History of John Travolta in Timeline

John Travolta is a celebrated American actor who transitioned from television roles to become a leading man in film. Throughout his career, he has garnered 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. Travolta's work has solidified his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

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

1981: Gotterba begins working for Travolta

In 1981, Douglas Gotterba began working for John Travolta as his private pilot. Gotterba claims that he had a homosexual extramarital affair with Travolta between 1981 and 1987. Travolta denied the allegations.

1987: Gotterba stops working for Travolta

In 1987, Douglas Gotterba stopped working for John Travolta as his private pilot. Gotterba claims that he had a homosexual extramarital affair with Travolta between 1981 and 1987. Travolta denied the allegations.

January 2, 2009: Death of Jett Travolta

On January 2, 2009, John Travolta's son, Jett, died at the age of sixteen while on Christmas vacation in The Bahamas due to a seizure, as confirmed by a Bahamian death certificate. Travolta later faced an extortion plot related to Jett's death and established the Jett Travolta Foundation in his memory.

2011: Golden Globe Nomination

In 2011, John Travolta received a Golden Globe nomination, marking his most recent nomination, though he has received a total of six nominations.

May 2012: Lawsuit Filed Against Travolta by Masseurs

In May 2012, an anonymous masseur filed a lawsuit against John Travolta, alleging sexual assault and battery. A second masseur later joined the lawsuit with similar claims, though both lawsuits were eventually dropped and dismissed without prejudice.

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, citing free speech protection for a letter written by Singer.

2012: Cease and Desist Letter Served to Former Pilot

In 2012, John Travolta's lawyers served Douglas Gotterba, his former private pilot, with a cease and desist letter after learning of Gotterba's plans to release a book about his time working for Travolta.

July 2014: Lawsuit Allowed to Proceed Against Travolta

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.

2014: IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement

In 2014, John Travolta received the IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema.

2018: Collaboration with Pitbull on 'Gotti'

In 2018, John Travolta and Pitbull collaborated on the film 'Gotti,' with Pitbull scoring the movie and writing the song "Amore" for the film's soundtrack.

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

In 2019, John Travolta debuted a new shaved head look after receiving advice from Pitbull. Later that year, Travolta appeared 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, died at the age of 57 at their home in Clearwater, Florida, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She had been undergoing treatment at various hospitals, including the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, at the time of her death.