They were the subject of persistent romance rumors after they steamed up screens in 1978's “Grease.” But Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta never got physical while filming the movie musical, and instead went on to share a 44-year friendship that remained strictly platonic.
Did Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta like each other?
Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta were friends for more than four decades before she passed away at the age of 73. The actress and the Welcome Back, Kotter alum hit it off on the set of Grease, which hit theaters in 1978, portraying unlikely couple Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson.
How did John Travolta feel when Olivia Newton-John died?
"My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better," Travolta wrote in a post that included a photo of Newton-John. "Your impact was incredible. Love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again.
Though the actors stayed in character as Sandy and Danny on set, their romance was limited to the script. In her autobiography, Newton-John recalls having a mutual "attraction" with Travolta but explains that they were both committed to other people.
What is the age difference between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John?
Travolta was 22 years old during the filming of 'Grease' and Newton-John was 28 at the time the movie was being made. The soundtrack to the movie included hits that Newton-John performed like 'Hopelessly Devoted to You', 'You're the One That I Want' and 'Summer Nights.
How Olivia Newton-John Found Love At 60 Years Old | Rumour Juice
Who was the oldest cast member in Grease?
The late Olivia Newton-John, who costarred as Sandy, was 29 at the time Grease was filmed; Stockard Channing, who played Rizzo, was the principal cast's oldest member at 33 during filming, according to a 2016 Vanity Fair article about the production.
In a recently published oral history of Grease, Thurm, 80, has admitted the reason why a decision to cast older actors was made. “People might say the cast is too old, but Grease is not a documentary; it's a fantasy,” he told The Guardian. “It's a non-PC fairytale that is better for the cast not being teens.
Did Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta date in real life? Despite numerous rumours to the contrary – and some steamy pictures of the pair kissing at a party in 1978 (below) – there has been no romance between the two stars.
"There was a lot of press speculation about whether they were romantically involved or not. But Olivia insisted, and always said, that Andy was one of her dearest friends. And even when Andy was alive, he would say the same thing about her. Some people have speculated on whether they were more than friends.
But there was one famous face missing from the stellar line-up – Olivia's Grease co-star John Travolta, who was a no-show despite reports that he was on the list of attendees.
John Travolta introduced the segment, paying tribute to his late Grease costar Olivia Newton-John, who died in August at 73. "In this industry, we have the rare luxury of getting to do what we love for a living, and sometimes getting to do it with people that we come to love," Travolta, 69, said.
Travolta reacted to news of her passing with a throwback photo of Newton-John and a heartfelt message signed 'Your Danny,' referencing his Grease character who fell in love with her Sandy. 'My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.
The film is also notable for having Danny (played by John Travolta, who had already had top-40 hits before Grease) sing lead on the song, while Kenickie (Jeff Conaway) contributed with a few call-and-response lines.
Kirstie Alley Said More Than Once That John Travolta Was The Love Of Her Life. Kirstie Alley and John Travolta at the "Look Who's Talking" premiere in 1989. It seems one of Kirstie Alley's biggest regrets was that she never dated John Travolta.
Leo's girlfriend, Charlene "Cha-Cha" DiGregorio, is also 17 or 18 in the movie. Cha-Cha is a student at a different school in town, St. Bernadette's. She says in the movie, "They call me Cha-Cha because I'm the best dancer at St.
Did Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John have a relationship?
Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John were great friends and working partners since the '70s. The pair grew up together in the spotlight and with their Australian backgrounds in common, it's unsurprising the duo were so close over the decades.
What did Barry Gibb say about Olivia Newton-John's death?
Barry, 75, accompanied his statement about the star with a photo of the pair singing together at a UNICEF gig in 1979. Taking to his official Instagram account, Barry said: "I'm devastated by the loss of my dearest friend Olivia Newton-John.
In addition to giving stellar performances, the stars of the film had palpable chemistry and a lifelong bond. Newton-John, who died in August 2022 after a battle with breast cancer, had maintained a friendship with Travolta from their “Grease” days until her passing.
Grease was shot in various locations across the Los Angeles area, from the lively South Bay to the charming Silverlake neighborhood. Much of the production was filmed on-site, including exterior shots of Rydell High, taken at Venice High School, Huntington Park High School, and John Marshall High School.
How old was John Travolta when he recorded Grease?
Travolta was already famous by the time Grease was released, as his breakthrough hit Saturday Night Fever came out in 1977. John Travolta was 23 years old when he filmed the part of 18-year-old Danny Zuko.
New PEOPLE Special Edition: Olivia Newton-John on Why She Initially Turned Down 'Grease' Newton-John hadn't wanted to play high schooler Sandy, telling producers: “I'm not American, I can't do an American accent. I'm 29, how can be 18?" Read what changed her mind in an excerpt from PEOPLE's new tribute issue.
Casting Sandy would prove trickier. Director Randal Kleiser saw rushes from a new film his old college buddy George Lucas was making, titled Star Wars, to see if its female lead, Carrie Fisher, could be a fit. She wasn't. Marie Osmond (left) and Carrie Fisher (right) were both considered for Olivia Newton-John's Sandy.
Henry Winkler missed out on some serious greased lightning in a bottle. In an interview with CNN's Chris Wallace that aired over the weekend, the 77-year-old actor said he was offered the role of Danny Zuko in 1978's musical film Grease, which would go on to help cement John Travolta's icon status in Hollywood.
