Lorna Luft Steps Out in Original Pink Jacket from “Grease 2” After It ‘Went Missing’ for Years (Exclusive)

Lorna Luft, the daughter of legendary actress Judy Garland, made a nostalgic statement at the recent TCM Classic Film Festival. The 73-year-old actress donned her original pink jacket from the 1982 film ‘Grease 2’ for the event, marking a heartfelt connection to her role as Paulette, one of the Pink Ladies. Luft’s appearance coincided with a screening of the classic film ‘Barefoot in the Park’, allowing fans a glimpse of the Hollywood icon adorned in a piece of film history.

During an interview with PEOPLE, Luft shared that the jacket, which had been hidden away for many years, was recently rediscovered. She recalled how the garment had “gone missing” for a time and expressed surprise at its return. The jacket resurfaced while she was performing in a production of Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’. Luft explained the joyous moment she found out about the jacket’s return, saying, “Somebody’s got something for you,” when a stage manager approached her with the garment.

The actress further revealed that a woman, who had purchased the jacket at a Paramount auction, felt that it should be returned to her. Luft expressed her gratitude, stating, “It should go home,” confirming the jacket was indeed back where it belonged. Interestingly, she noted that Olivia Newton-John had also received her iconic leather jacket from the original ‘Grease’ just around the same time, highlighting a moment of shared nostalgia among the cast.

As part of the festival, ‘Grease 2’ was spotlighted for its remarkable transition from being a box-office disappointment to gaining a cult following over the years. Luft expressed her pride in the film’s evolved status, commenting, “I’m honoured and thrilled that TCM is recognising how many people love Grease 2.” She praised the film’s opening number, stating, “I think that opening number in this movie is one of the great musical numbers of all.”

In addition to her reflections on the film, Luft fondly reminisced about her co-stars during the production. Alongside the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield, Luft shared her admiration for the established icons they worked with, such as Eve Arden, Tab Hunter, and Sid Caesar. “We were all so lucky to have talented people like Eve on set,” she recalled. Luft could often be found engaging with Arden, asking her about her illustrious career, “I used to sit with Eve on the set and I would say, ‘Mildred Pierce, spill it.’ And she’d say, ‘Okay.’”

Her anecdotes offer a rare glimpse into the camaraderie and mentorship that occurred on the film set, a testament to the sense of community shared among the cast and crew. She noted the importance of learning from industry veterans who had significantly shaped the Hollywood landscape.

‘Grease 2’ featured an ensemble cast that included other noteworthy names such as Pamela Adlon and Didi Conn, who reprised their roles from the original film. The sequel has since gained appreciation, with many fans celebrating its music and vibrant characters a generation later.

The legacy of ‘Grease’ has continued beyond its initial release with the recent adaptation, ‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’, which aired for one season on Paramount+. This spin-off showcases the enduring popularity of the franchise and its ability to resonate with new audiences while celebrating its original charm.

As the TCM Classic Film Festival continues to honour classics from film history, Lorna Luft’s retrospective journey reminds us of the timeless connection that cinema creates between audiences and the artists who bring these beloved stories to life. As she proudly embraced her Pink Lady identity, Luft reinforced the significance of nostalgia and the power of film to evoke cherished memories.