one should watch.)

Laughs and Life Lessons

“Grease” isn’t just about catchy tunes and slick moves; it’s got heart too. It teaches us about friendship, acceptance, and the wacky challenges of growing up.

If you haven’t watched “Grease” yet, it’s high time you grabbed a tub of popcorn, turned up the volume, and let this fabulous time capsule whisk you away.

Remember, when it comes to “Grease,” the only question is, “Tell me more, tell me more!”

Here are 13 fun facts about the movie Grease:

• 1. Elvis an Angel?

  According to a 2016 Vanity Fair article, Elvis Presley was reportedly up for the role of the Teen Angel, which eventually went to “Beach Party” star Frankie Avalon.

• 2. Speaking of Elvis...this is WEIRD

  During the film’s sleepover scene, Rizzo sings the song and does a little pelvis shake next to a picture of the musician during the line, “Elvis, Elvis, let me be. Keep that pelvis far from me.” Presley died on August 16, 1977, the same day the sleepover scene was shot.

• 3. The Fonz as Danny?

  “Barry” star Henry Winkler was originally offered the role of Danny Zuko, but he turned it down out of fear of being typecast.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO_sP6ioQYU

• 4. Travolta Stole a Song!

  “Greased Lightning” was originally Kenickie’s song.But Travolta wanted the song for himself and his character, Danny. “I have to be completely honest with you,” Travolta told Vanity Fair in 2016. “I wanted the number. And because I had clout, I could get the number.”

• 5. Hickey Hilarity: The Unexpected On-Set Shenanigans of 'Grease' Exposed

  One of the film’s DVD extras revealed that actor Conaway actually gave Channing, his on-screen love interest, hickeys during filming.

• 6. Lights, Camera, Carnival

  According to Yahoo, the producer rented a fully operational carnival with real rides and everything.

  “It was just a big party,” Michael Tucci, who played Sonny, told the publication in 2018. “It was like we weren’t even shooting a movie; they were just shooting this wonderful experience. And we went on all the rides. I bought Eve Arden a lot of cotton candy.”

• 7. School Dance Inferno

  The school dance took two weeks to film, and temperatures topped 100 degrees in the windowless gym. A couple extras even came down with heat-related illnesses. And actor Michael Tucci, who played T-Bird Sonny LaTierri, fainted and had to be taken to the E.R.

• 8. Sewing Sandy In!

  In true Hollywood fashion, the costume crew refused to let a broken zipper spoil the magic. Determined to make the scene flawless, they came up with an ingenious solution: sewing Olivia Newton-John into those tight-fitting pants. Yes, you heard it right! The crew stitched Sandy’s costume onto the actress to ensure a seamless fit and a flawless performance.

• 9. Princess Sandy?

  Director Randal Kleiser roomed with George Lucas in college and watched dailies of Star Wars to see if Carrie could be a fit.

• 10. Marie Osmond Almost Got the Role!

  The wholesome singer definitely suited the role, but Osmond, who was raised Mormon, objected to Sandy’s bad girl transformation so she declined.

• 11. Dinner Party Destiny

  Carr picked country-singer Olivia Newton-John for the part after sitting across from her at a dinner party. The Melbourne native couldn’t do an American accent, so they rewrote the part and changed Sandy’s last name from “Dumbrowski” to “Olsson.”

• 12. Passing the "Crow's-Feet Test":

  Newton-John worried about the seven-year age gap between her and costar John Travolta, but the 29-year-old wasn’t the oldest member of the cast. Stockard Channing was 33, and another Pink Lady, Jamie Donnelly (who played Jan), had premature gray hair. They both passed the “crow’s-feet test” during auditions, though, and cinematographer Bill Butler used soft lenses to turn back the clock.

• 13. Last-Minute Musical Masterstrokes

  Producers added four tunes at the last minute: “Grease,” “Sandy,” “You’re the One That I Want,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Newton-John’s big ballad actually came after filming wrapped — and ended up receiving an Oscar nom.

Sign Up For The 105.7 WROR Dude Looks Like A Newsletter!

Get music and entertainment stories you don't want to miss, the download on local happenings, plus exclusive contests, games, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.