The story behind “Grease” and the death of Elvis Presley

became a worldwide hit after its release in 1978. Although more than four decades have passed since it hit the big screen, the love story between bad boy Danny (John Travolta) and good school girl Sandy ( Olivia Newton-John) remains in force to this day and has captivated several generations.

is set in the 1950s and was directed by Randal Kleise. “Grease” is based on the 1972 musical of the same name created by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

The successful film has an important influence of Elvis Presley, whose sound and rock aspect are very present throughout the plot. The King of Rock & Roll is only mentioned once in , but there is a disturbing fact that caught the attention of the fans. Which? Here we tell you.

The film “Grease” stars John Travolta and the recently deceased Olivia Newton-John (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

THE COINCIDENCE BETWEEN “GREASE” AND THE DEATH OF ELVIS PRESLEY

According to him the memorable scene in “Grease” in which Elvis Presley was mentioned was filmed on the same day the King of Rock & Roll died, on August 16, 1977.

In the scene in question, the Pink Ladies appear having a pajama party at Frenchie’s house. The sequence also has its own musical number called “Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee.”

In one of the parts of the song, Betty Rizzo (Stockard Channing) takes a poster of Elvis Presley and moves her hips like the singer, showing her admiration for him.

Betty Rizzo with the Pink Ladies girls having a pajama party (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
Betty Rizzo with the Pink Ladies girls having a pajama party (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

Well, initially the King of Rock & Roll was not going to be the protagonist of that moment but Sal Mineo. However, the idea was changed after the death of the “Rebel Without a Cause” actor.

Just a year before filming, Mineo was killed and the filmmakers decided to remove reference to him as a mark of respect, Express UK revealed.

The King of Rock & Roll is only mentioned once in “Grease” (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
The King of Rock & Roll is only mentioned once in “Grease” (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

This macabre coincidence has been mentioned for decades by the same filmmakers of the successful film. This was what the director of “Grease” said to the media:

“It was very creepy,” Randall Kleiser said, adding, “It was all over the news, so everyone knew about it.”

It should be remembered that Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977 in Memphis, United States, due to an acute myocardial infarction. At that time, the rock star was 42 years old.

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The story behind “Grease” and the death of Elvis Presley