John Travolta

John Joseph Travolta was born on February 18, 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey, USA. He grew up in an Irish-American family with five siblings and was greatly influenced by his mother, who was an actress and singer, and his father, who was a semi-professional football player turned tire salesman.

John Travolta starred as Tony Manero in the 1977 film 'Saturday Night Fever,' a role that catapulted him to superstardom. His portrayal of the dancing, disco-loving Brooklyn youth earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and solidified his reputation as a leading figure in popular culture.

'Grease,' released in 1978, featured John Travolta as Danny Zuko, a lovably cool greaser. The film was a massive box office hit and became a pop culture phenomenon, thanks to its catchy songs and entertaining dance numbers. Travolta's performance further cemented his status as a star of the '70s.

John Travolta starred in 'Look Who's Talking,' released in 1989, playing a cab driver who becomes romantically involved with a single mother. The comedy was a significant box office success, making over $297 million worldwide and spawning two sequels. It marked a resurgence in Travolta's career.

John Travolta married actress Kelly Preston on September 5, 1991. The couple had a strong relationship and collaborated on several projects throughout their marriage. Their union was marked by a series of personal and professional highs, as well as shared challenges.

In 1994, John Travolta experienced a career resurgence thanks to his role as Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction.' The film was a critical and commercial success, and Travolta's performance earned him a second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, as well as numerous other accolades.

Travolta starred in the 1996 film 'Phenomenon,' portraying George Malley, a man who gains extraordinary intellectual abilities after a mysterious event. The film was well-received and became a box office hit, further establishing Travolta's versatility as an actor capable of handling diverse and complex roles.

In 2000, John Travolta produced and starred in 'Battlefield Earth,' a science fiction film based on the novel by L. Ron Hubbard. Despite Travolta's passion for the project, the film was critically panned and is often cited as one of the worst movies ever made. It became a notorious box office failure.

'Hairspray,' a musical comedy released in 2007, featured John Travolta in the role of Edna Turnblad, a part that required him to perform in drag. The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews, with many praising Travolta's performance for its humor and heart.

On January 2, 2009, John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son, Jett Travolta, tragically passed away at the age of 16. Jett, who had a history of seizures and was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, died while the family was on vacation in the Bahamas. The loss had a profound impact on Travolta and his family.

In 2010, John Travolta starred in the action thriller 'From Paris with Love,' playing a wisecracking, trigger-happy secret agent named Charlie Wax. The film, directed by Pierre Morel, showcased Travolta in a high-octane, action-packed role, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various genres.

Travolta appeared in the 2012 crime thriller 'Savages,' directed by Oliver Stone. He portrayed Dennis Cain, a corrupt DEA agent. The film featured an ensemble cast including Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, and Salma Hayek, and was noted for its intense and gritty narrative.

In 2014, John Travolta starred in 'The Forger,' a crime drama in which he played Raymond Cutter, a skilled art forger who makes a deal to secure an early release from prison in order to be with his terminally ill son. The film received mixed reviews but highlighted Travolta's continuous exploration of different roles.

John Travolta played the role of attorney Robert Shapiro in 'The People v. O.J. Simpson,' the first season of the anthology series 'American Crime Story,' which premiered on February 2, 2016. His performance was widely praised, and the series received critical acclaim and numerous awards.

John Travolta starred as notorious mob boss John Gotti in the 2018 biographical crime film 'Gotti.' The film, directed by Kevin Connolly, explored Gotti's rise within the Gambino crime family and his persistent legal troubles. While Travolta's performance was noted, the film received generally negative reviews.

In 2018, Qantas Airways, where John Travolta served as an ambassador and pilot, named its Boeing 707 simulator training facility in his honor. Travolta's long-standing relationship with Qantas is well-known, and this dedication recognized his contributions and passion for aviation.

John Travolta starred in 'The Poison Rose,' a thriller released in 2019. He played Carson Phillips, a hard-drinking private investigator. The film, which also starred Morgan Freeman, is a neo-noir mystery inspired by classic detective tales and showcased Travolta in a gritty, complex role.

Actress Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, passed away on July 12, 2020, after battling breast cancer. The couple had been married for 29 years and had three children together. Kelly Preston's death was a significant emotional blow to Travolta and was widely covered in the media.