Travolta reportedly suggested both the director and Newton-John.
Ronstadt was seriously considered and is regarded as capable of Sandy, though with a different energy.
Fisher and Susan Dey were reportedly considered for Sandy.
The story that Marie Osmond rejected Sandy over the transformation is explicitly doubted as retrospective association with the hit.
Lucie Arnaz allegedly lost consideration for Rizzo after Lucille Ball objected to a screen test; Channing is described as Carr’s client.
Winkler reportedly declined Danny to avoid repeating the Fonz and later regretted it; his casting is judged much worse despite his enormous television fame.
Presley was reportedly considered for Teen Angel before his death; his presence would have made the scene irresistible even to its critic.
Lamas reportedly replaced Steven Ford after Ford developed stage fright.
Ford is recognized and checked as Sally’s boyfriend in When Harry Met Sally.
Harry Reems reportedly signed to play Coach Calhoun before Paramount replaced him with Sid Caesar, ending a hoped-for mainstream crossover.