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Go Greased Lightning: Remembering Jeff Conaway
One of Jeff Conaway's most memorable roles and an enduring favorite was that of bad boy Kenickie in the musical "Grease." The actor died today at age 60. Conaway played the role on Broadway, and of course was in the film version. "A hickie from Kenickie is like a Hallmark card, when you only care enough to send the very best!" quips the ruffian high schooler to his on-and-off flame Rizzo (played in the film by Stockard Channing).
"Grease" was filmed partly on the Paramount Studios lot, but also used many locations all around Los Angeles to tell the tale of the teens of Rydell High.
Most of the early Rydell High scenes were shot at Venice High School in Venice, the carnival scenes at John Marshall High School in Los Feliz, and the dance and some of the classroom scenes at Huntington Park High School. The car race was in the L.A. River near the 6th Street Bridge, too. Seeing Stars has a whole interactive map of all the filming locations. Before you head out to relive the musical, here are a couple of songs featuring Conaway as Kenickie.
The Hollywood Bowl is hosting a "Grease" Sing-a-Long night on June 24th.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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