Hazel Robertson

Hazel Robertson^[1] is a main character in the Paramount+ original series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. She is portrayed by Shanel Bailey.

Hazel is a brilliant new transfer student who struggled to find her place in Rydell's predominantly white society.

Biography[]

In 1954, Hazel and her parents moved to Rydell for a better life and education for her. An aspiring science nerd and reserved girl, Hazel had trouble with the move as she missed her friends and the life she had before.

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies[]

In "So This Is Rydell?", the morning Olivia sauntered into Rydell in her new outfit was the same day Hazel arrived at the school. Jane's speech at the auditorium was impactful for Hazel, who struggled to find a group of friends at the Frosty Palace that night. She went home and talked to her old friends about not having time for new friends. She talked about her classes, and the boy she sat next to in geometry named Wally, but then her friends abruptly hung up to deal with matters at home. Hazel stared out at the constellations and sang “Same Sky” about her life.

In the morning, Jane attended debate club where she brought up the negotiations she made with the Athletic Club for the Fall Ball. Hazel, prompted by Jane, offered a new perspective about how not everyone shared her vision of what fun was. She also didn't want to attend the Athletic Club on any other day of the year, they wouldn't let someone like her inside.

Wally greeted Hazel in their math class. Moments later, Jane announced her brand new Fall Ball over the intercom with the possibility of getting DJ Johnny Vavoom. The class erupted into excited cheers and cries. Hazel smiled happily to herself in the chaos.

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. Jane approached Hazel and thanked her for what she said earlier, as it made her change her campaign. She sympathized with Hazel's difficulty to fit in and invited her inside, but she had to study. 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.

The next night, Hazel watched the debate from her spot on the couch. She saw Jane back out of her stances and froze up, which disappointed Hazel. The next day, Jane strutted the halls and handed out pins. Hazel went to class where Wally and Fred mocked Jane. Hazel knew she was a good debater and just froze up because she was on live TV. He didn't want her to get involved with the Pink Ladies as they got into trouble that would hit her differently. She didn't think his friends were any different and asked if he liked going to the dance at the Athletic Club, but he didn't answer.

Jane closed lockers and saw her pins in the trash, though Hazel wanted one because she still liked Jane's platform. There was still time for Jane to fix it as the official debate was the only one over. 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. Jane 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 he 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. The Pink Ladies walked into school and greeted Hazel, who ran off without a word.

Coach Wade spoke to the football players about the game that night. He gave the quarterback position to Wally, which made Rosemary scream with glee. In the bleachers, Cynthia urged the Thespians to brace the auditions and go for the parts they wanted without Lydia's insight. She asked Hazel to join the auditions, but the girl declined as she wasn't the theater type. Shy Guy asked for a pamphlet and Cynthia happily gave him one - she had an idea for him. 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. When it was their turn, she froze and ran off the stage in fright. Mr. Vaughan called Alice forth to read with Buddy. The Thespians waited anxiously while Mr. Vaughan pinned up the cast announcement. Buddy apologized to Hazel but she was fine and wished him luck.

Hazel was at the football game with the rest of the student body and participated in their performance of "Pointing Fingers".

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, who 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. A stressed Jane led the student body in a song about their impending dooms and how they couldn't predict when an atomic bomb would land in their lives.

Hazel attended the Socs Halloween part, where Buddy complimented 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. She heard Jane's speech about the Socs not being everyone's friend and reminded them how they were bullies. 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 until they realized it was fireworks. Hazel asked if Buddy was okay and they both were, so he asked Wally to take Hazel home.

In "Sloppy Seconds Ain't My Style", 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. He remarked about her spending so much time rehearsing for a play she wasn't in. Her mom tried to show her outfits to wear for the play, even though Hazel would be in the background. Her dad remarked that not everyone needed to be seen all the time, but her mom found it hard because she gave birth to a star only to have Hazel hide her shine with plaids. The girl gazed out the window while her parents bickered about her clothing.

The next day at school, Hazel and Lydia watched Cynthia perform drearily onstage with Buddy. Nancy barged across the stage and nearly knocked Hazel off her feet, though Wally caught her. He made sure she was okay and then bought a ticket from her. She asked if he came to see Buddy and he looked her up and down then admitted not really. Mr. Vaughan and the Thespians, including Hazel, went to look at the costumes for the paly. He was sorely disappointed when he saw Romeo's costume without pants and the unfinished Verona costumes. She stoically told him art takes time, but the curtain waited for no one. She had 26 hours to finish her art and instructed the thespians to help her. He searched for “Hazelle”, oblivious to the fact she was right in front of him.

Nancy struggled to pick between fabrics for Juliet's dress. Hazel tried to talk to her about time management, which was 12 costumes in 23 hours. She suggested simplifying her designs to delegate sewing. Nancy snapped for her to get a jump on human cloning, as that was the only way she'd delegate. Hazel was trying to help her and called her unreasonable. Nancy didn't need her help and told her to fade back into the wallpaper backstage. Hazel was offended, but Nancy used the mannequins to imitate her. She bumped into everyone and apologized nasally. Hazel, angered, imitated Nancy. She shoved the mannequins down as she shouted over having vision even though she couldn't make a decision, and for everyone to get out of her way. Nancy quietly reminded the mannequin that she was there because she was forgettable. That hurt Hazel, who tearfully wished her luck, sure that the genius could do this alone. She stormed out and the thespians asked permission to leave. When they did, Nancy sat down at her machine in tears.

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. She watched rehearsal when Nancy stalked up and scared her. She apologized for both scaring her and for before. She took in a deep, shaky breath and struggled to admit that Hazel was right. She tearfully admitted that she needed help unless Hazel had something else to do. She handed a mask to Geraldine and was ready to help.

They burst into the sewing room where Hazel found the incredible muslin prototypes. Hazel thought they'd be perfect, but Nancy disregarded it because everyone would look the same. Hazel pointed out that Romeo and Juliet wouldn't, and Nancy realized it was because they were, allegedly, in love. Conceptually, that idea worked and it was art that Nancy made. The vision was bold, which was all Hazel.

That evening, 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. The girls found a message from Cynthia on the mirror in lipstick that said, “Sorry”. Nancy had to find Cynthia but first, she told Hazel to strip. She knew all the lines, was basically the same dress size, and should have been Juliet the whole time. This is the only way to save the show, et cetera, et cetera. Hazel thought it made logical sense and Nancy was glad they got there. She helped Hazel strip quickly.

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. Aldrigde 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. Wally slowly stood up as Hazel was pushed forward, which earned a standing ovation. She smiled widely.

In "Cruisin' for Bruisin'", Buddy performed at the play with Hazel and his perspective was shown through "Pulling Strings". The cast took their final bow, and Buddy told Hazel he knew she would be great. He left the stage early.

In "Or at the High School Dance...", over at the Frosty Palace, Hazel and Geraldine sat at a table together when Gil stole change off it. Wally approached asked Hazel if she was too busy to go to the dance, and she realized he asked her to the dance. She apologized because she wasn't allowed to date, which was for the best. After all, she was bad at dances. He proposed an experiment where they both happened to be at the dance to see if she could have fun. She agreed with a smile.

The Saturday of the dance, Students checked into the dance through Tippy. Wally waited for Hazel who walked in through the arch. She felt overdressed as her mom made her wear it. If this were a date, Wally would tell her she looked beautiful, but it wasn't, so he couldn't. She commented on it being so many people and he chuckled as that made it fun. They got in the check-in line when Rosemary stormed up with her friend. She wanted to tell them both that they have her total blessing. They make so much more sense, anyway. Her friend gushed that they made a cute couple and should get married. Wally and Hazel forced smiles.

In the gym, the jazz band drearily played. Wally asked Hazel to dance but she declined. She asked if he had read any good books lately but he wasn't much of a reader. After a while, 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. Nancy plucked decorations and other students followed suit. News spread quickly and Hazel told Wally it sounded fun, so they had to go in the name of science.

The party at Frosty's was in full swing, and Wally and Hazel danced together and she told him not to laugh at her. He insisted he wasn't and joined in on her odd dance moves. Johnny Vavoom entered and Dot screamed his name, so everyone flocked to him.

Cynthia tried to make her way through the rambunctious crowd which had grown aggressive. Wally asked Hazel if they should go, but she just started to have fun. Nancy remarked this was getting scary and wanted to get some of these people out of there. Hazel cut in that, if she may, they didn't have a capacity problem but a personal radius problem. People needed to dance smaller and Nancy asked how that happened. Wally told her to show the Pink Ladies how she danced, and she did. Jane gushed that she was a lifesaver. Jane adapted it quickly into the hand jive. The song worked as they took control back of the party together. Olivia joined in and danced against Gil, then Nancy on a table with a seated Potato, and Cynthia on the counter. Hazel and Jane climbed on top of the tables to show everyone the dance moves.

The song spilled out into the parking lot and Johnny Vavoom joined in. Potato and Nancy danced in the middle of a circle. She ran over to the Pink Ladies to complain that Potato had her under a spell. Giddy, Olivia reminded her there was only one way to break a spell in a fairy tale. By the cars, Shy Guy saw Arthur and Floyd talk. Cynthia danced her struggles out on the hood of a car, while the students around her kept up. When the song ended, Nancy grabbed Potato and kissed him.

Things got heated when Susan arrived, as Olivia confronted her about having kicked the Pink Ladies and T-Birds out of her party. Susan tried to explain that wasn't what happened, but Olivia didn't believe her. Olivia asked if she forgot this was the same girl who tried to get Richie beat up, who threw an entire party to make sure Jane wasn't elected, and who humiliated Jane at the pep rally. She was a scorpion. Susan saw Rosemary, Dot, and everyone else staring. She blurted out that at least she wasn't a homewrecker like Olivia. She saw Olivia with Mr. Daniels, but Jane butted in that it was last year. Rosemary realized that meant the rumors were true. Susan confirmed it was last year but also today, as she saw them kiss in his classroom before the dance. A hurt Gil questioned the statement, and Olivia turned to look at him. He shook his head and left. Dot pushed between them, but the girls shouted to stay out of it. Nancy suggested they go somewhere else, and Cynthia seconded they should go somewhere without a crowd. 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.

Jane confronted Olivia as they weren't supposed to tell anyone. Olivia accused her of being on Susan's side, and Jane insisted she wasn't on anyone's side. Olivia was glad to see where she stood. 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.

Hazel and Wally walked together as she told him about the constellations. He asked how she got into all the stars. She did it to get away from everything down here. She asked if it was strange how people were to see them together as if they belonged when they were different. He didn't think they were as he did his own thing to get away from it all. He surfed in the ocean. He got a lot of looks, but once he got far enough out, he couldn't even see them. A barbershop trio harmonized behind them. To explain his love of surfing and how their two interests weren't that different, he sang her a song about meeting in the middle, and she eventually joined in. They danced along the street with background vocalists in the downpour of an open fire hydrant, and he gave her his jacket when it began to rain. They ended their duet with a kiss.

In "You're Dropping Out of Rydell?", during the school lockdown, the Socs learned that Buddy was being sent to Connecticut. Neil was glad he went out swinging and was a legend. Wally promised to call him every weekend and Susan would write to him every day. Rosemary snidely betted and everyone chuckled. Buddy didn't know what he was doing as he didn't need that stuff. Wally asked for his Mickey Mantle baseball card, and Hazel scolded him quietly. Buddy told him to go for it, raid the whole thing because once he was gone he would be gone. So they just say goodbye and not drag it out. He gave Wally his locker key as he walked off.

In the gym, students goofed around and Hazel found Buddy in the bleachers. She knew what he felt. He was jealous of his friends who got to stay at Rydell where everything was the same for them while he had to change. She felt the same way when she moved. She knew he would regret it if he left on a sour note. He asked how she was always so right and smart. She just knew him, that is all. He agreed and the tension between them was palpable until thunder interrupted. Buddy quickly mentioned that she was with Wally now, who was great. She awkwardly agreed that he was the greatest.

Buddy gave his belongings to his friends as his farewell. He gave Wally the baseball card since he had always been there for him. Wally promised to call him in Connecticut, and they did a group hug. Buddy looked over to Hazel who winked. He asked for Susan and Rosemary made a snide comment about her being under the bleachers. He told them it was enough and walked away. Wally put his arm around Hazel. Neil tried to convince him to trade his Mickey Mantle card for the shoe shine brush.

Personality[]

Hazel was brilliant, hard-working, focused, and a little shy. She was the new kid at Rydell and struggled to fit-in, though her articulate mannerisms made her a great member of the debate club. She offered her opinion to Jane when prompted, though was hesitant to disagree with her. As much as Hazel wanted to fit-in, she purposefully avoided the Pink Ladies as she desired to be part of the Socs instead.

Physical Appearance[]

Notes and Trivia[]

Hazel is one of two black characters in the Grease franchise, alongside Wally. Notably, both characters appear only in the 2023 prequel, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.
At the end of the season one finale “Racing for Pinks”, Hazel becomes a member of the Pink Ladies.
Hazel doesn't like parades.^[2]

Gallery[]

References[]

↑ As revealed in The Rydell Review promotional image for episode six.
↑ Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies: 1.08 - "Or at the High School Dance..."

[1] As revealed in The Rydell Review promotional image for episode six.

[2] Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies: 1.08 - "Or at the High School Dance..."

[1]

[2]