Grease was a monster hit back in the 1970s. The film, which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, was released in 1978. It was wildly successful and lovably campy. People could not resist the two stars as lovestruck 1950s teens and the great score. It included memorable songs like "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're The One That I Want." But one star balked at first when he was offered a role in the pic. Who was it and why in the world would someone not jump at the chance to be part of this legendary musical?
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Frankie Avalon Was Not Bowled Over By An Offer To Be In This Movie
Avalon had had a huge career as a singer. Now 84, he wasn't eager to portray Teen Angel in the film version of Grease. (It was originally a Broadway show.) Per Parade via ReMind Magazine, Avalon said his manager approached him and said that Paramount was eager to have him in the movie. However, when he heard that it was the role of Teen Angel that he was slated for, Avalon recalled that he said "pass."
Paramount Insisted That Avalon Take The Part
The studio would not take no for an answer. At that time, Paramount was enjoying tremendous success with 1970s films like The Godfather, Love Story, and Chinatown. A mammoth movie studio such as that packed plenty of clout. Avalon said that his manager told him that Paramount asked for a meeting with him, so he agreed.
He met with the choreographer, the director, and one of the writers. They all wondered the same thing - why did Avalon not want the role?
Avalon Thought Teen Angel Would Just Be A Riff On Elvis
He based his opinion on the play. Per the outlet, Avalon said, "I explained how I remembered the play, and it's an extension of Presley, and I love Elvis Presley, but I'm not Presley with those long sideburns, dressed in black, and so forth. And they said, 'We'll change it. We'll put you all in white and we'll do this and do your style.' I said, 'OK, let's do it.'"
He Was Also Wary Of Heights
Avalon also shared that he was fearful about being at a high level for "Beauty School Dropout." So the director, Randal Kleiser, had the idea to place mattresses down in case Avalon fell so he would be cushioned.
So with a few tweaks, movie history was made!
