Olivia Newton-John is being honored with a theatrical re-release of her beloved 1978 film musical, Grease. The film is expected to return Friday with proceeds to benefit breast cancer research at AMC Theaters in select cities.
Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Theaters, tweeted: “To honor the late Olivia Newton-John: This weekend many of our US theaters will be reuniting her 1978 hit Grease on the big screen.” “An affordable $5 admission price, and through our charity AMC Cares we will donate $1 per sold ticket to breast cancer research.” According to Variety, the film will be screened at 135 AMC locations across the country.
The Australian actress passed away on 8 August at the age of 73, after several battles with breast cancer over the past few decades. While Newton-John had a significant career in the entertainment industry, her portrayal of Sandy Olsen in the 1978 film, Grease cemented her in film history. He starred alongside John Travolta in the original film musical.
Newton-John’s long-term battle with cancer began in 1992 when she went public with her first diagnosis of breast cancer. She funded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center in Melbourne, Australia and was a fierce advocate for cancer treatment and research.
His Grease co-star, Travolta paid tribute to Newton-John after his death, sharing a photo of a young Newton-John on his social media pages with a heartfelt message.
“My dear Olivia, you made our whole lives so much better,” he wrote. “Your influence was incredible. I love you so much. We’ll see you on the street and we’ll all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”
Travolta’s tribute comes just two years after his wife Kelly Preston died at the age of 57 following her personal battle with breast cancer.