Kevin Bacon. Photo: Gage Skidmore // Openverse

Bacon's visit comes months before the high school is slated for demolition

PAYSON, Utah — The Utah Film Commission is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of the blockbuster film “Footloose” with a special appearance at a local high school from the movie’s star, Kevin Bacon.

As part of the celebration, Bacon announced this morning on NBC’s “Today” show that he will return to Payson High School on April 20, where many scenes from the iconic movie were filmed 40 years ago. The actor is also visiting Payson as part of his work with his foundation, SixDegrees.org, which supports impactful initiatives to sustain and enrich local communities.

SixDegrees.org hopes to create 40,000 essential resource kits for communities and organizations in need, and Payson High School has committed to create 5,000 kits on the same day as its prom to be distributed locally, in collaboration with Bacon’s foundation and the Utah Film Commission.

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“Footloose” was released in 1984 and grossed $80 million domestically. It is considered one of the most successful Utah films to date, and its popularity helped to grow the state’s film industry.

The Utah Film Commission has been working with the students at Payson High School on a campaign to bring Kevin Bacon back to Utah since November 2023 when Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined the effort on social media.

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“Footloose’s” 40th anniversary wasn’t the only factor motivating the campaign to get Bacon back to Payson. Due to the school’s aging infrastructure, the clock is ticking. The current iteration of Payson High School, which was featured in the film, was built in 1967. The Salt Lake Tribune reported earlier this year that the school building is scheduled to be torn down and rebuilt in spring 2025.

“We’ve worked so hard this year and done our absolute best to make this crazy dream a reality,” said Rubie Raff, Payson High School student body president. “I can’t believe that it’s finally happening and that we can say we did it! It was all worth it—we got Kevin back to Payson!”

2024 also marks 100 years of film and television in Utah. The Utah Film Commission’s year-long celebration includes an exhibit at the Utah State Capitol building, as well as celebratory events across the state.

“Throughout the 100th anniversary, we are celebrating not only film and television moments that were made in Utah, but the people and places behind those moments,” said Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission. “‘Footloose’ is one of those iconic moments in Utah’s film history that made both an impact on Utah and the world. I am so proud of the Payson High School students and hope this celebration will remind everyone of Utah’s rich film history.”