The iconic pairing of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John for the film adaptation of the beloved musical was not a straightforward decision, particularly when considering the original roles that were first brought to life on Broadway in 1972 by Barry Bostwick and Carole Demas. The chemistry and charisma that these two actors ultimately displayed were not the initial consensus during the casting process.
As John Travolta reminisced in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, several notable names like Linda Ronstadt and Marie Osmond were in contention to portray the character of Sandy. Travolta passionately expressed his belief, stating, “They’re wonderful, but every guy in the world wants Olivia Newton-John as their girlfriend.” His insight reflected the widespread admiration for Newton-John and his own strong feelings, asserting, “If you don’t see this, you guys are nuts.” This conviction played a significant role in securing her casting.
Other prominent actresses such as Carrie Fisher, Bye Bye Birdie star Ann-Margret, and The Partridge Family‘s Susan Dey were also considered for the role of Sandy, highlighting the competitive landscape of talent available at the time. Each of these actresses brought their unique appeal to the table, making the casting decision even more challenging.
When the esteemed producer Allan Carr suggested Olivia Newton-John for the role, she was initially hesitant to accept the offer. However, once she agreed to take on the role, the character of Sandy was modified to reflect an Australian background, aligning with Newton-John’s roots. This strategic change added an extra layer of authenticity to her performance.
Reflecting on her decision to step into the film world, the iconic singer of “Physical” shared her concerns with Vanity Fair in 2016, stating, “I was very anxious about making another film, because my music career was going well, and I did not want to mess it up by doing another movie that wasn’t good.” Her apprehension underscores the high stakes associated with transitioning from a successful music career to acting, particularly in a project as beloved as Grease.
