'Grease' Behind the Scenes: 13 Crazy Facts Sure to Surprise You

Whether you first fell in love with John Travolta's hunky character, Danny Zuko, or the innocence and radiance of the late Olivia Newton-John's alter ego, Sandy Olssen, there's no doubt Grease is one of the most iconic films in cinematic history — and although you've probably watched the movie countless times, we've discovered a plethora of juicy behind-the-scenes gossip that would shock and delight even the biggest fans.

For instance, did you know that director Randal Kleiser wasn't sure about Newton-John playing the role of Sandy? “I knew she was perfect for conservative Sandy,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald, "But I was privately worried that she wouldn’t be able to pull the transformation off. But of course, I didn’t need to worry.”

Related: Remember Patty Simcox From ‘Grease’? Today, She’s 70 and Gorgeous

Kleiser also dished on the incredible chemistry Newton-John had with John Travolta on the set of Grease behind-the-scenes. “They met for the first time during a screen test, Olivia was very nervous, and by that point, John and I were really wanting her for the part,” Kleiser recalled. “We tried so hard to make her comfortable, John treated her more like a little sister, and you could tell they had this connection from the get-go; they would laugh at jokes the rest of us weren’t in on or just share a look and understand each other; it was wonderful to watch.”

Related: Olivia Newton-John Movies and TV Shows: A Guide to the ‘Grease’ Star’s Legendary Work

(Click through to see John Travolta get emotional at the Oscars in 2023 when remembering Olivia Newton-John.)

Ready to take a nostalgic journey and learn more about what went on on the set of Grease behind the scenes? Here are some of the biggest surprises that happened when the cameras weren't rolling!

Grease behind the scenes secrets