John Travolta, a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom, has captivated audiences for decades. From his electrifying dance moves in the 1970s to his compelling performances in crime thrillers, Travolta’s career is a fascinating study in resilience and reinvention. As he marks a significant milestone, turning 70 years old, it’s the perfect time to delve into the life and career of this cinematic icon. Born on February 18, 1954, the answer to the question ” How Old Is John Travolta?” is now officially 70 years young, and his journey is one worth exploring.
This article will take a closer look at John Travolta’s extraordinary life, tracing his path from his New Jersey upbringing to the dazzling heights of Hollywood, while acknowledging the personal tragedies and triumphs he has navigated along the way.
From New Jersey Roots to Budding Broadway Star
Born in Englewood, New Jersey, John Travolta’s early life was steeped in creativity and family. He was the youngest of six children, raised by Salvatore Travolta, his Italian-American father who was a semi-professional football player and tire salesman, and Helen Cecilia, his Irish-American mother, a former actress and singer who later became a drama teacher. This artistic environment nurtured John’s passions from a young age.
John Travolta with his parents, Salvatore and Helen Travolta
Image: A young John Travolta stands with his parents, Salvatore and Helen Travolta, showcasing his family’s influence on his early life and artistic inclinations.
The Travolta household was a hub of artistic energy, with all five of John’s siblings – Joey, Ellen, Ann, Margaret, and Sam – also pursuing acting careers. This shared passion created a unique and supportive upbringing. “I grew up in a family of actors,” John recounted in a 2014 interview with Youth Time magazine. “I remember we always challenged ourselves to be different characters in different scenarios as kids.” This playful immersion in character work during his childhood laid a strong foundation for his future acting endeavors. He further explained how this upbringing naturally prepared him for the diverse roles he would later undertake: “As in Broadway, you act, you sing, you dance. In the film industry, sometimes you do a musical, sometimes you do a drama, sometimes you do a comedy. This transition was not difficult for me, as I’m used to it from childhood.” Despite this creative richness, John also emphasized his working-class background, noting that his family “never had an overabundance of money,” grounding his Hollywood journey in humble beginnings.
John with his sister, actress Ellen Travolta
Image: John Travolta pictured with his sister, actress Ellen Travolta, highlighting the strong acting lineage within the Travolta family.
At just 16, with his parents’ support, John made the bold decision to drop out of high school and chase his acting dreams in New York City. While his peers were focused on more conventional paths, John’s sights were set on the stage and screen.
From Broadway Stages to Hollywood’s Doorstep
After moving to New York, the ambitious young actor quickly found work in Broadway productions, securing smaller roles that allowed him to hone his craft and gain valuable experience in the demanding world of theater. However, recognizing the burgeoning opportunities in television and film, John made another pivotal move to Los Angeles.
John Travolta as Vinnie in Welcome Back, Kotter
Image: John Travolta in his breakthrough role as Vinnie Barbarino in “Welcome Back, Kotter,” illustrating his early television success.
In Hollywood, he landed guest roles in popular TV series like Emergency!, The Rookies, and Medical Center, gradually building his screen presence. His breakthrough came in 1975 when he was cast as the charismatic Vinnie Barbarino in the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. This role catapulted him into teen idol status and ran for four successful years, making him a household name.
John Travolta on set filming Carrie
Image: John Travolta on the set of “Carrie,” marking his transition into film and his early role in a horror classic.
Simultaneously with his TV success, Travolta ventured into film, landing a memorable role in Brian De Palma’s 1976 horror classic Carrie, based on Stephen King’s novel. He played Billy Nolan, a prankster and bully, showcasing his range beyond the comedic persona of Vinnie Barbarino. Carrie was a critical and commercial success, further elevating Travolta’s profile and setting the stage for his imminent superstardom.
Disco Fever and Global Fame: The 1970s Breakout
The late 1970s were truly transformative for John Travolta, solidifying his status as a global icon. In 1977, he starred in Saturday Night Fever as Tony Manero, a disco dancer who escapes his mundane life on the dance floor. The film and its soundtrack became cultural phenomena, defining the disco era. Travolta’s electrifying performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, cementing his place among Hollywood’s elite.
John bagged an Academy Award nomination after starring as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever
Image: John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever,” the role that earned him an Academy Award nomination and solidified his status as a leading man.
The following year, 1978, brought even greater heights with Grease, where Travolta played Danny Zuko, the quintessential greaser. Alongside Olivia Newton-John, Grease became a timeless musical classic, beloved by generations. His dual success with Saturday Night Fever and Grease in such quick succession was unprecedented, making John Travolta the biggest movie star in the world at that time.
olivia newton john john travolta grease
Image: John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in “Grease,” a film that became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Travolta’s global stardom.
Navigating Hollywood Highs and Lows: The 1980s and 1990s
While the 1970s launched him into superstardom, the 1980s presented a different landscape for Travolta. Films like Staying Alive (1983), the sequel to Saturday Night Fever, Two of a Kind (1983), and Perfect (1985), despite his star power, were critically panned and commercially unsuccessful. This period marked a downturn in his career, a common challenge for actors navigating the fickle nature of Hollywood.
John Travolta at a film screening in 1987
Image: John Travolta at a film screening in 1987, representing his presence in Hollywood during a period of mixed career fortunes.
However, Travolta demonstrated remarkable resilience. He began his comeback with the surprise hit Look Who’s Talking in 1989, a charming romantic comedy that grossed an impressive $297 million, becoming his most successful film since Grease. This success paved the way for a full-fledged career resurgence in the 1990s.
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction in 1994 is widely credited with revitalizing Travolta’s career. His portrayal of Vincent Vega was iconic, earning him his second Academy Award nomination, along with Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Award nominations. Pulp Fiction was a critical and commercial triumph, reintroducing Travolta to a new generation of moviegoers and reminding the industry of his talent and versatility.
pulp fiction
Image: John Travolta in “Pulp Fiction,” a career-redefining role that marked his comeback and showcased his enduring talent.
The 1990s became a decade of diverse roles and box office successes for Travolta. He starred in Get Shorty (1995), Broken Arrow (1996), Face/Off (1997) alongside Nicolas Cage, and The General’s Daughter (1999), showcasing his ability to excel in various genres, particularly action and crime thrillers.
Dancing with Royalty: A White House Moment
Beyond his film roles, a defining moment in John Travolta’s public life occurred in 1985 at a White House state dinner hosted by President Ronald Reagan. Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales, expressed her “fantasy” to dance with Travolta, leading to an unforgettable and iconic dance in the Cross Hall.
In this handout image provided by The White House, Princess Diana dances with John Travolta in Cross Hall at the White House in 1985
Image: Princess Diana and John Travolta dancing at the White House in 1985, a moment that became a defining image of both cultural icons.
Travolta recounted the magical evening to People magazine, recalling how Nancy Reagan orchestrated the dance: “‘The princess, her fantasy is to dance with you. Would you like to dance with her tonight?’ And I said, ‘Well of course.'” He described the surreal experience: “My heart starts to race, you know, and I tap her on the shoulder and she turns around and looks at me, and she had that kind of bashful dip [of her chin] that she did, and she looked up at me, and I said, ‘Would you care to dance with me?’ The whole room cleared. We danced for what felt like 15 minutes.”
Princess Diana
Image: Princess Diana in the Victor Edelstein gown, famously known as the “Travolta dress,” worn during her dance with John Travolta.
Princess Diana’s velvet Victor Edelstein gown from that evening became known as the “Travolta dress” and achieved iconic status, later being sold at auction for £264,000, further cementing the cultural impact of that dance.
Personal Tragedies and Enduring Strength
Despite his professional successes, John Travolta’s life has been marked by profound personal tragedies. In 1977, he experienced the loss of his girlfriend, actress Diana Hyland, to breast cancer. They had met on the set of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble in 1976, and her passing deeply affected him.
John Travolta with late girlfriend Diana Hyland
Image: John Travolta with his late girlfriend, actress Diana Hyland, highlighting a significant early personal loss in his life.
He described his deep connection with Hyland to People in 1977: “From the moment I met her, I was attracted. We were like two maniacs talking all the time on the set of ‘Bubble.’ After a month it became romantic.” Her death at the young age of 41, while he was filming Saturday Night Fever, was a devastating blow.
Diana Hyland and John Travolta in LA in 1976
Image: Diana Hyland and John Travolta pictured in 1976, capturing a moment from their relationship before her untimely passing.
Years later, Travolta found love again with actress Kelly Preston, marrying in 1991 and building a family with three children: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. However, tragedy struck once more in 2009 when their eldest son, Jett, passed away at the age of 16.
John Travolta and Kelly Preston in 1990
Image: John Travolta and Kelly Preston in 1990, representing their enduring love and partnership that faced numerous challenges.
Jett, who was autistic and suffered from seizures, died after a seizure during a family vacation in the Bahamas. In a heartfelt statement, John and Kelly remembered Jett as “the most wonderful son” who “lit up the lives of everyone he encountered.” To honor Jett, Travolta established the Jett Travolta Foundation, supporting children with special needs.
Tragically, John also lost firstborn son Jett in 2009
Image: A poignant image of John Travolta with his late son Jett, reflecting the profound personal loss he experienced in 2009.
In 2020, John Travolta faced another devastating loss with the passing of his wife, Kelly Preston, after a private two-year battle with breast cancer. She was 57 years old.
John Travolta lost his beloved wife Kelly Preston to cancer in 2020
Image: John Travolta and his beloved wife Kelly Preston, commemorating their relationship and her tragic passing in 2020.
Announcing her death on Instagram, Travolta wrote: “It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.” Despite these immense personal losses, John Travolta has shown incredible strength and resilience, continuing his career and cherishing the memories of his loved ones.
Scientology and Personal Support
John Travolta has been a dedicated member of the Church of Scientology since 1975. He credits Scientology with providing him with crucial support during difficult times, particularly after the deaths of Diana Hyland and his son Jett.
John Travolta G
Image: John Travolta, a long-time member of the Church of Scientology, pictured at an event, reflecting his deep involvement with the faith.
In a 1998 interview with ABC News, Travolta explained his initial attraction to Scientology: “I was 21 when I first heard about [Scientology]. And someone introduced it to me and they were so certain and happy, and I wasn’t used to people being certain and happy. I was used to people being insecure and unhappy. I took a course and my life has never been the same.”
john travolta oscars 2023
Image: John Travolta at the Oscars in 2023, demonstrating his continued presence in Hollywood and public life, with Scientology playing a role in his personal resilience.
Following Jett’s death, Travolta told The Telegraph: “I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t had the support of Scientology. I don’t think I could have got through it.” He emphasized the practical support he received from the Church community during his grieving process.
Overcoming Legal Challenges
Travolta has also faced public legal challenges, most notably in 2012 when he was sued for sexual battery and harassment by two male masseurs. These lawsuits garnered significant media attention.
John Travolta wearing a navy suit and talking on stage in 2019
Image: John Travolta speaking on stage in 2019, a public figure who has navigated both professional accolades and legal scrutiny.
His lawyer, Marty Singer, vehemently denied the allegations, citing inconsistencies and fabricated claims. Eventually, both lawsuits were dismissed in May 2012, allowing Travolta to move forward from these public accusations.
John Travolta wearing a black suit jacket and white shirt
Image: John Travolta in a black suit, portraying his image as a Hollywood figure who has faced and overcome various personal and legal storms.
Celebrating 70 Years: A Legacy of Entertainment
How old is John Travolta today? At 70 years old, John Travolta stands as a testament to enduring talent, resilience, and reinvention in Hollywood. From his early dancing days to his dramatic roles, he has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His journey, marked by both extraordinary highs and personal lows, is a compelling story of a man who has navigated fame, fortune, tragedy, and triumph with grace and determination. As he enters his 70th year, John Travolta’s legacy as a cinematic icon remains firmly in place, continuing to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
