**Didi Conn Reflects on Olivia Newton-John’s Lasting Legacy and Their Friendship**
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Didi Conn, renowned for her role as Frenchy in the iconic film *Grease*, has shared heartwarming memories of her late co-star, Olivia Newton-John, who passed away in 2022. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Conn reflected on the profound friendship they fostered over the years and the impact it had on both of their lives.

The two actresses first crossed paths while filming the cult classic *Grease* in 1978. Newton-John took on the role of Sandy Olsson, while Conn was beloved as one of the Pink Ladies. Their connection deepened throughout the years, which Conn vividly remembers, particularly during Newton-John’s concert performances. “Whenever I think about Olivia, I think about when I would see her at her concerts,” she shared.
During her shows, the Australian singer often dedicated a segment to *Grease*, a staple of her live performances. Conn recounted fondly how Newton-John would make a point to acknowledge her from the stage. “She’d always do a *Grease* set at the end of her concert, and right before that, she’d talk to the audience,” Conn explained. Newton-John would lovingly refer to her lifelong friend, stating: “Sometimes in life you make a friend and then you have that friend your whole life, and I have one like that here today.”
The heartwarming exchange would lead to Conn’s brief moment in the spotlight as she responded to Newton-John’s call. “I’d go, ‘Hi, Olivia, I’m here,’ and the crowd would go wild,” Conn said, reflecting on how it made her feel like a “rock star” for those few moments. The two friends would then collaborate on stage, singing beloved songs from their shared film, creating cherished memories in front of enthusiastic audiences.
However, it is the tender moments following their performance that Conn holds most dear. After the *Grease* set, Conn would step off stage to watch Newton-John deliver her concluding number, the hit song “I Honestly Love You.” “I would stand off stage and watch her do her last song. She’d sing with such sincerity, and she’d gesture to her audience, saying, ‘I honestly love you,’” Conn reflected. “She really meant it. She meant it with all her heart.” This genuine display of affection from Newton-John is the lasting image Conn cherishes.
In a nod to her nostalgia for their shared past, Conn has teamed up with Laura Geller Beauty for a campaign that celebrates her iconic role in *Grease*. The campaign promotes the brand’s Full Root-ine Hair & Brow Concealing Cream + Powder, featuring Conn in a humorous “Beauty Service Announcement.” The playful campaign encourages women to embrace at-home beauty solutions rather than costly salon visits, echoing Conn’s memorable storyline as the “Beauty School Dropout.”
Launched during Amazon Prime Day on June 22, the campaign beautifully intertwines Conn’s legacy with her present endeavors, reminding fans of the enduring influence of *Grease* and its characters. It showcases not only Conn’s trademark sense of humour but also her resilience and ability to celebrate the past while looking to the future.
As Conn navigates her new role in the beauty space, she remains an endearing figure who embodies the spirit of her unforgettable character. “I hope to encourage women to embrace their natural beauty,” Conn stated, embodying the message she has always championed, both on and off screen.
In the years following Newton-John’s passing, Conn’s memories serve as a testament to the profound bond they shared—a friendship that transcended the screen. Her reflections reveal a narrative rich with love and admiration that resonates with fans around the world. As she continues to honour her friend’s legacy, Conn promotes messages of self-love and friendship, solidifying the importance of their relationship both in life and in memory.
Through their shared experiences, the two actresses have left an indelible mark on popular culture, one that continues to inspire and uplift audiences generations later.
