The 1980s brought an unforgettable wave of pop culture icons, with Adrian Zmed taking a unique and unforgettable place among them. From his standout performances in Grease 2 and TJ Hooker to his wild antics alongside Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party, Zmed’s career during this era was marked by versatility, charm, and undeniable talent. Through his work in musicals, television, and film, Adrian Zmed left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. Let’s take a look at how this talented actor navigated these iconic roles, sharing some fun and insightful stories along the way.
Grease 2: From Broadway to the Big Screen
Adrian Zmed’s career was largely defined by his deep-rooted passion for the stage. After portraying Danny Zuko on Broadway in the original production of Grease, Zmed was no stranger to the world of 1950s high school rebels. But it wasn’t until he landed the role of Johnny Nogerelli in Grease 2 that he made his jump to the big screen, bringing his Broadway chops to a wider audience.
While Grease 2 may not have been a runaway success upon its initial release, it has since grown into a cult classic, adored by fans who appreciate its catchy musical numbers and playful homage to teenage rebellion. For Zmed, the experience of making Grease 2 was both thrilling and challenging. Not only was he stepping into a lead role in a high-stakes follow-up to a blockbuster hit, but he was also tasked with helping the film establish its own identity outside the massive shadow of Grease.
Zmed’s portrayal of Johnny Nogerelli, the new T-Bird leader, was both fun and rebellious. Unlike Danny Zuko, Johnny had an edgier, more confident attitude, which Zmed embraced fully. He often shared in interviews how much freedom he had on set, particularly thanks to director Patricia Birch. “She gave me carte blanche,” Zmed once said, explaining how Birch allowed him to explore the character and really make Johnny his own. Zmed’s musical background and experience with Grease gave him the ability to inject an authentic energy into the role, and it’s no surprise that fans of Grease 2 often look back on his performance as one of the highlights of the film.
Zmed has also expressed his fondness for the film’s opening number, “Back to School Again,” which he considers one of the greatest opening sequences in musical history. The intricate choreography, the sprawling introduction of all the characters, and the high-energy vibe set the tone for the rest of the movie. His admiration for the song and dance routines is a testament to his love of musical theater, where storytelling through performance is everything.
But beyond the songs and dances, Grease 2 represented a milestone for Zmed. It allowed him to cross over from Broadway to Hollywood, and despite the film’s rocky start at the box office, its growing cult following has kept Zmed firmly connected to pop culture history. Fans still approach him, decades later, singing lines from the movie like “Prowlin’,” which has become one of Zmed’s favorite numbers to perform. It’s clear that Grease 2’s legacy has stood the test of time—and Zmed couldn’t be prouder.
TJ Hooker: Partnering with William Shatner
Moving from musicals to TV police dramas was a significant shift for Zmed, but one that highlighted his range as an actor. In TJ Hooker, Zmed found himself working alongside the legendary William Shatner, an experience he often recalls as both educational and deeply enjoyable.
Zmed played Officer Vince Romano, the hotshot rookie cop under the wing of William Shatner’s character, Sergeant T.J. Hooker. TJ Hooker was a quintessential 80s cop show, filled with car chases, high-energy action sequences, and crime-fighting drama. For Zmed, this role was a chance to step into a completely different type of character. While the high-school charm and musical numbers of Grease 2 were behind him, TJ Hooker gave him the opportunity to showcase a more serious, action-oriented side. Yet, despite the dramatic premise, the camaraderie on set was lighthearted and fun.
Adrian Zmed has spoken fondly of his partnership with Shatner, often referring to him as a mentor. The dynamic between the seasoned, no-nonsense Shatner and the young, ambitious Zmed translated well on screen, where Romano’s eagerness was tempered by Hooker’s tough-love style of teaching. But behind the scenes, Zmed found in Shatner a friend who was willing to share his vast knowledge of the business, offering advice on everything from acting technique to career longevity.
In interviews, Zmed has frequently recounted how much he learned from simply watching Shatner work. His ability to command attention, both on set and in front of the camera, made a lasting impression. Zmed often laughs when telling the story of how Shatner used to rib him about Grease 2, teasing that Star Trek would always “beat him at the box office.” Despite the joking, the respect between the two was genuine, and their chemistry became one of the show’s defining features.
The action-packed scenes on TJ Hooker also gave Zmed the chance to do many of his own stunts, something he thoroughly enjoyed. From high-speed car chases to intense physical altercations, the adrenaline-filled atmosphere was a thrilling contrast to his theater days. Zmed’s commitment to the role and his bond with Shatner helped make TJ Hooker a staple of 80s TV, and one of the defining moments of his television career.
Bachelor Party: Tom Hanks and Wild 80s Comedy
While Grease 2 and TJ Hooker showed off Zmed’s musical and dramatic talents, Bachelor Party was a complete turn toward outrageous, 80s-style comedy. Starring opposite Tom Hanks, Zmed took on the role of Jay O’Neill, the best friend of Hanks’ character, Rick Gassko, in this raucous, over-the-top film about one wild night before a wedding.
Released in 1984, Bachelor Party became one of the quintessential sex comedies of the decade. Filled with absurd antics, wild parties, and ridiculous situations, it was a complete change of pace for Zmed. Yet, once again, he proved his versatility, delivering a memorable performance that perfectly complemented Hanks’ goofy and charming energy.
The production of Bachelor Party was just as wild as the film itself. Adrian Zmed has shared hilarious anecdotes about filming, particularly about the constant improvisation on set. He and Hanks developed an easy rapport, often making up lines or reacting to the unpredictable nature of the chaotic scenes. Zmed has joked that they spent so much time goofing off during filming that they were convinced the movie would be a flop. Instead, Bachelor Party became a hit, further solidifying Zmed’s place as a go-to actor in 80s cinema.
One of the standout moments for Zmed was his performance of “Little Demon” during the party scenes. A seasoned singer, Zmed brought a musical flair to his role that added a unique touch to the otherwise zany storyline. His performance was produced by rock guitarist Rick Derringer, and the song even found its way onto the film’s soundtrack, giving Zmed another musical accomplishment in his already eclectic career.
Zmed’s experiences on Bachelor Party also reflect the camaraderie he shared with his co-stars. He has spoken often about the on-set friendships that made the long hours of filming not only bearable but fun. Working with Hanks, who was already showing signs of the charisma and talent that would make him a Hollywood legend, was particularly memorable for Zmed. He often fondly recalls the “wild party atmosphere” that carried over from the set into their off-screen lives, creating bonds that would last long after the film wrapped.
The Legacy of the 80s
Adrian Zmed’s career in the 80s was defined by diversity. Whether it was dancing and singing on the set of Grease 2, performing stunts and chasing bad guys in TJ Hooker, or indulging in the comedic chaos of Bachelor Party, Zmed showcased a versatility that allowed him to navigate multiple genres with ease.
What makes Zmed’s work during this decade so special is the way it resonates with fans today. Grease 2 has evolved from a critically panned sequel into a beloved cult classic, while TJ Hooker remains a nostalgic favorite for those who grew up on 80s television. Bachelor Party continues to be a go-to film for fans of outrageous 80s comedies, cementing Zmed’s place in pop culture history.
Through it all, Adrian Zmed has remained grounded, appreciating the roles that defined his career and the fans who continue to celebrate them. Whether on stage or screen, he has left an enduring mark on 80s pop culture, and his stories from that era offer a fun and fascinating look into the wild world of Hollywood.
This look back at Zmed’s most iconic roles highlights not just his talent, but his love for the craft, his ability to form genuine connections with co-stars, and his ability to shift between genres, creating a career that still resonates with fans decades later.