45 Years of ‘Xanadu’: Olivia Newton-John Shines in Rare Behind-the-Scenes Photos From the Cult Classic’s Set

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Xanadu (1980), starring Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly and Michael Beck, is pure 80s charm. The film tells the story of a man named Sonny (portrayed by Michael Beck), who makes a dull living painting album covers. When he meets a mysterious and ethereal woman named Kira (Olivia Newton-John), he and a former big band musician (played by Gene Kelly) are inspired by the woman to join forces in bringing to life Xanadu, a nightclub. With the film’s 45th anniversary being August 8, take a look back at a few behind-the-scenes photos and surprising facts about the cult classic.

1. ‘Xanadu’ was Gene Kelly’s last role before he died.

Gene Kelly, known for films like Singin’ In the Rain (1952) and An American in Paris (1951), had already built an impressive resume by the time Xanadu hit the big screen. After bringing to life the character of Danny McGuire, Kelly only made a few television appearances before he passed away in 1996. The actor was in his late sixties by the time he joined the likes of Olivia Newton-John and Michael Beck on screen, but he proved he certainly still had his dancing skills fully intact.

2. Despite its status as a cult classic, the film wasn’t well-received upon release.

While the neon, music and film’s aesthetic bring us back to days-gone-by, back when the movie was first released, it wasn’t exactly a hit. Ever heard of the Razzies? The Golden Raspberry Awards aim to recognize the worst films and performances of each year, and as the story goes, Xanadu was one of the films that inspired them. A little harsh if you ask us!

3. Olivia Newton-John met her husband on the set.

In 1980, Olivia Netwon-John met Matt Lattanzi on the set of Xanadu. The actor was portraying the young version of Gene Kelly’s character. In 1984, the two got married and had a daughter, Chloe, before splitting up in 1995.

4. The building where Xanadu existed was a real place.

After watching this film, I think we all sort of wished we could spend an evening at Xanadu, and for a period of time, you could have—well, sort of. The exterior shots of Xanadu were actually of Los Angeles’ Pan Pacific Auditorium, but sadly, in 1989, the building was destroyed by a fire. Today, the spot is now a park.

5. Kenny Ortega played a big role in this film.

Kenny Ortega has become known for his work as a choreographer, bringing to life films from Dirty Dancing (1986) to High School Musical (2006), but did you know that Xanadu was one of his earliest projects? ”I’ve had people for years pulling up into my driveway with ‘Xanadu’ blasting in their cars,” Ortega told Entertainment Weekly. ”At first I thought it was some kind of weird joke. Then I discovered they were very sincere.”

6. After the film, Olivia Newton-John had a frightening stalker.

After Xanadu hit screens, Olivia Newton-John had a frightening stalker named Michael Owen Perry. Ultimately, he was arrested after killing five people, and afterwards, police discovered that “Perry had written a number of rambling letters to singer Olivia Newton-John that at times expressed adulation and at other times appeared threatening,” reported The Washington Post back in 1983.