Grease stars then and now – see their jaw-dropping transformation 48 years on

Olivia Newton-John was perfectly cast as the sweet Sandy Olsson. While her onscreen counterpart undergoes a dramatic transformation in the final few minutes, Olivia herself became an international pop-culture icon almost overnight.

Sadly, Grease‘s leading lady passed away on 8 August 2022 after a 30-year battle with cancer. She is best remembered for her work on hit films like Grease, Xanadu and Two of a Kind. 

John Travolta has had an well established music career but it’s likely Grease is his best-loved feature. The actor brought bad-boy Danny Zuko to the screen with unparalleled flair, an oversized quiff and his quintessential leather jacket.

The Pulp Fiction actor is still working onscreen, recently starring in 2025 thriller High Rollers and currently has four projects in post-production. Fans should get excited as the actor is now reportedly filming a new romantic musical, That’s Amore!. 

If you didn’t want to be Sandy, you almost definitely wanted to be Rizzo. Cool and sarcastic, Rizzo led the Pink Ladies to notoriety and sealed the Halloween costume of choice for decades to come.

The Oscar-nominated actress and Practical Magic star is due to reprise her magical role later this year as Aunt Franny. Other recent projects include a five episode appearance in Knuckles (2024) and a guest role on Julia, based on the life of the famous chef.

Our favourite beauty school dropout stole the show with her dedicated musical number and early life crisis. The pink-haired Pink Lady Frenchy is a favourite and almost guaranteed to be spotted by her signature strawberry curls at any costume party.

Didi Conn is still working today and recently appeared on 2025 teen comedy Overcompensating. She’s also worked on Fox drama Best Medicine and 2019’s instalment of Dancing on Ice, an appearance she credits to her son.

Dinah Manoff was a well-known face on-screen during the ’70s and ’80s. The actress starred in sitcom Empty Nest, appeared on sitcom Soap and led the way in Neil Simon’s I Ought to Be in Pictures (1982). 

Of course, one of her other memorable roles cast her as the Pink Lady Marty Maraschino besotted with TV star Vince Fontaine. She’s since stepped away from acting but still (rightly) includes ‘Tony Award Winner’ on her Instagram bio.

Jeff Conaway’s Kenickie acted as Danny Zuko’s right-hand man, joining his T-Bird friends in all their car racing, leather jacket antics. Danny needs Kenickie like Sandy needs Frenchy, and it’s these solid friendships that hold up the romantic plot line.

The actor sadly passed away in 2011. He last appeared onscreen in action film Ladron (2010) and thriller Dark Games (2011). 

Jamie Donnelly’s Jan was certainly the silliest member of the Pink Ladies. She’s likely best remembered for her sleepover karaoke to the Brusha, Brusha, Brusha jingle. 

She’s still a beloved presence on screen with recent projects including 2025’s Stationed at Home and 2023’s Better Half. Jamie is an iconic stage actor, coining two roles in the Rocky Horror Show on Broadway and Los Angeles, and appearing as Jan on stage.

Michael Tucci appeared as the mischievous Sonny LaTierri in Grease who had a particular skill for winding people up and getting into trouble. Aside from Grease, the actor is best-known for his roles on The Heat (2013) and Blow (2001).

He took a 12-year break from acting between Mimic 2 (2001) and The Heat (2013) and a six-year break following his six episode role on TV comedy-drama The Rich & The Ruthless in 2018, but appears to still be acting. He most recently in 2024 mystery thriller PinkCity.