John Travolta Pays Homage To Olivia Newton-John In ‘Grease’ Inspired Commercial

Feb 14, 2023 by apost team

On Aug. 8, 2022, the world lost one of its brightest stars — Olivia Newton-John. She was a British-Australian performer best known for her work as an actress, singer and activist. The acclaimed entertainer won several awards over the course of her life and was honored by fans and critics alike. Newton-John released several albums and chart-topping singles, making her one of the best-selling music artists following the second half of the 20th century. 

And who could forget her turn in the 1978 musical film “Grease,” alongside John Travolta? The film catapulted the performer to fame and made her a household name, showing off her sweet yet powerful vocals and great acting chops. Even today, people are still singing the songs from the “Grease” soundtrack and dressing up as Danny and Sandy for costume parties.

But aside from “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Summer Nights” and “You’re The One That I Want” from “Grease,” Newton-John was also responsible for singing perhaps some of the decade-defining hits of the late 1970s to the 1980s. 

The Australian music legend was responsible for the hits “Physical,” “If You Love Me (Let Me Know),” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “A Little More Love” and “Twist of Fate,” among many others. 

Still, there’s no denying that people will always link Newton-John to her iconic performance of Sandy in “Grease.” And since her passing, people have done their part to honor the late singer and actress, including her co-star, Travolta.

In February 2023, a “Grease” themed advertisement ran that featured Travolta alongside other notable stars as they sang their own version of “Summers Nights,” and the world couldn’t help but remember the late Newton-John.

It’s hard to believe that at first, Newton-John wasn’t happy about accepting the offered role of Sandy in “Grease.” During an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2020, Newton-John revealed that many other actresses were in the running for the part, so there was a good chance she would never have made the cut.

However, John Travolta seemed to be very much in favor of Newton-John.

“I was really quite hesitant to be in Grease, so they sent John Travolta to talk me into it. And how can you say no to those blue eyes?” Newton-John said. Convinced, she signed on, and her career took off.

Newton-John added, “(In tough times) John always reaches out to me.” 

Their friendship went two ways, as Travolta boasted about how Newton-John was always there for him as well. “When you share that kind of meteoric success – and nothing has been able to exceed it – you share a bond,” he explained. Travolta added, “Olivia’s quite a spectacular human being. She’s worthy of good friendship.”

There’s no denying that Newton-John and Travolta had a beautiful friendship over the years. So when Newton-John passed away on Aug. 8, 2022, Travolta went to Instagram to share some sweet words about his late friend. He uploaded a stunning photograph of the late actress with the caption:

“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”

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Newton-John’s legacy will always be remembered, and she will forever be Travolta’s – and the world’s – Sandy. And in February 2023, Travolta paid homage to his late friend in a “Grease” Super Bowl commercial.

The commercial featured Travolta alongside “Scrubs” actors Donald Faison and Zach Braff. The three performed their own version of “Summer Nights,” although the lyrics were changed for the T-Mobile advertisement. The video premiered six months after Newton-John’s death.

Travolta took to Instagram on Feb. 9, 2023, to share the news about his commercial. In the caption, he wrote, “Neighbors that sing together, stay together. I couldn’t ask for anyone better than @Donald_aison and @zachbraff. Thanks @tmobile! #TMobilePartner.

On Feb. 11, 2023, Travolta shared that there was a longer version of the advertisement and posted it to his social media page.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the trio recreated some of the best dance moves from “Grease,” and it was clear that Travolta was paying homage to his late co-star Newton-John. The longer version definitely highlighted this. Faison and Braff also fit right in to the point that you would’ve thought they were in the 1978 film, too!

Many fans left comments under the video, sharing their love for the commercial. One person said, “I love this new commercial. Absolutely delightful. Love all the actors and especially John Travolta. Love the homage to Grease.”

Another person commented, “Could only imagine the added greatness of this commercial had Olivia been in it. REST WELL Olivia Newton-John. My mom loved her.”

Another person wrote, “Olivia would have LOVED this!!!!! AWESOME!!!!”

Newton-John’s spirit was surely in the commercial, and her memory will forever live on through Travolta and her loved ones.

What do you think about this commercial? What are your thoughts on John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John’s friendship? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.