The Cast of ‘Grease’ Shares Memories for Film’s 40th Anniversary: “It Was Like a Party Every Day” (EXCLUSIVE)

In an exclusive cover story, Closer Weekly celebrates the 40th anniversary of the beloved hit Grease — filled with exclusive interviews from the musical cast who share never-before-heard memories of filming and explain why they’ll always be connected to one another. “Can you believe it,” John Travolta marvels to Closer about Grease reaching this milestone. “It’s the movie that lasts forever!”

The film adaptation of the stage musical premiered on June 16, 1978, and it’s been a fan favorite ever since. “We didn’t have any great expectation and then 40 years later, it’s still going,” says Olivia Newton-John, who played transfer student Sandy. (In honor of the 40th anniversary of Grease, June 16 will mark the release date of Paramount’s Blu-ray release!)

“It was like a party every day. A lot of the actors had been in Grease on Broadway and they were so excited to be part of it, and that permeated the set,” director Randal Kleiser tells Closer. “Grease is about firsts — first car, first love, first breakup. It had kind of sexy, terrific energy. The Grease spirit is all about heart, and love, and friendship, and grease. Grease the hair, and grease the wheels of our friendship, which we’ve done over 40 years,” Didi Conn, who played Frenchie, tells Closer.

Now cast members exclusively share their memories with Closer. “As Rizzo said: ‘It sounds like ancient history.’ But Grease will never be ancient history,” says Jamie Donnelly, who played Pink Lady Jan. “I’m convinced the popularity never really will wane, so I guess I just feel like saying, woo bop ba loo bop, here we go again!”

For more on Grease, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!