Why Frenchie is tickled pink with Travolta
Meeting Didi Six months ago, John Travolta’s world was turned upside down with another sexual assault allegation.
But on Tuesday the superstar will be celebrated at the Cannes Film Festival with the prestigious Cinema Icon Award following the premiere of his long-awaited film Gotti.
A star-studded blowout at Hotel du Cap, marking Travolta’s career as much as the movie, is expected to be a festival highlight.
It comes after four decades in showbusiness and top roles in Pulp Fiction and Grease – which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
So what’s the key to his success? Grease co-star Didi Conn, 66, who played Frenchie in the hit musical, says it lies in his commitment to film – and having a “thick skin”.
She explains: “He is 100% into the movie – he doesn’t talk to people, he stays in character.”
Talking about surviving in the business, she adds: “You have to have thick skin and know what you are doing and not take it personally.”
Travolta has not commented on the assault allegations. He is a follower of Scientology and sources say he has been fiercely protected by the religion – it helped him through the death of his 16-year-old son Jett in 2009 from a seizure.
Didi was in touch with Travolta about Jett, who had autism, as her son also has the same condition.
And she admits reunions with the cast of Grease have been sombre and filled “with tragedies”.
We caught up as Didi launched the NOW TV slumber screening pop-up last week in London, which was an exact replica of Frenchie’s bedroom.
She adds: “He is so freakin’ sexy as Danny Zuko but not trying to be.”
You can stream Grease on NOW TV with a Sky Cinema pass, which cost £9.99. STAR MAN Halina & John