John Travolta is a legendary actor who has appeared in many movies and advertisements leaving behind a never-ending-love for his fans. While he has seen many ups and downs in his career and life, he isn’t stopping anytime soon. Let us jump into the real story of this iconic 63 year old actor to see the struggling phase he had to go through in his lifetime so far. One that only made him stronger and his achievements only that much greater.
The Story of Hollywood Star, John Travolta
Rocky Romance
When you’re a Hollywood couple, divorce rumors always seem to follow you. And rumors were especially rife that Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston were ending their marriage. It was maybe because they lost one of their three children but there was no proof of them getting separated. Travolta would continue to prove that he can get through all the scandals and rumors in his personal life, no matter how wild they appear.
Rocky Romance
Tragic Relationship
Before his marriage with Preston, Travolta was madly in love with his co-star Diana, who played his mother in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble. Even though she was 18 years his senior, he wasn’t bothered by the age gap. Once again though, fate was against him as Diana passed away due to breast cancer. Only a year after her diagnosis so that did not leave much time for the couple to enjoy their love together. This was another excruciating loss for Travolta, one that would haunt him in the years to come.
Tragic Relationship
Moving to the City
If we talk about his career, he landed the ship of success when he moved to LA. First though, he was in New York where he only got small roles in TV commercials. But when he made that move cross country to LA, he grabbed the most iconic role of his career in Grease, the Broadway show in LA. No, not the movie just yet, but he was on his way. After this, Travolta moved back to NYC. How little did he know just how much his life was going to change after this.
Moving To The City
Big Break
Then after moving back to the Big Apple, he got a chance in ABC’s Welcome Back, Kotter that aired from 1975 to 1979. From here, his character Vinnie Barbarino earned worldwide recognition and made American girlies fell in love from head to heels. There were many posters of his character in bedrooms despite his self-doubt.
Big Break
Inspired By Mother
Travolta’s mother is his true role model. Aww. She did, after all inspire him to attend drama school in New York. Perhaps it was because she acted and danced before she had children and she saw that her son had potential to follow in her footsteps, only he’d be a much bigger star. Fun fact: His mom and her sister have made many appearances in Grease and Saturday Night Fever.
Inspired By Mother
First Big Movie Role
With his role in Saturday Night Fever, he touched the heights of stardom during the 70’s and also got nominated for an Academy Award. He did spend nine months preparing for the part and we still have the Bee Gees in our heads. Success was written in the stars for John Travolta, and it was only to get better from there.
First Big Movie Role
Iconic Role In Grease
Coming next is Grease that finally was made into a film, becoming the 4th biggest grossing live action musical in history. Apart from that, it propelled Travolta’s career to new heights. Everyone loved watching Olivia Newton-John fall for Zuko, the bad boy. It was a rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong romance – whatever that means.
Iconic Role In Grease
More Than On-Screen Chemistry
While shooting for Grease, he revealed his crush on Olivia, which she also reciprocated. Who knows what could have happened if the two actually dated off-screen?! Their closeness increased on the set and they have kept in touch by phone every few weeks since then. Ooh, la, la!
More Than On Screen Chemistry
Career Slump
Sadly, Travolta’s downfall in his career came after working in Urban Cowboy, he hit a bit of a slump. Even people speculated that he was at the verge of getting replaced over by another famous actor, Richard Gere who took his rejected roles in American Gigolo and An Officer and a Gentleman. But then he made a huge comeback with Pulp Fiction.
Career Slump
His Marriage
Back to Preston and Travolta, they met while shooting Experts in 1989. It is so amazing. Everything was just the perfect like la-la land when they got married a mere three years later in Paris. And then after coming to America, they had another ceremony in Florida because their marriage wasn’t recognized there. Hollywood was quick to dub them as a strong couple, and they weren’t wrong either.
His Marriage
Pilot’s License
Other than being a star, he is a licensed pilot who owns 11 different types of licenses to fly a range of planes. One of them is for the Boeing 707, doesn’t it sound great? I mean, this is a hobby of his that he started back when he was just 22 years old!
Pilots License
Devastating Loss
Amidst his entire skyrocketing career, he had suffered a lot in his private life. When he lost his oldest child Jett, the world thrashed for him and he wasn’t able to overcome this. In 2009, the family were on vacation when Jett suffered a stroke, stumbled, and hit his head fatally on the bathtub. Jett was autistic and had Kawasaki disease, he was just 16 when he passed away. For Travolta, he openly admitted that this death was the worst thing that ever happened in his life.
Devastating Loss
Coping With Grief
For both Travolta and Preston, times got so hard after Jett passed away that he even thought of saying goodbye to his acting career. However he pushed himself to carry on, but he felt that life was rather dull. Naturally it took time for Travolta to heal from the numbing tragedy.
Coping With Grief
Teaming with Oprah
John Travolta is no stranger to donating to charity, so when Oprah reached out, he quickly seized the offer to lend a helping hand. In 2010, Oprah was celebrating 25 years of her show and gave fans tickets to the Land Down Under where she would also join for eight days! So how did John fit in? He flew the plane! At this time, he was an ambassador for Qantas Airways.
Teaming With Oprah
The Perfect Present
After Travolta and Preston suffered such a terrible loss, something did finally bring them joy to help through their grief. November 2010 is when their son Benjamin was born. For three years, they had been trying to have another child, Travolta referred to Benjamin as the glue that restored their family. In a statement, he said, “He’s given the house a renewed spirit and purpose. He’s brought us a new beginning…All our memories are connected to Jett over the last 18 years – our photos, our homes, our travel. It’s not something that will ever leave us.” Fans found his statement to be bold and brave as he was sharing his grief but also expressing gratitude at the new life in his family.
The Perfect Present
The Jett Travolta Foundation
Well, his generosity with charity once again came when he started a foundation in the loving memory of his son, Jett. The foundation supports literacy, charity and education where it has contributed to over 70 organizations so far. What a truly amazing way to help keep his son’s legacy alive for years to come.
The Jett Travolta Foundation
Impressive Net Worth
With a net worth of $165 million, Travolta is an absolute stunner when it comes to charity. However, his cost per film is at a whopping $20 million now and his Jumbolair is $4.9 million by itself. From his planes, cars, and estates, he certainly has no troubles spending his hard earned green.
Impressive Net Worth
Following In Parents’ Footsteps
Just like Travolta took after his mother, his daughter Ella Bleu is inspired by both her parents to pursue an acting career. Her first role was in Old Dogs was alongside her parents and she is a brilliant performer, obviously.
Following In Parents Footsteps
Still Going Strong
At 63, most people are are considering retirement or have already done so. But not Travolta! Shortly he’ll appear as Don Aronow in Cigarette, AKA Speed Kills. In the film the star played a millionaire speedboat racer. The film was shot in April 2017 in Puerto Rico, shortly before the tragic hurricanes.
Still Going Strong
Talented Bunch
Don’t think that the talent in the Travolta-Preston family stops at the wife and daughter! His brother daughter, Nicole, is also an actress. She ha appeared on Cowgirl Up, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Two and a Half Men, or Anger Management.
Talented Bunch
Not Received Well
While many saw this as a huge failure, Travolta isn’t bothered by the reception whatsoever. We’re referring to the 1999 sci-fi film Battlefield Earth he starred. The book turned movie was considered to be the worst film of all time. Yikes. However Travolta has said that said he would do it again without hesitation.
Not Received Well
Dreams of Playing Bond Villain
Travolta has one unfulfilled dream in his acting career, playing a James Bond villain. No surprisingly, he has talked to franchise producers about the same and guess what? The response was positive, so let’s remain hopeful that he might just get to do so!
Dreams Of Playing Bond Villain
Advice From the Best
What helped influence Travolta’s decision to play the role of defense attorney Robert Shapiro in the series The People v. O.J. Simpson? Well when you’re as famous and connected as he is, you get top advice from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. It’s said that he spoke with Tom and Rita Hanks, Oprah and also Steven Spielberg before he took on the role! Those are some powerful friends to call up!
Advice From The Best
Near Fatal Crash
Hold your breath, you really need to! Did you know that we nearly lost John Travolta in 1992 when his plane began to lose power and went into an electrical failure? Thanks to almighty, he fought with death and managed his plane somehow to land safely. Now that is incredible!
Near Fatal Crash
Qantas Who?
Turns out that Travolta’s daughter almost wasn’t named Ella Bleu! In 2009, when their daughter was born, both parents were over the moon, naturally. However they just couldn’t agree on what to name her. Travolta wanted to name her after something that meant a lot to him, unfortunately that something was the Australian airline he was ambassador for, Qantas. Luckily, Preston stepped in and persuaded Travolta to pick her name Ella.
Qantas Who?
Pulp Fiction Almost Didn’t Happen
You read that correctly, Pulp Fiction totally transformed Travolta’s career but it almost didn’t happen. Quentin Tarantino, the director, met with John Travolta to discuss his vision. Tarantino urged Travolta to take the role in the movie From Dusk Till Dawn. However Travolta wasn’t keen, he insisted on the Pulp Fiction gig. In fact, Tarantino was quite disappointed at his choice and told Travolta that he was just trying to help. Things worked out in the end, though!
Pulp Fiction Almost Didn’t Happen
Motivated And Hardworking
It is actually great to hear the stories of stars and celebrities and Travolta’s story is an inspiration. He tells us how to live life happily even after ups and downs. Before becoming a star, he used to work odd jobs when he dropped out of school. It was for a purpose though. He supported his family through thick and thin, worked at a grocery store during auditioning for his parts. You got to start somewhere.
Motivated And Hardworking
Best Friends Or More?
John Travolta and Kirstie Alley had no idea they’d wind up best friends after meeting on the set of Look Who’s Talking. In fact, they got super close, so close that the rumor was churning like crazy at speculation that they were more than friends. Alley confessed she had a crush on him, but that they were both married and it wasn’t going to go anywhere. They’ve been best friends for over 30 years now!
Best Friends Or More?
Playing Copycat
Travolta and Nicolas Cage starred in the Face/off together, the film focuses on a man who has a face transplant. Therefore Cage and Travolta play the same character but pre and post surgery. In fully prepare for the role, the two spent two weeks before filming learning each other’s movements and mannerisms. They would spend hours mimicking each other. Now that’s some serious commitment.
Playing Copycat
Marlon Brando Fan
A role model of John Travolta’s is THE legendary actor Marlon Brando! Brando actually had plenty of words of wisdom for the actor, he told him not to expect anything from others when you know they cannot provide it to you. Travolta admitted that this advice has come in handy in recent times. Moreover, Brando admitted that Travolta’s impersonation of him in a SNL skit made him laugh like he’s never laughed before! That’s high praise.
Marlon Brando Fan
Six Time’s The Charm
Who could ever reject the offer to work with Halle Berry and Hugh Jackman? Travolta did just that SIX times until he grabbed the role of Gabriel Shear, a counter terrorist unit commander for Swordfish. Because he was a fan of Dominic Sena, the director, so he accepted the role.
Six Times The Charm
Intense Role
In 2017, he started working on the most challenging role to date. The role of an Italian American gangster for the movie The Life and Death of John Gotti. It actually took him more than 6 years to train himself, perhaps not an easy thing for an actor! Both men also enjoy gin martinis, hmm!
Intense Role
Princess Diana
There are not many people who can say that they had the privilege to dance with the late Princess Diana. In November 1985, Nanch Reagan approached the Hollywood star as they were at a gala at the While House, obviously which was host by then President Reagan. The first lady humbly told Travolta that Princess Diana was hoping for a dance and wondered if he would agree. No one needed to ask John Travolta twice, he was honored to share in such a special moment with the People’s Princess.
Princess Diana
Cult Classic, Pulp Fiction
Of course we’re back to Pulp Fiction and Vincent Vega, you can’t deny that this film was a hit back in 1994. His appealing charisma and fabulous acting won many hearts as he pulled off the character really well. And that’s not always easy when you’re working alongside the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis and Uma Thurman. Kudos to you!
Cult Classic Pulp Fiction
Picky Eater
Are you curious about his diet? He surely is a trend setter when it comes to eating habits. Like us, he sips on morning coffee blended from Sumatra beans and Coleman’s Hot Mustard is his favorite. He also craves McDonald’s at times, and I mean, don’t we all?
Picky Eater
Famous In Brazil
Some of Travolta’s biggest fans live in Brazil actually. His popularity in Brazil even drove him to bag a role in a special TV commercial for a local rum. It sounds like fun shoot actually! Why? He busted out some salsa moves and played beach soccer in Rio – fun!
Famous In Brazil
Travolta Gave His Plane Away
As we said before, Travolta works closely with Qantas. So closely that he got a Boeing 707 for his service as ambassador which he named “Jett Clipper Ella” after his children. Just a few months ago though, he announced that he was sending the plane to the Sydney Historical Aircraft Restoration society after it finishes repairs.
Travolta Gave His Plane Away
Drop-Out
Even though John Travolta is no Danny Zuko from Grease in real life, he can be called a drop-out. That’s because he left school at just 16 years old to pursue acting. During high school Travolta played basketball and football, but he also always took acting classes in the evenings. Wow, those classes really paid off. However, dropping out of high school might not work for everyone!
Drop-Out
Back to the Beginning
Wait, let’s take it all the way back. Did you know Travolta was born in 1954 in New Jersey? He grew up very close to NYC in an Irish/American neighborhood. His father was Italian-American but his mother was Irish-American. His parents raised him and his siblings Catholic. Oh and John was the youngest of six kids! All of his siblings also really enjoyed acting, so he always had plenty of options of people to practice with at home.
Back To The Beginning
Distracted Student
Maybe John Travolta was not so concerned about dropping out of high school. Well, he did not see himself as the model student. Although he did charm his teachers, in order to stay out of trouble, by speaking to them in a very mature manner. In addition, he focused more on his acting than his schoolwork. Lucky for him, the Hollywood thing really came together!
Distracted Student
His Mansion
His manion…he calls his “Jumbolair Aviation Estates.” This Florida mansion is inside a gated community with its own private airport. What a place for Travolta, the actor and pilot! He wants to store his own budding plane collection right on the property. Oh and that runway…definitely fit for his 707!
His Mansion
Back to Musicals
Did you think Travolta just up and quit musicals after Grease? Nope! Once the famous musical Hairspray was made into a movie, he got the role of the mother Edna Turnblad. Surely, you’ve seen him in that dress and kitten heels! What a performance! Anyway, his dance and musical background really helped him prepare. Plus, he needed to wear a 30 pound fat suit for playing Edna. Oh and his makeup took five hours! That honestly sounds worse than wearing the heels.
Back To Musicals
First TV Appearance
Travolta’s first ever television role was on the show Emergency back in the 70’s. If you never saw this cameo, he was a 16 year old that seriously hurt himself by falling into a canyon. His character had a dislocated shoulder and fractured leg. In addition, the upcoming stars Nick Nolte and Marion Ross acted on that TV show as well.
First TV Appearance
Charity For Haiti
Listen, it’s not just all Hollywood success and mansions and planes for Travolta. He’s paid special attention to lots of charitable causes throughout the years. After that devastating earthquake hit Haiti, Travolta stepped in! Actually, he seemed the perfect person to help and filled up his 707 with crucial supplies and doctors. When asked about this, he spoke about feeling an immense responsibility to help in whatever way he could. Thus, he used his plane!
Charity For Haiti
Holiday Album With Olivia Newton-John
After their amazing duet in the 80’s, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, just couldn’t give it up. Thus, the pair made a special album for the holidays. Honestly, you need to see the video for “I Think You Might Like It.” Travolta’s family actually appears in the video. So cute! Oh and the album is called This Christmas.
Holiday Album With Olivia Newton-John
Travolta The Children’s Author
Clearly, Travolta can do so much more than just singing, acting, dancing and even flying a plane. His talents are endless. So does it surprise you that he wrote a children’s book called Propeller One-Way Night Coach: A Fable For All Ages back in 1997? First, he wrote it for his family, but then ultimately, got it published. The boy in the story dreams of becoming a pilot and moves to Hollywood. Well, that sure sounds familiar.
Travolta The Children’s Author
Move To Country
Everything Travolta did was gold once he hit his big break. He even tried something a little different after his role in Saturday Night Fever. He put a bit of a country spin on things. He starred with Debra Winger in Urban Cowboy. This film was set in Pasadena, Texas. In fact, it helped launch a nation wide craze for country music!
Move To Country
Miley Cyrus Duet
Did you ever predict that John Travolta would collab with Miley Cyrus? Well, these two came together for the adorable, animated film Bolt. So while working on the film, the two recorded the song, “I Lost You.” Unfortunately, these two have not come together since, but we’re still hoping.
Miley Cyrus Duet
Music Debut
As we’ve explained, Travolta is not soles an actor. When he was just 22, he released his debut album, John Travolta. From the album, the song “Let Her In” became a huge hit. Actually, it reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for 5 months. Oh and his album did make the top 20!
Music Debut
Tennis Hobby
Unsurprisingly, this extraordinary man decided to pick up a new hobby at age 55. Leave it to Travolta to start up tennis at 55 years old. First, it was a bit hard for him to practice without paparazzi swarming. Thus, he started going to the local courts with his house manager and maintenance person at a weird time in order to avoid too unwanted attention. Yeah, so if you want try and catch him maybe go to the courts at midnight…
Tennis Hobby
Tire Business
While Travolta and his sister and even mother were always interested in the arts, his father was on a different path. Actually, his dad, Salvatore Travolta, used to play as a quarterback for a semi-pro team. Once he retired from football, he opened his own tire story called The Travolta Tire Exchange. He watched his family chase their dreams until his death in 1995.
Tire Business
Travolta Makes Bold Statement
Sure, relationships in the spotlight can be very difficult to maintain. Seriously, can you imagine the media always scrutinizing? Despite the obstacles, Kelly Preston and John Travolta have been married over 25 years! While speaking with Closer Weekly in late 2017, he said, “We really care deeply about each other and we protect each other — and we keep [our relationship] up to date.”
Travolta Makes Bold Statement