Conn played Frenchy in the 1978 film
Credit: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock; Paramount Pictures
NEED TO KNOW
- Didi Conn tells PEOPLE the Grease cast is planning a fundraiser to support a disabilities organization caring for her son
- The cast has remained close for nearly 50 years and regularly reunites for fan events and special appearances
- The actress spoke to PEOPLE about the bond she developed with the other actors in the film
Nearly 50 years after Grease first hit theaters, Didi Conn says the cast remains as close as ever — and they're now coming together for a cause that's deeply personal to her.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Conn reveals that her former cast mates have agreed to participate in a major fundraiser benefiting a New York-based organization that supports people with disabilities, including her son.
Conn, who played Frenchy in the 1978 musical, says the friendships forged during filming have endured for decades.
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Credit: CBS via Getty
"The only person I haven't seen in several years now is Stockard," Conn says, referring to former costar Stockard Channing. "I used to see every play she was in and try to stay in touch with her, but everyone else, we're always in touch with each other."
The cast still reunites regularly for fan events and special appearances, though, with Conn recalling one particularly memorable gathering at the Hollywood Bowl, where she hosted a Grease sing-along attended by thousands of fans.
"I had everybody come when I was hosting at the Hollywood Bowl for 18,000 people," Conn — who spoke exclusively with PEOPLE in an interview tied to her new campaign for Laura Geller Beauty — says. "Even John [Travolta] came this year."
Travolta's surprise appearance created a frenzy among attendees when he appeared onstage dressed like his character Danny Zuko.
"In fact, people covered it. It was thrilling," Conn says. "He came all dressed up like Danny, had a little wig on. It was so cute. The place went ballistic. It was like a Beatle showed up. It was incredible."
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Now, Conn says the cast is preparing an even bigger reunion as Grease approaches its 50th anniversary.
"We are in touch constantly and now, we're doing something really exciting for our 50th," she says. "I can't quite talk about it yet."
What Conn does share is that the event will benefit the Center for Discovery in Hurleyville, N.Y., where her son, who has special needs, receives care.
Speaking to PEOPLE, the actress describes it as "the most remarkable home for children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, mostly very, very fragile health."
"It's a working farm," she says. "They grow everything they eat."
According to Conn, recent Medicaid cuts have created financial challenges for the organization and in response, the Grease cast has agreed to help raise money and awareness.
"So the cast of Grease has agreed that we're going to do a big fundraiser at the Hollywood Bowl and somewhere in New York," Conn says.
Conn adds that she's already dreaming big when it comes to a New York venue, telling PEOPLE: "I'm thinking we should be at Yankee Stadium or Shea Stadium because I know that Grease is the word, baby."
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Conn recently partnered with Laura Geller Beauty for a nostalgic campaign promoting the brand's Full Root-ine Hair & Brow Concealing Cream + Powder and, in a playful nod to her memorable "Beauty School Dropout" scene from Grease, stars in a tongue-in-cheek "Beauty Service Announcement" encouraging women to skip expensive salon visits in favor of simple at-home beauty solutions.
The campaign launched as an Amazon Prime Day exclusive on June 22.
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