Buddy Aldridge is a main character in the Paramount+ original series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. He is portrayed by Jason Schmidt.
Buddy is the golden boy of Rydell High, the quarterback of the football team, the reigning student body president, and the social king. Due to Buddy's privilege, he sees life through a rose-colored lens and doesn't notice how the current hierarchy of the school negatively affects his friends and peers. Through his relationship with Jane, Buddy will face certain truths and be left at a crossroads.
Biography[]
Buddy Aldridge was born on September 2, 1938[1] to real estate mogul Dick Aldridge and his wife. Buddy grew up in Rydell and was pampered his entire life, unaware that many of his "accomplishments" were that of his father's doing. Dick had abused his power to make sure Buddy won certain games, was given a specific trophy, or title. During his sophomore year at Rydell High School, Buddy dated fellow soc Susan St. Clair, and they had sex. They broke up before summer, and he started a relationship with the outcast Jane Facciano.
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies[]
In "We're Gonna Rule the School", Jane Facciano and Buddy Aldridge made out in his car parked at a lookout spot. Jane thanked Buddy for the best summer of her life but understood that he was popular and she wasn't. She wanted this year to be different and announced her plan to run for student council. When he won student president, they would be a team again, even if just as friends. He thought her idea was dumb as they wouldn't be friends. He asked her to go steady and offered to endorse her council run. They kissed to commemorate the moment.
They arrived at the drive-in theatre where Jane sang, “Grease is the Word”. Gossip erupted around her about Jane wearing Buddy's letterman jacket. She passed the social girls who instantly questioned how Jane got the jacket. Rosemary mused what Susan would think about it, and couldn't wait to tell her. The student body joined Jane in song.
Jane walked to the concessions where Buddy introduced her to his friend group. There were Susan's friends Rosemary, Lucille and Dot, then Rydell football players Wally and Neil. The latter of whom believed Buddy dated Jane so she would do his homework. Wally told her to ignore Neil and welcomed Jane to the crew. Jane and Buddy headed to a car where they made out. She worried someone would see them, but he quelled her fears. Unbeknownst to them, Dot saw them from the phone booth and spread the news around Rydell.
The next day at school, Jane talked to Buddy under the stairs about the rumors. They both denied telling anyone about what happened - they didn't go all the way but did other stuff. She didn't care what others thought but he did. Student council kids were meant to uphold an image that weren't as sex deviants. She decided to clear their reputations before the pep rally that night.
After working hard all day, Jane managed to clear her reputation with help from Olivia Valdovinos. Buddy spoke to Jane in the halls and she shared that she cleared their reputations. He kissed her before he left for practice.
That night at the pep rally, The band and cheerleaders took center stage under a banner that read “THIS YEAR, RYDELL GOES ALL THE WAY”. Jane took the stage in the front as a baton twirler under their banner. During the grand finish, the cheerleaders pulled a rope that revealed a second banner which covered the words "THIS YEAR, RYDELL" and replaced it with "JANE FACCIANO", which humiliated the girl and her family. The T-Birds arrived wearing mascot costumes to orchestrate their prank. They stood in front of the band and mooned the audience. Unfortunately, Cynthia's mascot's head fell off, which exposed her identity. She made a distraction while the T-Birds fled the scene. In the parking lot, Jane confronted Susan and her fellow cheerleaders about the cruel prank. They now believed Buddy, who told Neil that Jane slept with him.
Jane found Buddy in the parking lot of the Frosty Palace and went to confront him about what he told Neil. Buddy thought Neil wouldn't tell anyone, but she reminded him that Neil had the biggest mouth at Rydell. Buddy retorted that girls are supposed to put up a fight. He knew it would blow over eventually, but she knew that was for him, not her. As she walked away, he professed his love, so she returned. They hugged and he told her they had to pretend to break up until after the election. Then, he can bring her back on, but things had to be in secret like they were during summer. She reminded him summer was over and handed back his jacket. Jane walked away from him and back home.
In the morning, the student body gathered for the student council '54-'55 candidacy election. Buddy gave a speech that was directed to Jane more than the class, then switched to his candidacy stance that they could have fun “like we did before”. Miss. McGee called Jane to the stage for her candidacy, but Jane told McGee her desire to withdraw. Someone called her a slut from the crowd and Jane started to go back to her seat when she turned to the podium to give a speech about Rydell. It wasn't fun for everyone before. They didn't have to just survive high school, they could have fun. McGee began to talk Jane off the stage as she reminded her that she withdrew moments before.
Olivia shouted her endorsement from the side of the auditorium. Susan corrected that Olivia couldn't endorse her if she wasn't running. Cynthia seconded the endorsement as she thought Jane should run for something. Nancy thirded the movement and the four girls stood on stage together. The crowd booed and called them tramps. McGee threatened to give them all detention if they didn't stop. Jane decided to run for president. Most of the crowd booed, though for the theater kids, outcasts, nerds, and Dot, until Susan corrected her, clapped for Jane. Cynthia shouted “Vote for Jane!” and then mooned the audience. Nancy, Olivia, and Jane, followed Cynthia's gesture. Susan shouted it was indecent, a gay student said it was fantastic, Potato developed a sudden interest in politics, and Gil wanted to register. The girls gave parting words as they fled the stage with everyone in pursuit.
In "Too Pure to Be Pink", Buddy and Jane were officially running against each other, and Susan was determined to make sure Buddy won. In the halls, she asked him if he liked the voting posters she hung for him. Dot invited them to a party at her house after school. She ran into a student and slipped, but Potato caught her and bestowed sweet words. Rosemary and Lucille yelled him off then ushered Dot away. Susan told Buddy to pick her up at 8 for the party, but he worried people would get the wrong idea since they weren't back together.
After a stern conversation with Miss McGee that resulted in Jane's, permanent record being tainted, she saw a poster for Buddy where he was advertised as “The Good Guy”. Buddy walked over but she was still mad at him because he killed her reputation. He should be worried that he won't get into college now and wanted him to tell everyone he lied. She walked off with the threat that she might tell everyone if he won't.
After school, Buddy and his teammates filed into the locker room after football practice. The boys asked who was going to Dot's party and laughed about going to second base with their girlfriends. Neil suggested Buddy take Jane instead of Susan, who he called “Fort Knox”. Meanwhile, Jane and Richie broke into Buddy's locker to find evidence that he wasn't the good guy everyone thought he was. Buddy's locker was barren except for a picture of a pro-MLB player, a schedule for the soup kitchen, a birthday card, a non-overdue library book, and a note that Richie found addressed to Jane. She walked off and Richie stole the library book, locked the locker, and mused that the book was overdue now.
Jane, Olivia, Nancy, and Cynthia went to the Frosty Palace where Jane read the letter she found in Buddy's locker. He admitted to having sex with Susan among other socially taboo subjects. It was the perfect ammunition for Jane to get her revenge and planned to blackmail him at Dot's party.
That night, the Socs party was crashed by the T-Birds and the four girls. Dot allowed them to stay and gave the house rules to everyone. The party drudged on so Olivia encouraged Jane to talk with Buddy. Neil called for everyone to gather to spin the bottle. Cynthia took control of the game as the game master. Different people kissed with varied degrees of intensity. Jane spun and it landed on both Buddy and Richie, so Cynthia ruled Chef's choice. Jane picked Buddy for seven minutes in heaven, which angered Susan, but Cynthia allowed it. They went into the closet and she stopped him from kissing her. She blackmailed him to drop out of the race with the letter, but he couldn't because his dad wanted to run for mayor and have a family of leaders. Buddy wanted to keep their campaigns but she didn't think that was fair. His future wasn't more important than hers. He didn't think she would show the letter, but she was not sure he knew her at all. Jane stormed into the living room just as Wally and Rosemary emerged with a crass remark from Fred, followed by a boy and Peg who were timed, then Neil and a drunk Susan. Jane opened the letter but saw the girls that were mocked for their exploits, which included Susan and decided not to go through with it.
In the morning, McGee found Buddy's poster had been defaced with “Vote Pink” paint. Susan tried to scrub the “Vote Pink” graffiti off Buddy's poster, but he assured her that she didn't need to do that. He heard about the punch incident last night and thought the guys were jerks. She called him one of the good ones. He wasn't in the place for a girlfriend but asked her to be his campaign manager. The hall doors opened and Susan's mouth dropped, followed by shocked murmurs from the student body. Jane, Olivia, Nancy, and Cynthia strutted down the hall in their pink jackets. Cynthia snubbed the T-Birds, Olivia didn't glance at Mr. Daniels, Jane smirked at Buddy, and Nancy pushed a smiling Richie out of the way. He combed back his hair and watched the girls strut down the hall, their new name visible on the backs - The Pink Ladies.
In "So This Is Rydell?", the Pink Ladies handed out the buttons at school with help from Cynthia, until Nancy arrived in a black leather jumper as part of her stance to stop being pushed around. Buddy and the Socs announced that, if he was elected, the Fall Ball would take place at the Rydell Athletic Club again. After a brief jig, they threw candy to the masses. Olivia told Jane to focus on the debate as a regional debate champion, but Cynthia shared that Mr. Aldridge hired a professional debate coach for Buddy.
The student body went to Frosty Palace where the students appealed to Jane about their issues. Cynthia and Nancy announced they were out of buttons which made Susan scowl. Dot screamed when Jim Johnson arrived. He was there to see Jane as he wanted to do a broadcast about the Rydell High School student election. The show would star Buddy and Jane. Susan and Olivia quickly agreed on behalf of their fellow campaigners.
At the debate, Miss. McGee stopped Susan who bothered the lighting man, while Dick Aldridge reminded his son of what the debate coach said. He didn't want Buddy to align himself with Jane in any way, as she was about change and in a girl gang, while Buddy wanted tradition. Buddy began his speech, rooted on by Susan and Wally. As the debate continued, Olivia realized that Jane chickened out, and Buddy questioned if this was a reversal of the policy her girl gang proposed. He asked what she was saying, but she didn't know, which disappointed everyone on her side except her parents. The show ended and Jane walked off the stage.
The next day, Jane, the T-Birds, Pink Ladies, and Hazel approached Buddy and the Socs at the Frosty Palace to demand a rematch. Susan refused on his behalf as there was no point, he had already one. It would have to be now as Nancy convinced her parents to close early. Kitty arrived and asked what was going on, and Jane admitted she wanted a second chance at the debate. She was grateful to her mom but had to be herself. She approached Buddy and asked for the debate, and he agreed. They sang their debate in “Take The Wheel” until Buddy fell off a counter and broke his arm. Jane rushed to his side until Susan pushed her away, and Olivia pulled her to the door. Jane offered Hazel a ride, but the girl refused. The T-Birds and Pink Ladies hurried out of the Frosty Palace.
That night, Hazel sat on her roof to look at the stars when Buddy greeted her from his window next door. He recognized her from the Frosty Palace, and she asked if he believed what he said, and he didn't. She wondered why he said it then, since when he said it everyone else thought it was okay. She hated it here, while she didn't think he could feel worse that night. He knew she was right and called her out for not being shy, but she believed she was. He was sorry she hated it there, and she messed with her telescope. He realized they hadn't officially met, and she introduced herself as Hazel.
In "If You Can't Be an Athlete, Be an Athletic Supporter", Hazel and Buddy discussed extraterrestrials on their way up the school stairwell. He didn't believe in them while she did. When they got to the hallway, Buddy met with his friends while Hazel stood awkwardly in front of them before she passed by.
Buddy sat on the bleachers during gym class while Coach Wade spoke to the team. He gave the quarterback position to Wally, which made Rosemary scream with glee. Hazel sat next to Buddy on the bleachers to ask if he wanted to walk home together, but he wanted to stay. She asked if he wanted to join the theater with her, and Cynthia thought it was a splendid idea. She still hated him but had bigger fish to fry.
Hazel and Buddy arrived at the theater to audition. Buddy wanted Hazel to audition for Juliet. They read for Romeo & Juliet until she froze and ran off the stage in fright. Mr. Vaughan called Alice forth to read with Buddy. Afterwards, the Thespians waited anxiously while Mr. Vaughan pinned up the cast announcement. Buddy apologized to Hazel but she was fine and wished him luck. The Thespians learned they didn't get the roles they wanted, including Lydia, who was cast as the nurse. Cynthia was cast as Juliet and Lydia once again corrected her pronunciation of Mercutio, while Mr. Vaughan lauded himself for casting a tomboy Juliet and maimed Romeo.
After the football game, the football team and Wally returned to Frosty Palace where the cheerleaders were thrilled to have lost by only a little, which is the best they've ever done. Hazel found Buddy to tell him her plan to do props so they could walk home together. He wasn't sure he'd do the play as he wasn't a thespian, and Susan called him over. Hazel wasn't a thespian either but thought they could be more than one thing. She offered to run lines with him so he agreed.
In "You Can't Just Walk Out of a Drive-In", Rydell High School watched a video about what to do when an atomic bomb hits. Susan huddled into Buddy. Dot leaned over to Rosemary and Wally to invite them to stay in her bomb shelter, which sat thirty-six. Buddy believed Jane had momentum and people's minds were made up, though Susan assured him they would change their minds, they had to, while Hazel eavesdropped.
Meanwhile, in the theater, Cynthia and Buddy painfully acted out a scene together, which made everyone wince. It was painful for Lydia to watch and she wanted them to fail. Floyd wanted them to get to the point where they died. Mr. Vaughan interrupted because while Buddy was fantastic, Cynthia made him feel like he made a mistake. But he did not make mistakes and his muse merely challenged him. He partnered her with Lydia and forced their allegiance.
The Socs interrupted the drive-in that night to advertise a party on Sparrow Lane to show people exactly what they would get by voting for Jane. The event, spear-headed by Susan, transported people in "Ry-hell". At the party, Floyd sang at the microphone while Buddy complimented Hazel on her constellation costume. He mused how they matched as he was an astronaut. He had to deal with Neil's antics but asked her to find him so he could give her a ride home.
The party was interrupted by a microphone giving feedback and a distorted voice that announced the real "Ry-hell", the one ruled by the Socs. Susan tried to hide it as part of the show but no one believed her. Buddy spotted the microphone cord and followed it while Jane continued her tirade where she called Buddy spineless. They argued over their antics as she admitted she would do whatever it took to win. He brought up when they talked about running earlier in the year as it would be fun. Richie walked around the house and hid from a group of party-goers. Jane admitted to Buddy that she didn't feel like the same person that she was back then, and he didn't either. Richie saw them on the steps together laughing.
The party roared inside as it shifted from being about Buddy to being Jane's. Susan saw the Pink Ladies and Potato clustered together and told them to leave. Cynthia called it a bomb, just as a flash of light exploded outside. Everyone screamed and took cover while the T-Birds stared up at the flashes of color. Jane emerged from the house, scared, and saw Richie through the sparks. One of the sparks caught a girl's costume on fire and everyone flanked to stomp out the sparks. Susan shouted that this was what they wanted to warn everyone about - that Jane would burn the whole town down. Hazel asked if Buddy was okay and they both were, so he asked Wally to take Hazel home. Buddy left the yard, but his moment with Jane caused her and Richie to breakup.
The next morning was the official election day. Cynthia and Buddy rehearsed Romeo & Juliet and she performed flawlessly compared to her last attempt. She cut him off before the kiss, muttered that she still hated him, and then Mr. Vaughan wept. He only cried once or twice a day but this brought him tears of joy. That afternoon, the student body lined up to vote for the student council president. Miss. McGee gave them instructions and then let everyone into the booths. The Socs, T-Birds, Thespians, nerds, choir, and Pink Ladies all voted.
Buddy stayed late With Susan while their parents oversaw the vote count. Tippy looked out the door to where Susan and Buddy sat. She shook her head at her daughter to signal Buddy's loss. He told her it was alright and left to go home.
Jane sat on her porch as she looked at the Pink Ladies' gift. Buddy walked up the steps as he wanted to congratulate her as she won the vote. She was thrilled but quickly composed herself to ask if he wanted to sit. She wished they could both be winners and offered to change the rules, but he didn't want that. He spent his whole life competing in stuff, and sometimes he lost. He's relieved as he just ran to win while she ran to change things. She wondered if that was true, or if she ran to win too. She worried it was all about her, but he told her to knock it off. She didn't have a selfish bone in her body. She dealt with so much that year, a lot of which was his fault. He apologized and she looked over at him. She kept going because she wanted to make a difference. She won because people are inspired by her. He was inspired by her, too. She impulsively kissed him.
In "Sloppy Seconds Ain't My Style", Buddy and Jane talked on the phone about their recent kiss. She wanted to keep what happened between them for now, as she only recently broke up with Richie. Jane and Buddy have a lot to sort out, and he added they didn't have to decide anything right now. She would love his help with the presidential duties. It was getting late, so she hung up with an exasperated look while Buddy grinned.
Buddy practiced his lines on his windowsill across from Hazel, who stood on her roof with her telescope. She knew his lines perfectly and helped him. He knew she got stage fright, but it was bananas she was doing props when she had the whole play memorized. She promised she was happy. Her father opened the window and told her to come inside, as it was dangerous. She did it all the time back home, but the roof here was different.
In gym class, the boys got new basketballs while the girls were given the boys' old ones. The intercom chimed as Miss McGee announced the new class president. The Pink Ladies gripped hands tightly while the Socs stood around Buddy. McGee announced the president was Buddy Aldridge. The Socs screamed and cheered him on, while Buddy watched the girls talk and Susan congratulated him. Jane walked off to talk to Buddy, and Susan stared at them. Later in the theater, Hazel and Lydia watched Cynthia perform drearily onstage with Buddy.
After school, Buddy put a record on with the lights dimmed for his discussion with Jane about student council policies. He joked that she couldn't blame him for trying. She saw the student president's gavel, though he still had it from last year. He offered to let her hold it but she declined. Susan entered the house with a sing-song voice and mused over the darkness before she saw Buddy with Jane. Susan had assumed they'd continue to work together considering she ran his entire campaign. Buddy was sure they could all find a way to work together, but the girls refused and insisted he choose between them. He hesitated then chose Jane, with an apology to Susan, who thought he had some nerve. She stormed out of the house with a scream. Buddy and Jane sat back on the couch as he tapped the gavel for her to have the floor.
The next day, Buddy spoke to Jane in the parking lot, and the conversation was observed by a jealous Susan. After they parted, he went to theater where Mr. Vaughan ran through the lighting for the kiss and called his Romeo and Juliet to the spotlight. Buddy had his sword and Hazel offered to take it. He chuckled as he forgot she was there and handed it off. Vaughan told “Hazelle” to get off the stage and she retreated.
That night was the student play. The thespians headed to the stage as Hazel helped Buddy with his costume. He thought she was on props but she's learned to step out of her comfort zone. She asked if he was okay, but before he could respond, Nancy arrived looking for Cynthia. Floyd would be impressed if she decided to be a diva and hold up the curtain. Nancy and Hazel headed to the dressing room to look, and Hazel told Buddy to break a leg on her way out. Hazel and Nancy learned that Cynthia had ditched the play, so Nancy gave Hazel the confidence to take the stage herself as Juliet.
The crowd clapped as the play moved on to the next act. Lydia emerged from behind the stage to introduce Juliet, who didn't come out on her cue. She repeated the cue and Hazel took a deep breath, steadied herself, then stepped into the light. The crowd was shocked and Mr. Vaughan looked out in surprise. Hazel performed perfectly through her song about finding her light after being in the shadows for so long. She was still afraid but continued her performance. She kissed Buddy on stage and everyone gasped again. A podium came down and Hazel took her spot on it as it raised into the air as her skirt flowed into a beautiful train. The spotlight went out and the song ended.
Tommy gave the end monologue as Juliet and Romeo lay dead on the stage. Hazel opened one eye to see the crowd as they applauded. Her parents, Wally, Kallie, and Mr. Aldridge were all in attendance. The cast came out to take their final bow with Romeo and Juliet. Hazel's mom smiled over no more plaid for Hazel. Mr. Vaughn handed Hazel a bouquet and called her the show, and she started to correct him on her name, but he was already gone. Buddy leaned over to tell her that he knew she would be great. He left the stage before the final bow.
In "Cruisin' for Bruisin'", Richie strutted up to the Frosty Palace where students moved out of his way and gawked. The restaurant was filled with students who celebrated the play. Richie spotted Buddy and stormed up to him where they faced off - Richie bruised and beaten.
One day earlier, the day before the play, the student body learned that Buddy won the presidential campaign. Susan cheered as the recount must have meant his win, but he took in the disappointed faces of those around him. He saw Jane across the court where Olivia tried to cheer her up.
Susan screamed as she left the Aldridge house. Buddy gave Jane the floor but he started anyway. He wanted to follow her guide of having the dance at the school, but getting Johnny Vavoom would be hard as the PTA had to approve him. He wanted to find a way as they were in it together. She wanted to meet with the PTA herself, but he shot her down. Dick Aldridge arrived to congratulate his son and hoped there were no hard feelings with Jane. She left moments later as Dick ensured Buddy that all the girls would want to go to the dance with him. Buddy shared his thought of having the dance at the school as it's what the kids wanted. Dick agreed and remarked that she must be some girl.
Buddy went to Johnny Vavoom's studio to convince him to DJ at Rydell High. He startled the man who then turned his offer down as he knew the parents thought he should be strung up in the square. Buddy didn't see what was so bad with Perry Como which disgusted Johnny. He started to leave as she would never take him back, which interested Johnny. He encouraged him to listen to Joe Turner to develop a spine, which Buddy thought was interesting from a man who was afraid to come out of his booth.
Buddy snuck home where Dick was drunk in the living room. He covered for Buddy with his mother and asked if he was with a girl. Buddy admitted he tried to get Johnny Vavoom for the dance, but Dick didn't think he'd fit in at the club. He didn't take Buddy's idea seriously as it was just the hormones talking. Buddy was sure Jane had good ideas and that's why almost half the school voted for her. Dick admitted it was more than half, and revealed how he pulled strings to ensure his son won the election. He didn't see any harm in helping his son now and then. He's done it before with football and grades. Buddy's world shifted beneath him as he took in the revelation.
The day of the play, Jane gushed over her plans for the play to Buddy, who wanted to tell her about the election. He changed his mind and instead, told her about how lucky he was that she was his number two. She wished him luck with the play and walked off. He was distracted at the play and Mr. Vaughan had to shove him on stage where he struggled to perform. He was taken into a song where he contemplated his entire life, whether he'd ever made a decision, and how doors were opened for him all his life, strings pulled, and people manipulated to get him to where he was. He realized his privilege for the first time. The song carried him through the play and his kiss with Hazel.
Buddy knocked on the door of the apothecary who didn't answer. Mr. Vaugahn prepared to take the role of apothecary just as Shy Guy raced to the stage. He yanked open the door and wheezed over for a moment before he delivered his line. The T-Birds erupted into cheers and claps for their boy. The cast took their final bow, and Buddy told Hazel he knew she would be great. He left the stage early and walked the halls where Dick found him. Buddy planned to tell Jane about the election and argued with Dick, who tried to stop him. Buddy shoved his father away and walked off.
Buddy walked into a busy Frosty Palace where he looked for Jane. He asked two nerds if they'd seen Jane, but they were unhelpful. Dot saw her before the play but thought she left. Richie arrived with a bruised face and stormed up to Buddy. He asked if he'd seen Jane, but Buddy was just looking for her . Richie wanted him to be sure and then left the restaurant. Dot heard Johnny Vavoom mention Rydell High and shushed everyone as she turned up the volume. He announced that he would DJ for their upcoming dance and credited Buddy. The students were elated and praised Buddy, which slowed him from leaving Frosty Palace.
Richie arrived at Jane's door moments before Buddy did. She worried they fought but Richie assured her they hadn't, as they didn't come together. Betty and Frenchy eavesdropped from the staircase where they mused over Jane's romantic situation. Richie wanted to go first as he'd make it quick. He didn't know what was going on between her and Buddy and guessed it wasn't his business, but he apologized for Halloween. He saw them together and couldn't handle it. When they got together, he started feeling things, real things, good things. The feelings didn't stop and he felt other things too, things he tried not to feel for a long time, that scared him. It was easier to explode than feel him. But he'd rather feel everything with her than nothing with someone else. He knew he had a lot to prove but hoped she'd let him take her to the dance to start. She didn't have to decide now, as he'd let Buddy say his peace. Buddy walked back over and began to tell Jane, but changed his mind. He told her Johnny Vavoom would DJ as he got him to agree. She was surprised, and Richie approached as she had two offers now. Richie decided to give her time and the two boys walked off the porch as Jane watched them leave, stunned.
The boys went home and sat on their beds. Buddy drank out of a bottle of liquor while Richie smiled and put his beer bottles in the trash. He laid down on the bed and smiled while Buddy lay with his liquor.
In "Or at the High School Dance...", Channel 8 news, led by Jim Johnson, ran a broadcast on ‘The Changing Teenager'. It highlighted the alleged effects of marijuana, bigger hair, leather jackets, and rock n' roll. They interviewed Tippy St. Clair about the upcoming rock and roll dance, a topic that horrified her. They also asked “The Pink Girls” gang and Olivia Valdovinos thought it would bring people together, and Jane Facciano noted change was good. Buddy Aldridge declined to be interviewed.
Buddy missed the morning student council meeting, which meant the decision to allow the rock 'n' roll dance fell to Susan. She agreed to help the Pink Ladies and convince the PTA and boosters to allow it. After the meeting, Jane saw Buddy in the hall but ran off so he wouldn't see her.
After school at the Frosty Palace, Jane told Buddy that she was going to the dance with the Pink Ladies and he morosely thanked her for letting him know. She stopped him to ask if he was okay, as he missed the student council. He overslept but promised to make sure the dance was everything she wanted it to be. She watched him walk off.
The night of the dance, Rosemary and a friend tried to put up a VIP section. Buddy told them to move it as the dance had to be the same for everyone.
In the principal's office, Dick helped Buddy get prepared. He reminded Buddy to tell the cameras who he was and that he was the president, to have the Aldridge name out there before his campaign. He asked where Buddy's arm candy was, though Jane turned him down. Dick told him not to tell Jane about the election business. He eagerly spotted the camera crew. Buddy didn't tell her, he couldn't, which Dick thought was for the best. Nicholson would never admit that he threw out Jane's votes. He urged Buddy to get himself together because he looked terrible. After Dick left, Buddy took a bottle of liquor out of his jacket and drank it. Unbeknownst to them, Richie sat on the other side of the wall and heard everything.
In the gym, the jazz band drearily played. Over by the refreshment table, a drunk Buddy made a scene for the reporter. They should play this music at someone's funeral. He's Buddy Aldridge, the big bad president, and his dad is running for mayor soon. Dick confronted Buddy once the cameras were gone and realized his son was drunk. He wanted to take him home, but Buddy shoved him away.
The Pink Ladies and T-Birds snuck into the dance through a side door in the gym to pass along their message of a party at Frosty's. The students filed out rather quickly and Buddy watched as everyone left. He arrived at the party late, just as Susan and Olivia were in the midst of a fight. Olivia saw Buddy enter and turned back to Susan. She knew Susan thought she was superior on her high horse, but she was the one who tried to make everyone think Jane was easy when Susan was the one who put out for Buddy Aldridge. Buddy shouted that it was no one's business. Susan grabbed his hand and pulled him away.
Buddy saw Rosemary laugh with a guy and shoved him to stop laughing at Susan. He went to punch the guy but elbowed Dot in the nose, and the girl burst into tears. Wally didn't think they should be there, and Hazel agreed. The duo left just as Richie approached Olivia to suggest they leave. She accused him of being on Jane's side and thought he should know Jane kissed Buddy less than 24 hours after breaking up with Richie. Everyone gasped, and Jane quickly explained that it was after the election. Richie couldn't believe that Buddy kissed Jane after he stole the election. Jane questioned Buddy, who admitted he came there to tell her. His dad and Nicholson rigged the votes. He tried to stop her from walking away, but Richie stopped him. Buddy shoved him back and said to get out of his way. Richie shoved him back, and Jane tried to stop it, but Cynthia pulled her aside. Buddy came at Richie, who reared to hit Buddy and accidentally elbowed Dot in the nose again. Nancy pushed Dot out of the way, and the girl bumped into a line of students, which made people fall into each other. A student threw a bottle that hit a window and cracked it. Buddy grabbed Richie's shoulder so the boys were face-to-face. Olivia shouted for her brother, but the Pink Ladies kept her back as police sirens wailed.
Everyone spilled into the parking lot. Buddy and Richie, who had now fought, toppled through the open doors. Richie grabbed Buddy, and they grappled before they fell to the ground. The police came and pulled the boys away to arrest them. Olivia cried out for her brother again, but Cynthia held her back as the cops already had him.
Personality[]
Physical Appearance[]
Buddy wears a varsity jacket in most of episodes.
Notes and Trivia[]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 As seen in his student evaluation file in "Too Pure to Be Pink".
- ↑ Dick called him 16 in "Racing for Pinks".