"Fame" is back on the big screen! Now "Extra" is bringing you facts about the 1980 Oscar-winning film -- and the 2009 remake for a new generation.
Facts about "Fame", Then and Now
The 2009 version of “Fame” is said to be a family-friendly remake of the 1980 original.
The updated film follows the same story: a group of New York performing arts high school students live their dreams and learn about each other along the way.
“Fame”(1980) cast relatively unknown actors.The 2009 version features many fresh faces, too.
The new batch of teachers includes Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, Bebe Neuwirth and Charles S. Dutton.
Debbie Allen, who played tough dance teacher Lydia Grant in the original film, is returning in the 2009 film.
Madonna screen tested for a role in “Fame”. She later did the same for the TV series.
The Songs That Lived Forever
“Fame” won Academy Awards for “Best Original Score” and “Best Original Song.”
He Was There Every Step of the Way
Writer Christopher Gore (center) wrote the original “Fame”(1980), as well as the TV series and the 2009 remake.
The Oscar nominated song “Out Here on My Own,” composed by Michael Gore, was co-written by his sister Lesley. Lesley Gore had the 1960s pop hit “It's My Party (And I'll Cry if I Want to)”
“Fame” is director Kevin Tancharoen's first feature film. (IMDB)
Naturi Naughton, who plays Denise Dupree in the 2009 remake, was a former member of the group 3LW when she was just 15. (IMDB)
Kherington Payne, who plays Alice Ellerton, has appeared on “So You Think You Can Dance?”
Six Degrees of Separation
Collins Pennie, who plays Malik Washburn, is listed as appearing on the TV series “Shark.”
Collins' “Fame” co-star Kay Panabaker is the sister of Danielle Panabaker, who had a recurring role on “Shark.”
“Fame” isn't the flick being re-imagined for a new generation!
An updated version of “Footloose” has Chace Crawford replacing Kevin Bacon (pictured on the right in 1988, four years after “Footloose” hit theaters).
There's also a sequel in the works to “Hairspray.”
