Hey there, friends! Last winter, Donna Pescow reunited with her legendary Saturday Night Fever costar, John Travolta, for a Capital One commercial. Now, Donna’s been keeping in touch with John over the years, but they hadn’t worked together in 46 years. Can you believe that? "John and I stayed friends, but we hadn’t worked together for 46 years," Donna tells Closer. "It really was a heart tug. The moment we saw each other on set, it was almost like things were in slow motion. You’re just so overwhelmed with happiness to see someone." That’s the kind of connection only true friendship can bring, right?
Now, a lot has happened in Donna’s life since she became an overnight sensation in the 1977 classic Saturday Night Fever. She’s had long-running roles on TV series, guest-starred in everything from Cold Case to The Sopranos, and even spent some time teaching acting. "I really don’t love free time," Donna, 69, says with a laugh. "I love working with young actors because there’s this wonderful, fearless excitement and a desire to really dig in and learn. I love that." It’s inspiring to hear how Donna continues to pour her passion into mentoring the next generation.
Childhood Influences: How Donna Became an Actress
How did your childhood influence your decision to become an actress?
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"My grandfather was sort of like a surrogate dad to me. He was a movie projectionist at the RKO Albee in downtown Brooklyn. I used to go to work with him on Saturdays, sit in the booth, and watch movies all day long. I just loved it." Sounds like Donna’s grandfather played a pivotal role in nurturing her love for storytelling and the magic of cinema from an early age.
So, did you know what you wanted to do for a living from a very young age?
"Yes. I think I was just a real hammy kid. My grandfather was a stage manager during vaudeville, so he knew all these really hilarious routines from comedians like Abbott and Costello. I was the only 8-year-old doing “Who’s on First?” It was just a natural progression that I became someone who gravitated toward the entertainment industry." Talk about destiny! It seems like Donna was always destined for the spotlight.
Family Support and Role Models
Did your family approve of your choice to pursue acting?
"My family was very supportive. They would take me to Broadway shows. There were a couple of behind-the-scenes people—stage and crew members—in my family. I just sort of adored all of it: drama or comedy, theater or film. I felt at home with it all." It’s clear that Donna had a supportive family environment that encouraged her creativity and passion for the arts.
Did you have any idols growing up?
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"Bette Davis and Carol Burnett. Carol was my comedic idol. I lived for her show when I was a kid. How can anyone not love her?" Who could argue with that? Carol Burnett is a comedy icon, and it’s no surprise that Donna was inspired by her.
Favorite Roles and Career Highlights
What have been some of your favorite roles?
"Saturday Night Fever will always be closest to my heart. It was my first film, and it really launched my career. It was such a wonderful experience." The film was a game-changer for Donna, and it’s no wonder she holds it so dear.
Were you surprised by the success of Saturday Night Fever?
"I think when it first came out, everyone was blown away by the success of the film because it was a very small-budget movie. I don’t think anyone, certainly not Paramount and certainly not the people producing the film, thought it would be as enormous as it became. It became a film that was a commentary on the era and the world of disco—also on the young kids trying to figure out who they are and where to go with all of life’s ups and downs." The movie was more than just entertainment; it captured a moment in time and resonated deeply with audiences.
Is it true that you had to audition for the role of Annette six times?
"[Laughs] I thought it was a little tiny part, and I couldn’t quite understand why they were making such a fuss over me coming in so many times, but I was happy to do it. Everybody was looking for that authenticity and some sort of connection." Talk about perseverance! Donna’s determination paid off big time.
Did you learn anything from working with John Travolta?
"I think in many ways he taught me how to work on set. He is such a generous person, and he is such a generous actor. He was just as concerned if you felt good about what you had just done or if you wanted another take. He was also an extraordinarily talented actor who loved doing things improvisationally. I think he was my biggest influence starting in film." John Travolta’s generosity and talent clearly left a lasting impression on Donna.
TV Series Memories and Life Lessons
In 1979, you got your own TV series, Angie. What are your memories of it?
"Everybody had such affection for one another. We just really had such a good time. Robert Hays, who has remained one of my closest friends—we’re godparents to each other’s kids—he loved cracking me up. We had an audience when we would film the show, and he would just find a moment to do some sort of silly imitation of Popeye’s laugh or something that would just throw me and crack me up." Sounds like a fun, laughter-filled set!
You’ve been married for 37 years. What’s your secret?
"Again, luck, luck, luck. My husband was in advertising, and he was a writer. So, we were both in the same industry in the sense of entertainment, but not in the same field. I think that helped. But more than that, he’s hilariously funny, and I think a sense of humor keeps you going. He is my best friend as well as my husband." A great sense of humor and companionship go a long way in a relationship.
Do you have any hobbies?
"Boy, that’s a hard one. I love to work with kids. I’ve taught at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which is my alma mater, and the Lee Strasberg Institute. I wouldn’t call it a hobby, but it is something that I love to do." Teaching the next generation of actors is clearly a passion project for Donna.
Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?
"There is a possible series. I also just finished a Grey’s Anatomy
