Early Life and Education of John Travolta: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 5, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of John Travolta. A timeline of key moments.

John Travolta is an American actor renowned for his successful career spanning television and film. He rose to prominence as a leading man, earning numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. He has also received nominations for prestigious awards such as Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, solidifying his status as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1981: Start of Douglas Gotterba's Employment

In 1981, Douglas Gotterba began working as John Travolta's private pilot. He continued in this role until 1987, during which he claims to have had a homosexual extramarital affair with Travolta, allegations which Travolta strongly denies.

1987: End of Douglas Gotterba's Employment

In 1987, Douglas Gotterba's employment as John Travolta's private pilot came to an end. He later planned to release a book about his time working for Travolta, claiming a homosexual affair, which led to legal challenges and disputes.

January 2, 2009: Death of Jett Travolta

On January 2, 2009, Jett Travolta, John Travolta's son, died at the age of sixteen while on vacation in The Bahamas due to a seizure. Following his son's death, John Travolta established the Jett Travolta Foundation to support children with special needs.

September 27, 2012: Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed

On September 27, 2012, a defamation lawsuit against John Travolta and his attorney Marty Singer, filed by writer Robert Randolph, was dismissed by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Malcolm Mackey. The judge ruled that a letter written by Singer, responding to allegations in Randolph's book, was protected under free speech.

2012: Cease and Desist Letter Served to Former Pilot

In 2012, John Travolta's lawyers served his former private pilot, Douglas Gotterba, with a cease and desist letter. This action was taken after learning that Gotterba planned to release a book detailing his time working for Travolta between 1981 and 1987, during which Gotterba alleges he had a homosexual affair with Travolta.

July 2014: Lawsuit Over Confidentiality Agreement

In July 2014, a California court allowed John Travolta's former private pilot, Douglas Gotterba, to proceed with a lawsuit challenging the confidentiality and non-disclosure provisions of their termination agreement. This followed Travolta's lawyers serving Gotterba with a cease and desist letter in 2012 after learning of Gotterba's plans to release a book about his time working for Travolta.

2019: New Shaved Head Look and Appearance in Pitbull's Music Video

In 2019, John Travolta debuted a new shaved head look, influenced by Pitbull's advice. Later that year, Travolta made an appearance in the music video for Pitbull's single "3 to Tango".

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July 12, 2020: Death of Kelly Preston

On July 12, 2020, Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, passed away at the age of 57 at their home in Clearwater, Florida, after battling breast cancer for two years. She had been undergoing treatment at various hospitals, including the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.