We were forutnate to have the Bowlarama Manager, Tom Willet join us at the
2005 Grease 2 Reuinon, and he gladly shared with us his amazing story.

(This 'Grease 2 Star Interview' may not be reproduced for use on any other website or entity.)

Can you recall any specific scenes or musical numbers that were cut from the movie that you wish were left in?

I don't know of any. I would have liked to have seen the complete version of "Mr. Sandman" by The Preptones and maybe have Tab Hunter join them when he overhears them rehearsing.

Do you have any keepsakes or mementos that you were able to keep from the filming of Grease 2?

I have one photo of myself in the bowling alley. I did keep some notes of dates worked and when I first heard of it. I will try to find a call sheet or script if I have one somewhere.

Was there any other actor in the film that this shoot created a special bond with?  If so, who and do you still hang out with them?

I did not see any of the main cast until the show at The NuArt in 2003. I saw many of the extras over the years and we often talked about Grease 2. Grease 2 was a "fun set" to work on.   Patricia Birch set the tone beautifully. There was a movie to be made and everyone worked. We worked because she made us feel special. There was a family feel to the set. Even Michelle loved doing the scene in the bowling alley. She was very sweet and I think she would quickly melt if she could have seen everyone at the Collector Show today.

Those people lucky enough to see everyone at that collector show could easily tell that Maxwell is indeed a fine gentleman of the highest magnitude yet with a funny bone. Maureen is able to smile and make us think of sunshine on a rainy day. She is a treasure and she was a great trooper to work with back in the 80s. She has not changed.  Pamela is just as pretty as she is pleasant to those around her. She had that quality back in 1981 and '82 when we worked together and today it was like we just picked up in the middle of the conversation we were having at the bowling alley. She is definitely not egotistical. I would gladly work with her again on any project. Leif is just so funny. he was funny back when we filmed and his demeanor and body language and smile are still the same. He could be so good on a late night David Letterman type show just talking to anyone. He is warm and open and an honest performer and person.

Did I mention I really liked working with these people? I am sorry I missed Lorna and Chris.

Was there a special moment or funny circumstance during the filming of Grease 2 that sticks out in your mind?

Almost everything was special. John Houseman visited us at the bowling alley. He was a friend of Patricia's and it was so nice to see John who was then about 70 or more, talking in the bowling alley with the young dancers and actors. You could have heard a pin drop as he related his experiences that paralleled those of these youg artists. John was a famous actor from the 1930s through the 1980s. He was the star of "Paper Chase."

Where were you when you learned you had won your role for Grease 2?

  I got my call as an extra from Rich-Mar Casting (which was located at the corner of Argyle and Selma in Hollywood, I think). I had stood in for them earlier in the year on a movie called "Under The Rainbow." They needed someone dependable since it would be many days of work. The extras on Grease 2 were Hollywood's best, if I may say so. They were carefully chosen and not just thrown a bone. I got my call on December 24th of 1981 and we began work on December 28th of that year. I might also mention that the job on Under The Rainbow was a 17 day job for me and I was able to work (starting in January 1981) with a delightful lady named Eve Arden who of course was the Principal in Grease 2. I had also worked with Sid Ceasar once before on a TV movie called Munster's Revenge.

What song did you perform for your audition for Grease 2 and which role did you audition for?  What other role would you have liked to have played?

No song. I was seen only for the bowling alley part. I would have enjoyed being the Coach Calhoun played by Sid Caesar.

When you were making Grease 2, did you ever imagine it would reach the cult status that it has?

I never guessed it would be that big so many years later. The cult status I think is something that cannot be planned, it just happens... and it sure happened for Grease 2.

What is your favorite musical number in Grease 2?  What was your favorite line you delivered in the filming of Grease 2?

Score Tonight. No lines.

When was the last time you watched 'Grease 2’?

About one month ago.

 Since Grease 2, what are some of your happiest accomplishments?

Dear John TV series on NBC TV 1988-92. That was wonderful, but Grease 2 still had a higher fun magnitude. I also enjoy singing 50s Rockabilly music (and piano boogie) at some clubs that feature Rock and Roll 50s music.

Webmaster Notes:
Thank you Tom for all your hard work in helping make www.Grease2.net and our Ultimate Grease 2 Message Board a success over the years!
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