Cliff Notes – John Travolta reprises iconic Grease role 46 years after the original
- John Travolta surprised fans at the Hollywood Bowl by donning his classic Danny Zuko outfit for a Grease sing-along, celebrating the film’s enduring popularity.
- The spontaneous appearance was kept secret from his former co-stars, who were equally astonished by his return to the iconic role.
- Travolta’s performance, which included a nostalgic rendition of "We Go Together," showcased his enduring charisma and connection to the beloved musical.
John Travolta reprises iconic Grease role 46 years after the original
Now aged 71, John Travolta still knows how to light up a stage (Picture: EPA)
A Grease comeback in 2025 was not on our bingo cards, but we are hopelessly devoted to his new look.
John Travolta left fans speechless at the Hollywood Bowl last night by bringing back his classic Danny Zuko get-up.
The signature slicked-back quiff and leather jacket were back on the stage for a surprise Grease sing-along gig.
Travolta, now 71, appeared spontaneously on stage to roaring applause at the La La Land outdoor event celebrating the 1978 musical comedy.
Surprising not only fans but also his former Grease co‑stars who were in attendance – the audience went wild when Travolta emerged as Danny.
The audience wasn’t the only ones in complete shock, Travolta kept his surprise show a secret from the Grease cast: Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Didi Conn and even director Randal Kleiser were not in the know.
Travolta himself later confirmed on Instagram that ‘no one knew’ about the surprise appearance, not even his on‑screen pals.
Once on stage, Travolta dropped into character, joking in true Zuko style: ‘L.A., I thought you were going back to Australia? That’s cool, that’s cool, baby…’
He went on to lead the cast into a heartwarming chorus of We Go Together before closing the unforgettable show with the line, ‘Enjoy the show, we love you!’
Travolta’s return to the role echoes a similar reunion from 2019, when he and the late Olivia Newton‑John, who died in 2022, surprised fans at a Florida sing‑along, both clad in full Danny and Sandy gear.
Fans adored the moment when Travolta picked up his high-quality Zuko wig.
Travolta said at the time he found the 50s-style hairdo suited him better than his own bald look, and this year’s Hollywood Bowl appearance gave the fans the nostalgia they were craving.
The 2019 event also marked a reunion with Newton‑John, who cherished the time spent reliving their iconic Grease roles on stage together.
The Grease soundtrack is still iconic to this day (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)
The beloved duo remained really good friends years after Grease aired (Picture: Paramount/Rso/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Grease reportedly earned around £277million at the international box office (Picture: Paramount/Rso/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Newton‑John later reflected that the energy was incredible, saying: ‘That movie is still loved … the excitement from the people, it was amazing’.
Her infamous leather jacket from the final scene of the 1970s classic was auctioned off, with all proceeds going to her cancer wellness foundation.
As for Travolta, he proved last night that Zuko can still light up a summer night, just like he did in 1978.
Whether the wig is rollers for Edna Turnblad or covered in gel for Zuko, the actor remains one of the best showmen of all time.
And as the Hollywood Bowl event showed, with a quiff, a leather jacket and a wink, Travolta has very much still got it.
