‘Grease’ at 40: John Travolta Reignites the Magic of a Timeless Musical

Few musicals have achieved the enduring cultural impact of Grease. Even decades after its 1978 release, its songs—“You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Greased Lightning”—remain instantly recognizable, and its characters continue to evoke nostalgia for fans around the world. At the heart of this phenomenon was a young John Travolta, whose portrayal of the cool, slick-haired Danny Zuko captured the imagination of audiences everywhere.

When Grease debuted in theaters that summer, it was an immediate sensation. Teenage audiences were captivated by Danny, the leather jacket-wearing bad boy with a surprisingly tender heart, and by his romantic dynamic with Sandy Olsson, the sweet and shy Australian exchange student played by Olivia Newton-John. Their on-screen love story quickly became one of cinema’s most memorable.

Though set in the 1950s, Grease was unmistakably a product of the 1970s, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary energy. The plot followed Danny and Sandy, whose summer romance seemed destined to end when Sandy returned to Australia and Danny resumed his high school life with the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies. The story’s tension—and much of its charm—came from their eventual reunion, when Sandy unexpectedly transferred to Danny’s school in the U.S. Struggling to protect his tough-guy reputation, Danny initially pretended nothing had happened. Yet, as their feelings resurfaced, the pair navigated the complexities of teen romance, culminating in a triumphant reconciliation marked by transformation, music, and dance.

Even 40 years later, Grease continues to resonate. Its soundtrack inspires sing-alongs, and its dynamic dance sequences still compel audiences to move. For many who grew up with the film, it remains a cherished cultural touchstone.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary, John Travolta recently brought that same iconic energy to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, delighting fans with a special appearance that celebrated the enduring legacy of Grease. The moment was a vivid reminder that, decades on, the magic of this classic musical shows no signs of fading.

During his interview with Jimmy Fallon, John Travolta shared a little-known story about the origin of one of Grease’s most memorable dance moves. He revealed that many of the energetic steps in the film drew on dances he had learned and performed growing up, often considered “novelty” moves at the time.

“In Grease, they needed a step for the song ‘You’re the One That I Want’ toward the end of the movie,” Travolta explained. “So I said, ‘We used to do this move called the four corners — why don’t we use that?’” The choreographer embraced the idea and asked Travolta to demonstrate it. That moment marked the birth of one of the film’s most iconic dance sequences.

Encouraged by the audience’s enthusiasm, Fallon invited Travolta to perform the move live. As the familiar strains of the Grease soundtrack played, Travolta stood and executed the classic “four corners” step with the same style and confidence that had first made it legendary, delighting both the studio audience and viewers at home.

In that moment, it felt as if no time had passed. Fans were instantly reminded why Grease—and John Travolta—captivated audiences in the first place. Decades later, Travolta still possesses the charm, rhythm, and stage presence that propelled him to stardom.

Watching him recreate the “four corners” dance on national television was more than a nostalgic performance. It served as a testament to how a single film, a single actor, and a single dance can leave a lasting imprint on popular culture. It also underscored that true passion, talent, and the love of entertaining do not fade with time.

Though years have passed, Travolta continues to bring joy to audiences. His appearance on The Tonight Show reinforced that he has not lost a step—and that, for millions of fans, he will always be Danny Zuko. The performance was a feel-good, nostalgic moment that reminded viewers why Grease remains a beloved classic.

John Travolta still has it—a legend in every sense of the word.