DONNA PESCOW - NEVER Give Up

The Saturday Night Fever alum and sitcom star reflects on the long road she's traveled

- Fortune Benatar

Last winter, Donna Pescow reunited with her old Saturday Night Fever costar John Travolta to film a Capital One commercial. "John and I stayed friends, but we hadn't worked together for 46 years," Donna tells Closer. "It really was a heart tug. The minute we saw each other on the set, it was almost like things were in slow motion. You are just so overwhelmed with happiness to see someone."

Of course, a lot has happened in Donna's life since she became an overnight success in 1977's Saturday Night Fever. She's had several long runs on TV series, appeared as a guest star on everything from Cold Case to The Sopranos, and has even spent time teaching acting. "I really don't love free time," Donna, 69, says with a chuckle. "I love working with young actors because there is this wonderful, fearless excitement and a desire to really dig in and learn. I love that." 

How did your childhood influence your decision to become an actress? 

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.

So you knew 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 to the entertainment industry.

Did your family approve?