John Travolta Biography: John Joseph Travolta, born on February 18, 1954, is a celebrated American actor known for his versatility and enduring presence in both television and film. He began his career on TV and soon transitioned into major film roles, earning critical acclaim and a number of prestigious awards along the way. Travolta has received a Primetime Emmy Award and three Golden Globe Awards, along with nominations for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Travolta first rose to fame with his role on the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979), and quickly became a household name with standout performances in Carrie (1976), Grease (1978), Urban Cowboy (1980), and Blow Out (1981). He received Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for his iconic roles in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Pulp Fiction (1994).
John Travolta Biography
John Joseph Travolta was born in Englewood, New Jersey, as one of six siblings to Helen Cecilia Burke and Salvatore (or Samuel) J. Travolta. His father, of Italian heritage, owned Travolta Tires, a tire repair business in Hillsdale, New Jersey, while his mother, who had Irish roots, was an actress and dancer. Travolta’s early exposure to performance came from his mother, who enrolled him in a New York drama school where he trained in acting, singing, and dancing. Combining these talents, he set his sights on a career in musical comedy. At 16, Travolta landed his first professional role in a summer stock production of Bye Bye Birdie, which led him to leave school and pursue acting full time. He worked steadily in summer stock and television commercials in New York. When acting opportunities began to dry up, he moved to Hollywood and took small parts in various TV shows.
John Travolta Biography 2025Details
| Born | John Joseph Travolta
February 18, 1954 (age 71) Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor
singer producer |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Works | Filmography |
| Spouse | Kelly Preston
(m. 1991; died 2020) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Ellen Travolta (sister)
Margaret Travolta (sister) Joey Travolta (brother) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About John Travolta
John Joseph Travolta is an American actor. He began acting in television before transitioning into a leading man in films. His accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award and three Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
John Travolta Wiki
- Born: 18 February 1954 (age 71 years), Englewood, New Jersey, United States
- Spouse: Kelly Preston (m. 1991–2020)
- Children: Jett Travolta, Ella Bleu Travolta
- Height: 88 m
- Siblings: Ellen Travolta, Sam Travolta, Joey Travolta, Margaret Travolta, Ann Travolta
Early Life
John Travolta, the youngest of six children, was born and raised in Englewood, a suburb of New York City located in Bergen County, New Jersey. His father, Salvatore “Sam” Travolta, was a former semiprofessional football player who later became a tire salesman and co-owned the Travolta Tire Exchange. His mother, Helen Cecilia (née Burke), was an actress and singer who performed with the radio vocal group The Sunshine Sisters and went on to act and direct before becoming a high school English and drama teacher.
Travolta’s family was deeply influenced by the performing arts, thanks to their mother’s passion for theater. All of his siblings—Joey, Ellen, Ann, Margaret, and Sam—followed in her footsteps and pursued acting careers. His father was a second-generation Italian American with family roots in Godrano, Sicily, while his mother was of Irish American descent.
John Travolta at a Glance
Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors
Net Worth: $250 Million
Birthdate: February 18, 1954 (71 years old)
Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Profession: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Voice Actor, Film Producer
Nationality: United States
What Were John Travolta’s Breakthrough Roles?
Travolta’s early career included both stage and screen roles, but he gained major recognition with his role as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and as Danny Zuko in Grease (1978). Both films cemented his status as a pop culture icon. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Tony Manero at just 24 years old. Travolta’s early successes in the disco and musical film era helped establish him as one of Hollywood’s leading men.
How Did John Travolta’s Career Decline and Revive?
While the 1980s brought a few setbacks, including commercially unsuccessful films like Two of a Kind (1983) and Perfect (1985), Travolta made a major comeback in 1989 with Look Who’s Talking, which grossed $297 million. His career resurgence was further bolstered by his Academy Award-nominated role in Pulp Fiction (1994). This revived his popularity and led to a string of successful films throughout the 1990s and beyond.
What Is John Travolta’s Personal Life Like?
Travolta married actress Kelly Preston in 1991, and together they had three children. Tragically, their son Jett passed away in 2009 at the age of 16. Following his death, Travolta established the Jett Travolta Foundation to support children with special needs. In 2020, Preston passed away after a battle with breast cancer. Travolta is a member of the Church of Scientology, a faith he adopted in 1975. He has credited Scientology with helping him cope with personal tragedies.
What is John Travolta’s Net Worth 2025
John Travolta, an American actor, singer, dancer, and producer, has an estimated net worth of $250 million. His career has been a remarkable journey, marked by critical success and widespread popularity. Travolta initially gained fame in the 1970s, becoming an icon with his roles in Saturday Night Fever and Grease, which solidified his place in pop culture. Despite a rough patch in the 1980s, his career experienced a major revival in the 1990s, particularly with his iconic role in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Since then, Travolta has successfully diversified into various genres, from action and drama to comedy, with memorable performances in Face/Off, Get Shorty, and Hairspray.
FAQs
What was John Travolta’s salary for Pulp Fiction?
John Travolta was paid a modest $150,000 for his role in Pulp Fiction (1994), despite the film’s immense success and its pivotal role in revitalizing his career.
How much did John Travolta earn from his most successful films?
John Travolta earned significant salaries in the 1990s and 2000s, with some of his highest paydays including $20 million for roles in films such as Face/Off (1997), Swordfish (2001), and Ladder 49 (2004).
What role marked the beginning of John Travolta’s rise to fame?
John Travolta’s rise to fame began with his role as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977), followed by his iconic portrayal of Danny Zuko in Grease (1978), both of which solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Did John Travolta have a successful Broadway career before movies?
Yes, before moving to Hollywood, John Travolta had success on Broadway. He starred in the musical Grease and later appeared in the show Over Here! before making the transition to films.
What was the turning point in John Travolta’s career?
The turning point in John Travolta’s career came with his role in Pulp Fiction (1994). This film not only revived his career but also reintroduced him to a new generation of audiences, earning him an Academy Award nomination.
What personal tragedy has John Travolta faced in his life?
John Travolta faced a major personal tragedy with the loss of his son Jett, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 16. Travolta has since honored his son’s memory by establishing the Jett Travolta Foundation, which helps children with special needs.