Grease: When did it come out, is it on Netflix and inside Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta's friendship

Following the tragic death of Olivia Newton-John on August 8, 2022, fans are reminiscing about one of her most iconic films, Grease, which was released in 1978.

Grease, the 70's classic film starring John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, is at the forefront of many fans' minds following the sad news of Olivia Newton-John's recent passing.

Fans are reminiscing about the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds, and the nostalgia of the movie set in the '50s. Here is everything you may want to know about this iconic musical, including the cast, how to watch the film, and the real story behind Danny and Sandy's on-screen relationship.

What year was Grease made? 

Grease, the American romantic comedy musical, was released in 1978 and filmed in 1977. The film is based on the 1971 musical of the same name.

Although the film was released in the late 70s it was set in the Summer on 1958, which explains the iconic poodle skirts and nostalgia of the 1950's America that appears in the show. 

Who was in the original cast of Grease

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in the film as Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, the love-struck teenagers who fall in love over the summer only to find themselves attending the same school in the fall. 

Danny's gang aka the T-Birds comprised of Doody (Barry Pearl), Sonny (Michael Tucci), Putzie (Kelly Ward), and Danny's best friend Kenickie (Jeff Conaway).

Jeff Conaway had a successful career following Grease and starred in Taxi, Wizards and Warriors, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Babylon 5. He was also briefly married to Rona Newton-John, the elder sister of his Grease co-star Olivia. Sadly Jeff passes away in 2011 aged 60.

Michael Tucci notably starred in The Paper Chase, Kelly Ward still works as a voice director and screenwriter, and Barry Pearl has appeared in a number of TV shows and feature films for one-episode arcs.

Sandy's gang, the Pink Ladies, included, Frenchy (Didi Conn), Marty (Dinah Manoff), Jan (Jamie Donnelly) and leader Rizzo (Stockard Channing).

Stockard Channing went on to star in a number of films and TV shows. Most notable Stockard appeared in; Six Degrees of Separation, The Baby Dance, The West Wing, and The Good Wife.

Didi Conn notably appeared in Dancing on Ice in 2019, Shining Time Station, and The Practice. Dinah Manoff appeared in Soap, Empty Nest, and State of Grace, and Jamie Donnelly appeared in a number of films following Grease but now works as an acting coach in California.

Is Grease on Netflix? 

Grease is available to watch in some places in Europe but it is not available to stream on Netflix if you are in the UK or US. However, the show is available to stream on Paramount Plus. 

Did Olivia Newton John and John Travolta ever date? 

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John never dated. There were rumors flying about their relationship as the pair were close friends and played an iconic couple on screen.

Following Grease, the pair were close friends for many decades and were even there for one another during the hard times. In 2020, John lost his wife Kelly Preston to cancer and Olivia penned an emotional message to her former co-star.

"Kelly Preston was a radiant, warm and gentle spirit - a loving, devoted wife, mother and sweet friend. My heart breaks for John, Ella and Ben. No words can express my sorrow for her family. Kelly’s light shines on in her beautiful children," said Olivia on Instagram in 2020.

Following the announcement from Olivia's family that the 73-year-old star had died after a long battle with cancer, John Travolta led the emotional celebrity tributes to Olivia Newton-John. The pair never had a romantic relationship, but their friendship lasted for many decades.