Additional Coverage:
- Kevin Bacon Returns to ‘Footloose’ High School 40 Years Later — Just in Time for Prom Night (usmagazine.com)
Hollywood Star Kevin Bacon Makes Grand Return to ‘Footloose’ High School Ahead of Prom
In a heartwarming return to cinematic roots, film icon Kevin Bacon made a surprise visit to Payson High School in Utah, the very location where the 1984 dance classic “Footloose” sprung to life. The visit, timed perfectly with the school’s prom night, brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement not just for the students but for fans of the beloved movie.
The journey back to Payson High was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was orchestrated by the dedicated students who embarked on a campaign to lure the star back to where it all began. Their efforts didn’t stop at fan chants and social media appeals; they extended into the realm of philanthropy. In aligning with Bacon’s charity, Six Degrees, they rolled up their sleeves to assemble an impressive 5,000 care kits intended for those in dire need, showcasing the true spirit of community and generosity.
The charitable event, spearheaded by Six Degrees, saw an overwhelming outpour of support, culminating in the distribution of products valued at over $865,000. This massive undertaking resulted in 121,900 items being donated across four different organizations, reflecting the wide impact of their collaborative efforts. Kevin Bacon, moved by the community’s dedication to making a difference, expressed his gratitude, highlighting the unity and collective commitment to helping others.
As a token of their appreciation and to commemorate this special rendezvous, the students of Payson High School presented Bacon with an honorary diploma and a varsity jacket embroidered with “Footloose 1984,” immortalizing his contribution to the school’s history and the film’s legacy. The gesture symbolized the deep connection between the actor, the school, and the community at large.
“Footloose,” since its release in 1984, not only enjoyed a smashing success at the box office, garnering $80 million but also went on to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring a stage musical adaptation and a 2011 movie remake. Despite the film’s iconic soundtrack that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Bacon humorously confessed to typically shying away from the tunes at weddings, even going as far as compensating DJs to keep them off the playlist.
Kevin Bacon’s unannounced visit to Payson High School serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of “Footloose,” not just as a dance film that captured the hearts of many but as a vehicle for bringing communities together in celebration and service.