Kevin Bacon Reflects on the Lasting Impact of ‘Footloose’ 40 Years Later

Kevin Bacon’s iconic role in the film Footloose continues to resonate, even decades after its release.

During a recent panel discussion at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, the renowned actor spoke candidly about the lasting influence of Footloose, the 1984 film that catapulted him to fame. The stirring title song from the movie remains a source of both nostalgia and discomfort for Bacon, who refers to it as his “worst nightmare.”

He explained, “My worst nightmare is to be at a wedding and the DJ puts on the music, and the song comes on. Suddenly, the wedding becomes about me, and people form a circle around me, and I become a trained monkey. So, I’ve gone to the DJs and said, ‘Please don’t play that song.’ It’s not that I don’t like the song.”

The song Footloose, co-written and recorded by Kenny Loggins, played a significant role in the film’s success, culminating in a nomination for Best Original Song at the 1985 Academy Awards.

The film centers around Bacon’s character, Ren McCormack, a teenager who relocates from Chicago to a small Midwestern town where dancing and rock music have been outlawed. Despite the film’s emphasis on dance, Bacon candidly admitted that he was not a trained dancer when he took on the role.

He recounted fond memories of dancing in Philadelphia, where he enjoyed nightlife at Studio 54 during his days as a waiter, stating, “Growing up in Philly, I loved dancing. In New York, I would go to Studio 54 and dance all night all alone — and this was when I was a waiter. I always loved it.”

Bacon humorously reflected on his initial misunderstanding about the film. He stated, “But when they sent the script to me, I did not know it was a dance movie. They had talked about choreographers, and I was like, ‘I don’t really need a choreographer. You can just turn the music on, and I can just dance around and have fun with it.’ And they were like, ‘Ah — na na na, you don’t know what you’re getting into.’”

In April 2024, Bacon returned to Utah’s Payson High School, where the film was partially shot. This visit followed a spirited social media campaign by the students, who recreated scenes from Footloose and shared them online under the hashtag #bacontopayson.

A video shared by a local news station captured Bacon joking about the changes since filming. He remarked, “Things look a little different around here. I’d say the thing that looks the most different is me.”

Bacon described his surprise at the grassroots effort, noting, “When I first heard about this ‘Bacon to Payson’ thing, I was like ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ But you were all just tireless. Unrelenting… You talked me into it. I think it’s great to see that kind of commitment to anything.”

Following the worldwide success of Footloose, Bacon continued his career with numerous acclaimed films, including Mystic River, Apollo 13, A Few Good Men, and Frost/Nixon.

At the panel, he shared reflections on his career aspirations. Although it was his dream to have his name in lights and appear on Johnny Carson’s iconic talk show, he later recognized the complexities of fame. Bacon admitted, “Now I am used to it. I had impostor syndrome, and I was resistant to it. I did not want to do press and be in magazines. I wanted to be a serious actor — I did not want to be a pop star. It was the opposite of how I wanted to view myself.”

This candid discussion highlights Bacon’s unique relationship with his most prominent role, illustrating how Footloose shaped his career while also embedding itself in his life in numerous ways.

Reflecting on Legacy and Fame

Kevin Bacon’s revelations during the panel not only nod to the nostalgia associated with Footloose, but also underscore the long-lasting impact of early fame on the actors who navigate the world of entertainment. As Bacon continues to evolve his career, the shadows of his past roles serve as a reminder of the dual-edged sword of celebrity.

Although ratings and box office numbers define a film’s immediate success, the emotional and psychological ramifications extend well beyond critical acclaim. As the decades pass, actors like Bacon grapple with the legacy of their performances, making his reflections poignant for both industry insiders and fans alike.

In an age where nostalgia reigns, the stories told by actors about their early films often reveal deeper truths about identity, ambition, and the realities of life in the spotlight. Bacon’s reflections on Footloose capture this sentiment beautifully, reminding us that while roles may define careers, the impacts often resonate far beyond the screen.