See the Cast of 'Grease' Then and Now

They go together, remembered forever!

Grease has been the word for over 40 years.

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John hand jived their way into hearts as Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson in the original Grease movie, which was released in June of 1978.

Related: Where to Watch Grease for Free and How to Stream the Olivia Newton-John Classic

The beloved musical film told the story of the Rydell High lovebirds and their friends in the Pink Ladies and T-BirdsWith Paramount+ taking Grease fans back to Sandy and Danny's alma mater in the prequel series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Parade is looking back at the stars of the hit movie who went together like ra-ma la-ma la-ma ka ding-a da ding-a dong.

Related: Test Your Grease Knowledge!

<p><strong><a href="https://parade.com/tag/john-travolta" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:John Travolta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">John Travolta</a> </strong>won the hearts of just about everyone on the planet as Danny Zuko of the T-Birds.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1413981379" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>John Travolta remains a beloved Hollywood figure, though his signature Danny Zuko greased coif is but a memory now.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1248109214" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:PATRICK T. FALLON/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">PATRICK T. FALLON/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://parade.com/entertainment/olivia-newton-john-songs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Olivia Newton-John;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Olivia Newton-John</a> </strong>starred as the original good girl gone bad, Sandy Olsson.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1413981567" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Sadly, Olivia Newton-John <a href="https://parade.com/news/olivia-newton-john-dead-at-73-grease" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:died in August 2022 at age 73;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">died in August 2022 at age 73</a> following a lengthy battle with cancer.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1304118250" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:G'Day USA/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">G'Day USA/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Jeff Conaway </strong>was the baddest boy at Rydell High as T-Birds stalwart Kenickie.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257916" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>

Jeff Conaway was the baddest boy at Rydell High as T-Birds stalwart Kenickie.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

<p>Jeff Conaway battled addiction for years, appearing on <em>Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew </em>in 2008. He <a href="https://parade.com/118772/parade/jeff-conoway-remembered-by-co-stars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:passed away;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">passed away</a> in 2011.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/95902822" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Michael Bezjian/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Michael Bezjian/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Playing Pink Ladies leader Betty Rizzo, <strong>Stockard Channing </strong>delivered two of <em>Grease</em>'s most memorable songs with "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" and "There Are Worse Things I Could Do."</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257937" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Stockard Channing won a Tony for Best Actress in a Play in 1985 for <em>A Day in the Death of Joe Egg. </em>She has since starred in <em>The West Wing </em>(winning an Emmy) and <em>The Good Wife</em>.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1247232213" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:David M. Benett/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">David M. Benett/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Barry Pearl </strong>was incredibly endearing as the T-Birds' token goofball Doody.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257896" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>

Barry Pearl was incredibly endearing as the T-Birds' token goofball Doody.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

<p> Barry Pearl had a cameo as Mr. Weaver in the 2016 <em>Grease: Live</em> television special. He's guest-starred in a slew of TV shows, including <em>House</em>, <em>Miss Match </em>and <em>Baywatch</em>.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1464373704" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Variety/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Variety/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong> Didi Conn </strong>starred as the <a href="https://parade.com/947443/parade/best-friend-quotes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:best friend;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">best friend</a> we all wished we had, Frenchyā€”the coolest beauty school dropout there is. (We'd kill for that pink hair today!)</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257891" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Didi Conn was one of the few <em>Grease </em>castmembers to return for <em>Grease 2</em>. She went on to star in <em>Benson </em>and <em>Shining Time Station</em>. She also made a cameo as Vi in the 2016 televised <em>Grease: Live </em>special.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1083449742" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:SOPA Images/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">SOPA Images/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Michael Tucci </strong>starred as T-Birds member Sonny, possibly the oldest-looking high schooler short of <strong>Ben Platt</strong> in <em>Dear Evan Hansen</em>.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257938" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Since <em>Grease</em>, Michael Tucci starred in numerous Broadway productions, as well as <em>Diagnosis: Murder</em>, <em>Flying Blind</em>, <em>It's Gary Shandling's Show</em>, <em>Blow</em> and <em>The Heat</em>. He also served as a theatre coach and drama teacher. </p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1418634003" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Michael Kovac/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Michael Kovac/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Kelly Ward </strong>starred as Putzie, the only blond T-Bird and paramour to Jan.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257817" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>

Kelly Ward starred as Putzie, the only blond T-Bird and paramour to Jan.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

<p>Kelly Ward stepped behind the cameras in 1983 and became a voice director for Disney Animation as well as a screenwriter.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1019718376" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bobby Bank/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bobby Bank/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Frankie Avalon </strong>was already iconic in his generation and became even more so thanks to his memorable "Beauty School Dropout" as Teen Angel in <em>Grease</em>.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257894" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Frankie Avalon is still performing today.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1243087982" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bobby Bank/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bobby Bank/Getty Images</a></p>

Frankie Avalon is still performing today.

Bobby Bank/Getty Images

<p>Comedian <strong>Sid Caesar </strong>played gym teacher Coach Calhoun in <em>Grease</em> and tried whipping Danny Zuko into shape.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257879" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Sid Caesar appeared in <em>Grease 2 </em>and worked with <strong>Mel Brooks </strong>in <em>History of the World Part I </em>and appeared in several specials. He wrote two books before his death at age 91 in 2014.</p><p>Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic</p>

Sid Caesar appeared in Grease 2 and worked with Mel Brooks in History of the World Part I and appeared in several specials. He wrote two books before his death at age 91 in 2014.

Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic

<p><strong>Dinah Manoff </strong>had a small but oh-so-memorable part as Mraty Maraschino ("like the cherry") in <em>Grease</em>.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257940" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Dinah Manoff won a Tony in 1982 for <em>I Ought to Be in Pictures</em> and played Maggie Peterson in the original <em>Child's Play </em>in 1988. She starred in <em>The <a href="https://parade.com/1052155/jessicasager/golden-girls-facts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Golden Girls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Golden Girls</a> </em>spinoff <em>Empty Nest </em>and has made numerous TV appearances since.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/82622026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong> Susan Buckner </strong>got bullied as the nerdy cheerleader Patty Simcox, who was quick to befriend Sandy.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257834" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Susan Buckner appeared in some films (including <strong>Wes Craven</strong>'s <em>Deadly Blessing</em>) and TV series following <em>Grease</em>, but has largely stayed out of the limelight.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/952647904" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bobby Bank/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bobby Bank/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Annette Charles </strong>starred as Charlene "Cha-Cha" DiGregorio, also known as the best dancer "with the worst reputation."</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257931" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Annette Charles had small guest roles in TV following the <a href="https://parade.com/living/success-quotes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:success;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">success</a> of <em>Grease</em>. She got her master's in social work and became a speech communication professor at California State Northridge. Sadly, she died from lung cancer in 2011.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/135869623" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Lorenzo Lamas </strong>starred as football player Tom Chisum, whose brains Danny Zuko said were "in his biceps."</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257857" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Lorenzo Lamas went on to star in <em>Falcon Crest</em>, <em>Renegade, Big Time Rush</em> and the reality series <em>Leave It to Lamas</em>. He was also a judge on the blissfully short-lived competition show <em>Are You Hot?</em>.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1244476034" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gilbert Flores/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Gilbert Flores/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong> Jamie Donnelly </strong>starred as Jan, the adorably ever-hungry Pink Lady.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257936" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>

Jamie Donnelly starred as Jan, the adorably ever-hungry Pink Lady.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

<p>Jamie Donnelly has acted in bit parts and guest roles and served as an acting coach in La Canada, California.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1019718182" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bobby Bank/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bobby Bank/Getty Images</a></p>

Jamie Donnelly has acted in bit parts and guest roles and served as an acting coach in La Canada, California.

Bobby Bank/Getty Images

<p><strong>Eddie Deezen </strong>played the mercilessly bullied nerd Eugene Felsnic in <em>Grease</em>. It was his first acting role ever!</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257818" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Eddie Deezen reprised the role of Eugene in <em>Grease 2</em>. He appeared in TV and independent film roles before transitioning to voice acting. He retired from performing in 2016.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/952647950" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bobby Bank/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bobby Bank/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Alice Ghostley </strong>played the beloved Rydell High shop teacher Mrs. Murdock.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257914" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>

Alice Ghostley played the beloved Rydell High shop teacher Mrs. Murdock.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

<p>Alice Ghostley, seen here with Mel Brooks, continued acting in film and television, most famously as Bernice in <em>Designing Women</em>. She died in <a href="https://parade.com/living/september-holidays-observances" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:September;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">September</a> 2007 at age 84.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/115393964" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Jim Smeal/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Jim Smeal/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong> Edd Byrnes</strong> broke hearts as <em>National Bandstand</em> host Vince Fontaine, a sendup of <strong>Dick Clark </strong>and <em>American Bandstand</em>.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/130589043" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Paramount Pictures/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Paramount Pictures/Getty Images</a></p>
<p>Edd Byrnes continued acting post-<em>Grease </em>with roles in <em>The Love Boat</em>; <em>CHiPS</em>; <em>Charlie's Angels</em>; <em>Fantasy Island</em>; <em>Murder, She Wrote</em>; <em>Mr. Belvidere</em>; and <em>Empty Nest</em>, among others. He died in <a href="https://parade.com/living/january-holidays-observances" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:January;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">January</a> 2020 at age 87. </p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/952647938" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bobby Bank/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bobby Bank/Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong> Eve Arden</strong> starred as the ever-exhausted Rydell High School Principal McGee.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1189257825" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images</a></p>

Eve Arden starred as the ever-exhausted Rydell High School Principal McGee.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

<p>Eve Arden brought back her deadpan stylings as Principal McGee for <em>Grease 2</em>. She appeared in <em>Hart to Hart</em> and <em>Falcon Crest</em>, among other TV projects, following <em>Grease</em>. Arden died in <a href="https://parade.com/living/november-holidays-observances" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:November;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">November</a> 1990 at age 82.</p><p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/151983865" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ron Galella/Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ron Galella/Getty Images</a></p>

Next, find out everything to know about the Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies series.