One prominent cast member was glaringly absent from the LA debut of the new Paramount+ prequel TV series "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" at the Hollywood American Legion Post 43: none other than John Travolta.
According to Radar Online, his absence was due to a desire to preserve the integrity of the beloved 1978 film.
'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies'
This new series, set in 1954, is a prologue to Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson's legendary "Grease"romance. It tells the story of how a group of young girls became known as the "Pink Ladies."
An informant said that because of the loss of his co-star, Olivia Newton-John, John is extremely wary about a prospective "Grease" prequel.
Joel Thurm, the casting director for "Grease," explained it best when he stated that both actors refused anything linked to sequels or comparable ventures, knowing that they would never be able to compete with the original.
It was evident from the start that Joel and the two actors had a great connection as they brought their characters to life in the film. He told People magazine that there was evident connection between John and Olivia, which contributed to the original film's popularity.
"They felt like old friends from the moment they met, and I believe this enabled them both to perform so well onscreen," he said.
Death of Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newtown-John, who had been battling breast cancer for several years, passed away in August 2022. The news of her death stunned "Grease" fans.
A statement by Olivia's husband, John Easterling, said, "Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John After 'Grease'
Five years after their work on Grease, John and Olivia returned for the 1983 feature film "Two Of A Kind," and in 2012, they collaborated on a Christmas duet record.
Olivia's breast cancer struggle began in 1992. She was able to beat it at the time, but cancer resurfaced in 2013, and this time it had advanced to stage four.
Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, also succumbed to breast cancer in 2020.
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