Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday

Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday

As an ardent fan of the timeless masterpiece “Grease”, I find myself utterly captivated by the transformation of its stars as they gracefully glide towards their golden years. The image of the T-Birds, particularly Kelly Ward, who played Putzie, is a stark contrast to their rebellious high school personas.


Without a doubt, Grease is among the most iconic films ever made. In the 1978 version, the actors depicted a rowdy group of teenagers from high school. However, as we speak, these talented individuals are approaching their seventies.

As a die-hard Grease enthusiast, I find myself in awe when reminiscing about one specific T-Bird who just hit 68! However, devoted followers of the movie might struggle to recognize this iconic character off screen.

On Monday, the actor in focus was spotted making an appearance outside a voice-over studio in Glendale, California, clad in blue jeans, sneakers, and a light pink long-sleeve top.

The father-of-three, who has also starred in television shows such as Magnum, P.I., Bret Maverick, and The Waltons, looked worlds away from his role as a leather-jacket wearing teenager who hung out with John Travolta’s Danny Zuko.

The movie titled “Grease,” helmed by Randal Kleiser, narrates the tale of Danny and Sandy Olsson, played by the late Olivia Newton-John, who shared a romantic summer fling. As fate would have it, they later discover that they are attending the very same high school.

I’m Danny, and when I’m not causing a stir, you can find me tinkering on cars alongside my buddies, Kenickie, Doody, Sonny, and Putzie – collectively known as the T-Birds.

Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday

Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday
Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday

In fact, it was Kelly Ward, the renowned actor, who portrayed Putzie, and he was spotted on his way to set only a day after celebrating his 68th birthday.

In the movie, the character played by Ward, a cast member from Grease, was especially developed to vividly portray the youngest member of the T-Birds.

Actually, it wasn’t the first time he collaborated with co-star Travolta; they had previously worked together in the 1976 television film “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.

Five years on, following several guest roles on TV series such as M*A*S*H and Quincy M.E., Ward decided to step away from on-screen acting.

Originally, he advanced his career to serve as a voice director for Disney Television Animation and write scripts for various animated series, which includes the movie All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996).

For two decades, spanning from 1992 to 2015, I had the privilege of serving as Vice President of Animation at MGM Studios, where I honed my skills in the realm of animation. Simultaneously, for over two decades, I also held the position of an adjunct professor in the field of musical theater at the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts, sharing my knowledge and passion with future generations of artists.

As I reflect on my experience being a part of that legendary film, I can’t help but marvel at the impact it has had on pop culture. When I was asked about it in an interview with Snakkle, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the role it played in shaping not only my career, but also the collective memories of moviegoers everywhere.

As I find myself immersed in this extraordinary movement, I can’t help but marvel at its far-reaching impact. Time and again, we’ve heard whispers about its potential, yet none of us could have foreseen the magnitude of its success and ubiquity.

‘So it’s always a delight and a surprise when it seems to keep going eternally.’

Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday
Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday
Can you guess the Grease star? Actor looks worlds away from leather-clad punk after his 68th birthday

For those of us who participated, what truly brings happiness is our consistent connection with one another. It’s like an extended family where we offer each other tremendous support. Regrettably, we’ve had some losses along the way.

When asked to share his ‘particular recollections’ of Travolta and Newton-John, Ward reminisced: “John was quite playful on set. In fact, we discovered that we were both fortunate in our careers because our families were supportive of independent arts.

It turned out that we shared a strong connection, and occasionally during our leisure moments, we’d break into light dance routines, similar to soft-shoe or tap dancing, which was always enjoyable.

He expressed his deep admiration by saying, “I was completely smitten with her. I had an intense affection for her. She’s one of the most stunning individuals I’ve ever encountered, without a doubt,” referring to Newton-John, who tragically passed away in August 2022.

‘She possessed a graceful demeanor, an elegance in her movements, a softness in her speech, and she never uttered an unkind remark. It’s worth noting that she had a playful, flirtatious side; however, even then I understood it was simply her kindness shining through.’

Read More

2024-11-19 21:09

Previous post Josh O’Connor lands next movie role in Steven Spielberg’s mystery sci-fi
Next post Pokémon TCG Pocket Dragonite Deck Building Guide: Best Cards and Tips