Kevin Bacon will return to high school where he filmed “Footloose ”for prom: 'Let's dance!'
His announcement comes after students urged him to attend their school’s final prom before it moves locations this year.
Forty years after bouncing through its hallways while shooting Footloose, Kevin Bacon will return to Payson High School for an extra-special event.
The actor, who starred as Ren McCormack in the beloved 1984 film, surprised an entire gymnasium full of students there on Friday’s episode of Today by announcing over a video call that he will grace their prom next month. The sweet gesture comes after students urged Bacon online to attend their school’s final prom before it moves locations at the end of the year.
“What’s going on, Payson High School?! How are you guys doing?” Bacon asked as the Utah crowd — filled with teens dressed in bacon costumes and waving huge cutouts of his head — cheered in excitement. “I’ve been so impressed with everything that’s been going on there with this crazy idea to get me to come back.”
Over the past year, the students of Payson High School have been asking Bacon to attend their big dance by recreating scenes from Footloose, performing its iconic choreography and using the hashtag #BaconToPayson on social media. They also plan to host an event, with its proceeds going to Bacon’s Six Degrees charity — on prom day, no less.
Bacon told the students that both Footloose and Payson High School were “a big part of my life."
“I’ve been amazed at the work that all of you have been putting into this, with the musical and the flash mobs and the recreations, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by me,” he said. “Not to mention the fact that you’ve tied in SixDegrees.org, our foundation, and are trying to figure out ways to give back to your community. It’s really inspirational.”
"So, thank you, thank you," he continued, "and I’m gonna come. I’ve gotta come!”
Bacon could be seen smiling as the crowd roared with excitement — so much so that the gymnasium floor began to shake. “Thank you, guys!” he said. “Let’s dance!”
Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
Kevin Bacon in 'Footloose'Before ending the call, Bacon marveled at how much time has passed since Footloose was released with theToday hosts. "I can't believe it's been 40 years," he said, "but what are you gonna do?"
Footloose, which was filmed at Payson High School, followed new kid Ren on his quest to throw a senior prom in a town where dancing had been banned. Now all that's left to do is for Bacon to get a tux, kick off his Sunday shoes, and cut footloose once again.
Watch Bacon accept Payton's prom invitation in the clip above.
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