Kevin Bacon Returns to 'Footloose' High School 40 Years Later for a Good Cause

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon took a trip down memory lane recently as he visited Payson High School in Utah, the school that served as the set for his hit 1984 film Footloose.

Bacon was entreated to visit by the students and staff who worked hard to get his attention and bring him back for the 40th anniversary, using the hashtag #BacontoPayson and doing things like flash mobs and pageants and other bold antics. They also tried to work with the actor's charity, SixDegrees.org, and eventually, all the hard work paid off.

The star came to Payson over the weekend and got a warm welcome, telling everyone, "It's so great to be here!" before doing a short dance for the crowd that included flexing his biceps.

As he took the stage after being introduced, Bacon thanked the school for their "unrelenting" effort to get him to come back for a visit, as well as their "commitment to giving back to your community and to the people you're sharing this planet with," ABC 4 News in Utah reported.

During his visit, Bacon and the school teamed up to make 5,000 kits filled with various essentials of everyday life for his nonprofit, which would then disperse them to people in need. While talking with the crowd, he specifically highlighted their drive to work with his charity, commending them for "turning what could be just a movie star coming back to get a pat on the back, into something really positive."

Payson High School awarded Bacon with an honorary diploma and a varsity jacket, and he spent some time touring the school and chatting with students and teachers.

The school also had a prom soon after his visit, and while Bacon couldn't attend, he sent a message played to everyone, saying, "Tonight, it’s not about me, it’s about you. I want you all to have a great time, and most importantly, be good to each other. And don’t forget to cut loose.”

Bacon starred in the popular '80s film Footloose with fellow cast members Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Sarah Jessica Parker and more. It was one of his earlier roles, and over the years, the movie has grown to cult classic status.

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