John Joseph Travolta is a celebrated American actor who rose to fame through television before transitioning to leading roles in films. His illustrious career boasts prestigious awards such as a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Additionally, he has been nominated for two Academy Awards and a BAFTA Award.
February 18, 1954: John Travolta is born
On February 18, 1954, John Joseph Travolta was born. He would go on to become a renowned American actor.
1971: Travolta Drops Out of High School
In 1971, at the age of 17, John Travolta dropped out of Dwight Morrow High School.
September 1972: Travolta's First Screen Role
John Travolta's first on-screen role was as a fall victim in an episode of "Emergency!" in September 1972.
1975: Travolta Converts to Scientology
At the age of 21, in 1975, John Travolta converted to Scientology.
1975: Joining Scientology
John Travolta became a member of the Church of Scientology after being introduced to the book "Dianetics" by actress Joan Prather.
1975: "Welcome Back, Kotter" Premieres
John Travolta rose to prominence in 1975 for his starring role as Vinnie Barbarino in the sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter."
July 1976: "Let Her In" Hits the Charts
John Travolta's single "Let Her In" peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1976.
1976: Travolta Stars in "Carrie"
John Travolta had a significant movie role as Billy Nolan in the horror film "Carrie" in 1976.
1976: Travolta Stars in "Carrie"
John Travolta landed a significant role as Billy Nolan in the horror film "Carrie," directed by Brian De Palma, in 1976.
1976: Relationship with Diana Hyland
John Travolta and actress Diana Hyland were in a relationship. They met on the set of the movie "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble" in 1976.
March 27, 1977: Death of Diana Hyland
On March 27, 1977, Travolta's girlfriend, actress Diana Hyland, passed away due to breast cancer.
1977: Travolta Nominated for "Saturday Night Fever"
John Travolta earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in "Saturday Night Fever" in 1977.
1977: Travolta Achieves Stardom with "Saturday Night Fever"
John Travolta's role as Tony Manero in "Saturday Night Fever" in 1977 catapulted him to international stardom.
1978: Grease is the Word
John Travolta starred as Danny Zuko in the musical film "Grease" in 1978.
1978: Travolta Stars in Two Iconic Films: "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease"
John Travolta starred in two of his most notable roles in 1978: Tony Manero in "Saturday Night Fever" and Danny Zuko in "Grease." These films were among the most successful of the decade.
1978: "Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture" Released
The soundtrack album for "Grease," in which John Travolta performed, was released in 1978 and topped the Billboard 200 chart.
1979: "Welcome Back, Kotter" Ends
The sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter," starring John Travolta, ended in 1979.
1980: Travolta Rides the Urban Cowboy Wave
John Travolta starred in "Urban Cowboy" in 1980, which capitalized on the nationwide country music craze.
1980: Relationship with Catherine Deneuve
John Travolta dated French actress Catherine Deneuve.
1980: Travolta Stars in "Urban Cowboy"
In 1980, John Travolta starred in "Urban Cowboy" alongside Debra Winger.
1981: "Blow Out" Released
Despite critical acclaim, John Travolta's film "Blow Out" was a box office disappointment in 1981.
1981: "Blow Out" Released
John Travolta starred in Brian De Palma's "Blow Out" in 1981, a film that received critical acclaim.
1982: Travolta's Interest in "Battlefield Earth"
John Travolta's interest in adapting L. Ron Hubbard's novel "Battlefield Earth" into a film began in 1982 when Hubbard reached out to him.
1983: Travolta Reunites with Olivia Newton-John in "Two of a Kind" and Stars in "Staying Alive"
John Travolta starred in "Two of a Kind" with Olivia Newton-John and "Staying Alive," the sequel to "Saturday Night Fever," in 1983.
1984: Induction into American Academy of Achievement
John Travolta was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement and received the Golden Plate Award from General Chuck Yeager.
1985: Travolta Stars in "Perfect"
John Travolta starred alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the film "Perfect" in 1985.
1985: End of Relationship with Marilu Henner
Travolta's on-and-off relationship with actress Marilu Henner ended.
1988: Meeting Kelly Preston
While filming "The Experts," John Travolta met actress Kelly Preston.
1989: Travolta Stars in "Look Who's Talking"
John Travolta starred alongside Kirstie Alley in "Look Who's Talking" in 1989, which became his most successful film since "Grease."
1990: "Look Who's Talking Too" Released
The sequel to "Look Who's Talking," titled "Look Who's Talking Too," was released in 1990.
1991: Marriage to Kelly Preston
John Travolta and Kelly Preston got married in Paris.
November 24, 1992: Near-Mid-Air Collision
On November 24, 1992, Travolta, while piloting his Gulfstream N728T, experienced a complete electrical system failure while approaching Washington National Airport at night. During the emergency landing, a near-collision occurred with a USAir Boeing 727. The incident was attributed to an air traffic controller's risky decision.
1992: Birth of Jett Travolta
John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son, Jett, was born.
1993: "Look Who's Talking Now" Released
John Travolta starred in "Look Who's Talking Now," the third film in the "Look Who's Talking" franchise, in 1993.
1994: Travolta's Career Renaissance with "Pulp Fiction"
In 1994, John Travolta's role as Vincent Vega in "Pulp Fiction" marked a significant turning point in his career, earning him critical acclaim and a resurgence in popularity.
1994: Travolta's Career Revived with "Pulp Fiction"
John Travolta received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" in 1994.
1995: Travolta Stars in "Get Shorty" and "White Man's Burden"
Following the success of "Pulp Fiction," John Travolta took on diverse roles, including a movie-buff loan shark in "Get Shorty" and a factory worker in "White Man's Burden," both released in 1995.
1995: Travolta Takes on Diverse Roles in "Get Shorty" and "White Man's Burden"
Following the success of "Pulp Fiction," John Travolta took on a variety of roles in 1995, including a movie-loving loan shark in "Get Shorty" and a factory worker in "White Man's Burden."
1996: Travolta Takes on Multiple Roles
In 1996, John Travolta starred in several films, including "Broken Arrow," "Phenomenon," and "Michael," showcasing his range as an actor.
1996: Travolta's Busy Year with "Broken Arrow," "Phenomenon," and "Michael"
John Travolta starred in several films in 1996, including the action film "Broken Arrow," the thriller "Phenomenon," and the fantasy drama "Michael," showcasing his versatility as an actor.
1997: Travolta in "Face/Off"
John Travolta starred in the action thriller "Face/Off" in 1997.
1997: Travolta Stars in the Action Thriller "Face/Off"
John Travolta starred opposite Nicolas Cage in the action thriller "Face/Off" in 1997, playing the dual roles of an FBI agent and a terrorist.
1998: Travolta's Legal and Political Roles in "A Civil Action" and "Primary Colors"
John Travolta portrayed a lawyer in "A Civil Action" and a presidential candidate in "Primary Colors" in 1998, showcasing his ability to tackle complex and nuanced characters.
1998: Travolta Stars in "A Civil Action" and "Primary Colors"
John Travolta starred in two films in 1998: "A Civil Action" and "Primary Colors."
1999: Travolta Investigates in "The General's Daughter"
In 1999, John Travolta starred in the military mystery "The General's Daughter," playing a military investigator.
1999: Travolta in "The General's Daughter"
John Travolta starred in the mystery thriller "The General's Daughter" in 1999.
2000: Birth of Ella Bleu Travolta
John Travolta and Kelly Preston welcomed their daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta.
2000: Travolta Stars in "Battlefield Earth"
In 2000, John Travolta starred in and co-produced the science fiction film "Battlefield Earth," based on the novel by L. Ron Hubbard.
2001: Travolta in "Swordfish" and "Domestic Disturbance"
John Travolta starred in the action thriller "Swordfish" and the psychological thriller "Domestic Disturbance" in 2001.
2004: Travolta Stars in "Ladder 49"
John Travolta starred in the action drama "Ladder 49" in 2004.
2005: Travolta in "Be Cool"
John Travolta starred in the crime comedy "Be Cool" in 2005.
2006: Travolta Stars in "Lonely Hearts"
John Travolta starred in the neo-noir crime thriller "Lonely Hearts" in 2006.
2007: Travolta Returns to Musicals in "Hairspray"
John Travolta returned to the musical genre in 2007 with his role as Edna Turnblad in the remake of "Hairspray."
2007: Travolta Stars in "Wild Hogs"
John Travolta starred in the comedy film "Wild Hogs" in 2007.
2007: Induction into Living Legends of Aviation
John Travolta was recognized for his passion for aviation with his induction into the Living Legends of Aviation. He also became the award show's official ambassador.
2008: Travolta Voices Bolt
John Travolta lent his voice to the titular character in the Disney animated film "Bolt" in 2008.
January 2, 2009: Death of Jett Travolta
On January 2, 2009, Jett Travolta, son of John Travolta, died at the age of 16 while on a family vacation in the Bahamas. The cause of death was determined to be a seizure.
2009: Jett Travolta's Death
Jett Travolta, John Travolta's son, tragically passed away at the age of 16.
2009: Travolta in "The Taking of Pelham 123" and "Old Dogs"
John Travolta starred in two films in 2009: the action thriller "The Taking of Pelham 123" and the comedy "Old Dogs."
September 13, 2010: Oprah's Australia Trip
On the first episode of her final season, Oprah Winfrey revealed that she would be taking her entire studio audience on a fully paid eight-day vacation to Australia, with John Travolta as the pilot. Travolta had been assisting Winfrey in planning this for over a year.
2010: Birth of Benjamin Travolta
John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son, Benjamin, was born.
2010: Travolta Stars in "From Paris with Love"
John Travolta starred in the action comedy "From Paris with Love" in 2010.
2011: Latest Golden Globe Nomination
John Travolta received his most recent Golden Globe nomination, marking a total of six nominations throughout his career.
May 2012: Sexual Assault Lawsuit
An anonymous masseur filed a lawsuit against Travolta, claiming sexual assault and battery. Travolta's lawyer denied the claims, calling them "complete fiction and fabrication" and stating that Travolta was not in California on the day in question. A second masseur joined the lawsuit with similar accusations. However, both lawsuits were eventually dropped and dismissed.
September 27, 2012: Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed
The Los Angeles Superior Court dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by writer Robert Randolph against Travolta and his attorney, Marty Singer. The suit was in response to a letter written by Singer defending Travolta against allegations made in Randolph's book. The judge ruled that Singer's letter was protected under free speech.
2012: Travolta Returns to Action in "Savages"
John Travolta starred in the action thriller "Savages" in 2012.
2014: IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema
John Travolta was honored with the IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema.
2016: Travolta Returns to Television in "American Crime Story"
John Travolta made his return to television in 2016 with his role as lawyer Robert Shapiro in the first season of the anthology series "American Crime Story," titled "The People v. O. J. Simpson."
July 12, 2020: Death of Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, died at the age of 57 on July 12, 2020, after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
July 2020: Travolta Hints at Career Break
Following the death of his wife, Kelly Preston, in July 2020, Travolta hinted on Instagram that he would be taking a break from acting to focus on his children.
2021: Emmy Nomination for "Die Hart"
John Travolta received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his role in the comedy short "Die Hart" in 2021.