Kevin Bacon to visit 'Footloose' high school after students' viral campaign

(The Hill) -- "Footloose" star Kevin Bacon will return on prom day to the school where the iconic movie was originally filmed four decades ago, Bacon announced on the "Today" show Friday.

Bacon’s announcement follows a student-led push for the actor to return to Payson High School in Utah for “one last dance,” The Washington Post reported. The building is slated to be torn down this year — the 40th anniversary of the film’s release — and students have worked hard to bring attention to their online campaign.

“I have been so impressed with everything that’s been going on there with this crazy idea to get me to come back,” Bacon said Friday, calling into the school from Atlanta, according to the Today Show.

“I’ve been amazed at the work that all of you have been putting into this, with the musical and the flash mobs and the recreations," Bacon continued, referring to some of the grand gestures the students have orchestrated.

“It hasn’t gone unnoticed by me, not to mention the fact that you tied in SixDegrees.org, our foundation, and are trying to figure out ways to give back to your community. It’s really inspirational, so thank you. Thank you,” he said. “And I’m gonna come. I gotta come.”

"Today" later clarified that Bacon does not plan to attend the actual prom event, but will instead visit the school earlier during the day, when there will be an event to benefit SixDegrees.org, Bacon’s charity, according to the show.