Are the original Grease characters in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies?

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, the prequel series to the iconic original film, takes place 5 years before the love story of Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. However, it’s not led by the characters people know and became endeared to through Grease. Instead, the plot centers on Jane, Olivia, Cynthia, and Nancy–the teen girls who established the Pink Ladies.

There isn’t a familiar name among the T-Birds either as they’re led by Olivia’s brother, Richie. But, you’d be hard pressed to not find a connection to the ’70s movie that created this universe as the teens attend Rydell High, their hang out is the Frosty Palace, and their struggles with love, defying conformity, and surviving high school are similar to the characters who will soon take over Rydell in their absence in the coming years.

Given that this is a prequel, is there any sign of the OG roles? Here’s what we know!

Is Frenchy in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies?

Yes, Frenchy is in the series. If there were any character that would make an appearance it’d be her as she was featured in both Grease films unlike her counterparts who were only a part of the original and were name dropped in its sequel.

In Rise of the Pink Ladies, Frenchy is actually Jane’s younger sister, Fran Facciano. And, yes, she does talk a mile a minute and is straightforward with her opinions. She’s in middle school in the show. The character is played by Madison Elizabeth Lagares.

Is Rizzo in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies?

Yes, like Frenchy, Betty Rizzo appears in the series. However, so far, she’s only been seen in one episode. She’s Fran’s best friend and is the one who gave her the nickname ‘Frenchy.’ They’ve been friends since Rizzo stuck up for her when she was being picked on at school. Rizzo’s the only one allowed to make fun of Fran. The role is played by Emma Shannon.

Neither Sandy, Danny, Kenickie nor the rest of the T-Birds and Pink Ladies have made an appearance. We’ll keep you posted if that changes.

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies news and coverage! New episodes release Thursdays on Paramount+.