Kevin Bacon Returns to Payson High School to Celebrate 40 Years of ‘Footloose’ with Special Tribute

Kevin Bacon returns to special location in honor of movie anniversary

Kevin Bacon, in honor of 40 years since the release of the iconic Footloose movie, made a heartfelt return to the high school where the 1984 cult classic was filmed. The actor, who has become synonymous with the film, chose to celebrate this memorable milestone with a special tribute that delighted fans and high school students alike.

A trip down memory lane with Kevin Bacon

The trip down memory lane occurred just hours before the students’ long-awaited prom, bringing an added sense of excitement to the already noteworthy event. Bacon, 65, addressed the school’s student body at Payson High School in Utah, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Speaking from a stage that was placed in the center of the football stadium, Bacon began his speech by cheering, “Go Lions! Here we are on this beautiful, beautiful spot on this beautiful, beautiful day.” He then humorously pointed out the passage of time, stating, “It’s been a long time – 40 years – that just blows my mind, you know. Things look a little different around here. I’d say the thing that looks the most different is me.”

Dedicated students make it happen

The students of Payson High School took it upon themselves to make this special appearance a reality. Through their tireless efforts and the use of the hashtag #bacontopayson, they captivated Bacon’s attention and sparked his interest in returning to the notable filming location. Bacon acknowledged their persistence and determination in his speech, stating, “When I first heard about this Bacon to Payson thing, I was like ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ But you were all just tireless.” He added, “You talked me into it.”

Expressing his admiration for the students, Bacon praised their commitment and described their unwavering dedication as remarkable. He further attributed the enduring appeal of the movie to the power it holds in bringing people together. Bacon acknowledged the fundamental ideas behind the film and the connections it fosters among audiences, reinforcing its continued relevance.

Students show appreciation with a promise to support SixDegrees.org

The students of Payson High School extended their appreciation to Kevin Bacon for his remarkable return by pledging their support to the SixDegrees.org foundation. They enthusiastically offered to contribute their efforts in creating 5,000 “essential resource kits” for the organization, which aims to provide valuable support to youth and schools. This generous offer is part of the foundation’s larger goal of reaching 40,000 kits.

The heartwarming event brought additional value and purpose to Payson High School’s prom, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and reminding everyone of the lasting impact that movies like Footloose can have, even after four decades.