John Travolta

ABOUT

John Travolta is a renowned American actor, singer, and dancer whose career spans over five decades. Born on February 18, 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey, Travolta catapulted to international fame in the 1970s with iconic roles in "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease." Known for his magnetic screen presence and versatility, Travolta has earned multiple awards and nominations throughout his career, including a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy. His contributions to film, television, and music have solidified him as one of Hollywood's most enduring talents.

BEFORE FAME

Travolta's journey to stardom began at a young age. The youngest of six children, he was born to an Irish-American mother, Helen Cecilia, and an Italian-American father, Salvatore Travolta. His mother was an actress and singer, as well as a high school drama and English teacher, which undoubtedly influenced his early interest in the performing arts. Travolta dropped out of high school at the age of 16 to pursue acting full-time. He landed his first significant role in the Broadway show "Grease," which later transitioned into the successful film where he played the lead role of Danny Zuko.

TRIVIA

• John Travolta earned his first Golden Globe Award for his role in the 1995 film "Get Shorty."
• He was initially offered and turned down the lead role in the 1984 romantic drama "Splash," which later went to Tom Hanks.
• Travolta is a licensed private pilot and owns several aircraft, often flying them himself.
• He attributes his interest in aviation to his father, Salvatore, who was a semi-professional football player and tire salesman, and encouraged young John to pursue his varied interests.

FAMILY LIFE

John Travolta has faced numerous personal triumphs and tragedies throughout his life. He married actress Kelly Preston in 1991, and the couple had three children: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. Tragically, Jett passed away in 2009 due to complications related to his autism. In 2020, John faced another heartbreaking loss when his wife Kelly Preston passed away after a battle with breast cancer. Despite these losses, Travolta remains a devoted father to his two surviving children, often sharing heartfelt moments and milestones on social media.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his illustrious career, John Travolta has worked with a multitude of notable figures in the entertainment industry. He starred alongside Olivia Newton-John in "Grease," creating one of the most beloved on-screen couples. In "Pulp Fiction," Travolta was directed by Quentin Tarantino and acted alongside Samuel L. Jackson, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His collaboration with director Brian De Palma on films such as "Carrie" and "Blow Out" showcases his ability to adapt to varied genres and styles.

From his breakout roles to his continued influence in Hollywood, John Travolta's versatility and talent have made him a beloved and enduring figure in the entertainment world.