Grease cast then and now – where are Danny and Sandy’s sidekicks Rizzo and Kenickie 43 years after film’s release?

IT has been 43 years since the release of hit musical film Grease, which began its decades-long tenure of dazzling fans in 1978.

Everyone knows what became of leading stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, but what about their fellow cast mates? Here we reveal what happened to Danny and Sandy’s most memorable sidekicks…

Grease hit the big screen in 1978 and starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-JohnRex Features

Where is Rizzo now?

The feistiest member of the Pink Ladies, Rizzo, was played by Stockard Channing – and her acting career has continued to flourish.

Between 1999 and 2006, she played First Lady Abbey Bartlet in NBC’s The West Wing and in 1985 she won a Tony Award for her role in A Day in the Death of Joe Egg.

One of her most recent endeavour was on The Good Wife, starring as Veronica Loy from 2012-2016.

The now 76-year-old has recently worked on a variety of shows, including Difficult People, Urban Myths and The Guest Book.

Rizzo is the most badass character in Grease – and actress Stockard’s career has flourishedRex Features

Where is Doody now?

Barry’s love for acting hasn’t faltered over the years

Barry Pearl, who mooned viewers as cheeky Doody in Grease, has picked up dozens of acting credits since the film was released.

Initially, he worked in musical theatre, touring with the first ever national tour of Grease in 1973.

Just like many of his other co-stars Barry has appeared on TV and film.

His most note-worthy roles include parts in Even Stevens, Baywatch, House, M.D. and Criminal Minds.

The 70-year-old actor recently reprised a role in Grease in a live performance that aired on telly.

Where is Sonny now?

Michael Tucci, who played a member of the T-Birds, still looks the same as he did 40 years ago

American actor Michael Tucci was in high demand after impressing with his acting skills in Grease.

The 74-year-old performed in Trapper John M.D., The Paper Chase, starred in long-running show Diagnosis Murder and voiced a character in TV series The Comedians.

His most recent film is the thriller PinkCity, which is still in post-production.

Where is Putzie now?

Kelly Ward rarely takes up acting roles nowadays

Putzie was one of the ring-leaders when it came to mischief making with the T-birds.

Even though Kelly Ward stepped out of the spotlight since being in Grease, he’s not left the world of showbiz.

Behind the scenes, the 64-year-old has contributed to the production of a number of major films, including Back to the Future and The Pink Panther TV series.

Recently he has worked as a dialogue director on TV shows The Lion Guard, Woody Woodpecker, Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Mickey and the Roadster Racers.

Where is Frenchy now?

Didi doesn’t look much like her on-screen alter ego nowadays

Didi Conn played one of the most lovable characters in Grease, Sandy’s pal Frenchie.

She has since picked up acting credits in Grease Live!, Law & Order and Stanley.

The 69-year-old has also voiced characters in Rugrats, Thomas and the Magic Railroad and The Wild Thornberrys.

Following her son Daniel’s autism diagnosis, Didi has got stuck into campaigns and fundraising activities.

Didi competed on Dancing On Ice in 2019Rex Features

In 2008, she was acknowledged by charity Autism Speaks as their national celebrity spokesperson.

In 2019, Didi burst back onto UK screens as she competed on Dancing On Ice, with her first routine performed in her iconic Pink Ladies jacket.

However, she was the third star eliminated.

Where is Jan now?

What a transformation! Would you be able to recognise Jamie?

Jamie Donnelly looks completely different to the dorky Pink Ladies character Jan.

She’s certainly been busy, acting in Can’t Hardly Wait, Cyrus, and more recently on the Ray Donovan show.

In 2015, the 73-year-old actress starred alongside Johnny Depp in critically-acclaimed movie Black Mass.

Since then, she’s worked on TV shows Veep and All Downhill from Here.

Where is Marty now?

Dinah still rocks a short brown bob nowadays

Stockard Channing wasn’t the only Grease cast-member to win a Tony Award, as Dinah Manoff scooped one after playing the role of Libby Tucker in I Ought To Be In Pictures.

Following her Grease role, she’s featured in films including Child’s Play, Welcome Home and Ordinary People.

Despite this, the 65-year-old has fallen off the radar in recent years and hasn’t picked up any acting credits since 2008.

Where is Patty Simcox now?

Patty looks incredible over 40 years after Grease first hit the big screen

Susan Buckner played school geek and preppy teen Patty Simcox in Grease.

After the blockbuster was released, the blonde bombshell Susan Buckner went on to guest star in When the Whistle Blows and The Love Boat.

Despite this, the 68-year-old actress hasn’t done any acting work since the 1981 horror blockbuster Deadly Blessing.

Where is Tom Chisum now?

Lorenzo is another cast-member who has aged well

When Lorenzo Lamas starred in hit musical Grease, he was just 18.

He played Sandy’s initial love interest, before falling for Patty Simcox.

In 2016, he featured in action film Boone: The Bounty Hunter.

And the 63-year-old still has a jam-packed acting resume, with his upcoming film Trail Blazers currently in pre-production and he had two feature productions released in 2020; Bleach and Scorpion Girl: The Awakening.

Lorenzo’s previous works include acting in Falcon Crest, Renegade and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Where is Eugene now?

We’d recognise that goofy smile anywhere!

Everyone’s heart went out for Eddie Deezen’s character in Grease as he played downtrodden geek Eugene.

After the mainstream musical hit the big screens, Eddie went on to star in a number of different independent films, including Teenage Exorcist.

The 63-year-old has also worked on some animated films, voicing the part of the seagull in The Spongebob Movie and other roles in What’s New, Scooby Doo?

Sadly no longer with us… Jeff Conaway, Annette Charles and Dennis C. Stewart

Some of the cast-members are no longer around – but they won’t be forgottenRex Features

Tragically, three of Grease’s much-loved cast-members are no longer with us.

After falling ill with pneumonia, Jeff Conaway – Danny’s best pal Kenickie in the movie – sadly passed away in 2011.

The same year, Annette Charles, who played Cha Cha, lost her battle with cancer.

In 1993, Dennis C. Stewart, who played rebel Leo, was diagnosed with HIV and passed away from AIDS in 1994.

Dennis C. Stewart, who played Leo, with Stockard Channing as RizzoHandout

Annette Charles tragically passed away following her battle with cancer

Fans were also heartbroken when Jeff passed away in 2011Getty – Contributor