Current:Home > reviewsHow Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Honors Olivia Newton-John's Beauty Legacy-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
How Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Honors Olivia Newton-John's Beauty Legacy
lotradecoin insights View Date:2024-12-26 04:03:10
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies is hopelessly devoted to Olivia Newton-John.
At least, that was the intention behind some of the beauty looks in the new Paramount+ series, which is set in 1954 and explores the story of how the iconic girl clique originated. Makeup department head Marianne Olsen revealed she pulled inspiration from Olivia's unforgettable role as Sandy Olsson in Grease—the goody-two-shoes who falls for bad boy Danny Zuko (John Travolta)—and how she honored the late actress' legacy following her death in August 2022.
"The original Grease was so iconic, there is no other Sandy and Danny," Marianne exclusively told E! News. "But we did cheat a little of her ‘look' on the character, Susan."
The makeup artist pointed out there are similarities between Sandy and Susan (Madison Thompson), with the biggest trait being that the Rise of the Pink Ladies character is "deemed perfect in appearance."
In addition to referencing the original Grease, Marianne also used Grace Kelly, Sandra Dee and Mad Men character Betty Draper (January Jones) as blueprints for Susan.
For the rest of the cast, the makeup artist took beauty cues from Hollywood's it girls of the 1950s.
"I looked at teen movies and TV shows such as Rebel without a Cause with Natalie Wood," Marianne shared. "Gidget, A Place in the Sun with Sandra Dee. The teens in Westside Story. Also taking into consideration the looks of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few."
And while the era lends itself to ultra-glamorous looks, Marianne couldn't go over the top because, as she noted, the show still portrays teenagers in high school. But that doesn't mean she shied away from creating bold styles entirely.
The character of Olivia (Cheyenne Isabel Wells), for instance, "decides to use her sexuality for empowerment," Marianne said. "So, we went with the Marilyn Monroe style of red lips and winged liner."
Plus, the makeup artist slightly pushed the boundaries by adding a little modernity to the cast's appearances. "We tried to stay with makeup of the '50s using matte products as much as possible," she shared. "But for the fantasy sequences, we had more fun."
Marianne said director, Alethea Jones, encouraged her to go outside of the box, referencing Euphoria and Harry Styles. "We brought some of the dance numbers to 2022 using glitter, gems, and at times, abstract eye designs," she revealed. "Lots of lashes were used."
While there's no denying the 1978 musical became a cultural phenomenon, Marianne hopes the prequel can offer something similar.
"The most rewarding for me is introducing a new Grease to those that never experienced the original," she shared of working on the series. "The talent of cast and crew is amazing."
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies premieres April 6 on Paramount+.
Sign up for E! Insider! Unlock exclusive content, custom alerts & more!veryGood! (66)
Related
- US unemployment claims fall 7,000 to 227,000 in sign of resiliency in job market
- How a Children’s Playground Is Helping With Flood Mitigation in a Small, Historic New Jersey City
- Trevon Diggs vs. Malik Nabers: Cowboys CB and Giants WR feud, explained
- Lady Gaga draws inspiration from her ‘Joker’ sequel character to create ‘Harlequin’ album
- Lady Gaga’s Brunette Hair Transformation Will Have You Applauding
- US resumes hazardous waste shipments to Michigan landfill from Ohio
- NFL Week 4 picks straight up and against spread: Will Packers stop Vikings from going 4-0?
- How RHOC's Shannon Beador Is Handling Ex John Jansson's Engagement to Her Costar Alexis Bellino
- As Baltimore’s Sewer System Buckles Under Extreme Weather, City Refuses to Help Residents With Cleanup Efforts
- Stevie Nicks releases rousing feminist anthem: 'May be the most important thing I ever do'
Ranking
- Demi Lovato opens up about how 'daddy issues' led her to chase child stardom, success
- Kaitlyn Bristowe Addresses Run-In With Ex Jason Tartick on 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards Red Carpet
- Plane with a 'large quantity of narcotics' emergency lands on California highway: Reports
- Fire marshal cancels hearing for ammonia plant amid overflowing crowd and surging public interest
- A weatherman had a panic attack live on air. What it teaches us.
- US resumes hazardous waste shipments to Michigan landfill from Ohio
- Woman accused of running a high-end brothel network to plead guilty
- California governor signs law increasing penalty for soliciting minors to a felony
Recommendation
-
Andrew Shue's Sister Elisabeth Shares Rare Update on His Life Amid Marilee Fiebig Romance
-
Mother pleads guilty in the death of her 5-year-old son whose body was found in a park
-
Trevon Diggs vs. Malik Nabers: Cowboys CB and Giants WR feud, explained
-
Georgia-Alabama showdown is why Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck chose college over the NFL
-
Police identify suspect in break-in of Trump campaign office in Virginia
-
Chicago White Sox sweep Los Angeles Angels, remain at 120 losses on season
-
Malik Nabers injury update: Giants rookie WR exits loss vs. Cowboys with concussion
-
University of Wisconsin fires former porn-making chancellor who wanted stay on as a professor