Perhaps hard to fathom now, but in the 1970’s,Henry Winkler’sHappy Dayscharacter Fonzie was just as big, or maybe even bigger than superstarJohn Travolta. And it wasHenry Winklerwho was initially sought for the role ofDanny Zukoin the big screen adaption ofGrease. But he eventually turned down the role for one very personal reason.
As Fox prepares to unleashGrease: Livelater this month,Vanity Fairhas an expose on how the original 1978 movie made it’s way to the big screen from the stage. And it’s one musical that has certainly stood the test of time in various different formats and mediums. But would the movie be remembered as the classic it is hadHenry Winklerdecided to stay on board?
Henry Winklerisn’t the only big name that decided against appearing in the movie at the last minute. A number of superstar actors were considered for key roles. And probably the biggest of these actors wasElvis Presley. He is said to have been in the running to play a cameo asTeen Angel, the role that eventually went to other 50s heartthrob Frankie Avalon.Elvis Presleyturned down the role, and as it turns out, he actually passed away while the film was in the midst of production. Had he signed on, his death wouldn’t have caused too many complications for the movie, as it was just one scene that required very little screen time.
As forHenry Winkler, he had a much more honest reason for turning down the role of Danny Zuko. He was already well known for playing a 50s greaser on TV every week. While he heavily considered taking on the musical, he ultimately decided he didn’t want to be typecast. In turn,Henry Winklerwas one of the few actors who stayed withHappy Daysthrough its epic 11 season run, and his feature film work was few and far between.
What do you think of these possible changes to the cast? Is it hard to image The Fonz playing a role made so iconic byJohn Travolta? And would the character of Teen Angel have been a weird, eerie send off for one of Rock ‘n Roll’s biggest legends just before his death? We’ll get to see a whole new cast take on theseiconic characterswhenGrease: Liveairs January 31 withAaron Tveitin the role of Danny Zuko and Boys II Men collectively sharing the role of Teen Angel.
