Olivia Newton-John, a name synonymous with music and charm, graced both the silver screen and television with her captivating presence. While Grease undoubtedly remains her most iconic film, Olivia’s career in movies and TV movies extends beyond Rydell High, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal. This article explores her filmography, highlighting her cinema releases and television movies, offering a glimpse into the diverse roles she undertook throughout her career.
Cinema Releases
Funny Things Happen Down Under (1965)
At just seventeen, a young and radiant Olivia Newton-John made her film debut in Funny Things Happen Down Under. This Australian musical comedy features Olivia singing the title song. The plot revolves around a group of children who discover a way to color sheep’s wool and must outsmart some con artists trying to steal their profits. This early role offered a first glimpse of Olivia’s singing and acting talents.
Toomorrow (1970)
Directed by Don Kirshner, Toomorrow is a science fiction musical film that has gained a cult following over time. Olivia stars as part of the band “Toomorrow,” who are targeted by space aliens seeking to harness the band’s unique musical energy. The aliens require a “tonaliser” device used by the band. Though the film itself wasn’t a commercial success, the soundtrack, featuring Olivia’s vocals, particularly on “Goin’ Back,” hinted at her burgeoning musical stardom.
Grease (1978)
Grease is the movie that catapulted Olivia Newton-John to global superstardom. This timeless musical set in the 1950s high school scene paired Olivia with John Travolta in a story of summer romance and teenage life. As Sandy Olsson, Olivia delivered an unforgettable performance, and the film’s soundtrack became one of the best-selling of all time, featuring hit songs like “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “Summer Nights,” and “You’re the One That I Want.” Grease‘s phenomenal success led to re-releases in theaters and on home video formats for anniversaries, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
Xanadu (1980)
Xanadu, a musical fantasy film, saw Olivia portray Kira, a muse descended from the heavens to inspire a struggling artist and a former musician to achieve their creative dreams. Despite initial critical reception, Xanadu‘s soundtrack, a collaboration between Olivia and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), was a massive hit. The album spawned successful singles like “Xanadu” and “Magic.” Notably, it was on the set of Xanadu that Olivia met Matt Lattanzi, who would later become her husband and father of her daughter Chloe.
Two of a Kind (1983)
Reuniting with her Grease co-star John Travolta, Olivia starred in Two of a Kind, a romantic comedy with a fantastical premise. The story involves divine intervention, where God decides to give humanity another chance if two individuals, played by Olivia and Travolta, can fall in love. Olivia plays a bank teller, and Travolta a robber who inadvertently gets her fired. While Olivia sought a non-musical role, Two of a Kind did not achieve the same level of success as her previous musical ventures.
It’s My Party (1995)
In a departure from lighter roles, Olivia appeared in It’s My Party, a drama addressing themes of life and death. The film centers on Nick Stark (Eric Roberts), an architect throwing a farewell party after learning he is losing his battle with AIDS. Olivia is part of an ensemble cast including Gregory Harrison and Marlee Matlin. Directed by Randal Kleiser, who also directed Grease, It’s My Party offered Olivia a role in a more serious and poignant film.
Sordid Lives (2000)
Sordid Lives is an independent comedy film where Olivia portrays Bitsy Mae Harling, an ex-con and bar singer in a dysfunctional Texan family dealing with the aftermath of their matriarch’s death. This role showcased Olivia in a comedic light, and she contributed to the film’s musical elements. Sordid Lives gained attention for its quirky humor and ensemble cast.
Score: A Hockey Musical (2010)
Score: A Hockey Musical is a Canadian musical film where Olivia plays the mother of a young hockey prodigy, Farley (Noah Reid), who suddenly rises to fame. Olivia’s husband in the film is played by Marc Jordan. Olivia performs several musical numbers in this operatic-style film, which had a limited theatrical release in Canada.
A Few Best Men (2011)
A Few Best Men is an Australian-British comedy film where Olivia plays Barbara, the mother of the bride in a chaotic wedding scenario. The film follows David and his friends as they travel to Australia for his wedding, leading to a series of outrageous events. Olivia’s performance is noted for its comedic and unrestrained nature, even if the film’s humor is considered crude by some.
TV Movies
The Case (1972)
The Case is an early TV movie produced by the BBC and Swedish TV, coinciding with Olivia’s frequent appearances on Cliff Richard’s TV show. In this movie, Cliff Richard mistakenly picks up a suitcase filled with stolen money, leading to a chase across countries. Olivia plays a singer on a ferry to Sweden who assists Cliff. She performs some of her popular songs and a duet with Cliff Richard titled “If I Was Close to You.”
A Mom For Christmas (1990)
A Mom For Christmas is a Disney TV movie where Olivia plays a department store mannequin that magically comes to life to become a mother for a child who wishes for one for Christmas. This family-friendly film was a ratings success for Olivia and is also notable for her “skunk stripe” hairstyle.
A Christmas Romance (1994)
In A Christmas Romance, Olivia stars as a single mother who finds herself stranded with a debt collector (Gregory Harrison) during a snowstorm. This CBS TV movie, set during Christmas, also features Olivia’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi. A Christmas Romance achieved high ratings during the 1994 holiday season.
Snowy River: MacGregor Saga (1994)
Olivia made a guest appearance in three episodes of the Australian TV series Snowy River: MacGregor Saga. She played Joanna, a character in search of her unknown father. This role allowed Olivia to participate in a popular television drama series.
Wilde Girls (2001)
Wilde Girls is a Showtime TV movie starring Olivia and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi as the “Wilde girls.” Olivia plays a former one-hit-wonder singer turned veterinarian living in Georgia. Her daughter, Izzy (Chloe), dreams of becoming a singer in Hollywood, leading them on a journey where they both face challenges and ultimately reconnect with family.
Olivia Newton-John’s filmography showcases a career that extended beyond her iconic role in Grease. From early musicals to comedies and dramas, in cinema and television, she embraced diverse roles, leaving a lasting legacy on screen as well as in music.
