History of John Travolta in Timeline

John Travolta is a highly acclaimed American actor known for his successful transition from television to leading film roles. 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 the Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, highlighting his significant contributions and impact on the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

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

1981: Start of Employment for Douglas Gotterba

In 1981, Douglas Gotterba started working for John Travolta as his private pilot. He continued to work for Travolta until 1987.

1987: End of Employment for Douglas Gotterba

In 1987, Douglas Gotterba stopped working for John Travolta as his private pilot. He started working for Travolta in 1981.

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. Following Jett's death, John Travolta created the Jett Travolta Foundation to help children with special needs.

2011: Golden Globe Nomination

In 2011, John Travolta received a Golden Globe nomination, marking his most recent nomination. He had previously won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in Get Shorty.

May 2012: Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed

In May 2012, John Travolta was sued by an anonymous masseur, citing claims of sexual assault and battery. A second masseur later joined the lawsuit with similar claims. Both lawsuits were subsequently dropped by the complainants 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 by writer Robert Randolph was dismissed by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Malcolm Mackey.

2012: Cease and Desist Letter to Former Pilot

In 2012, John Travolta's lawyers served his former private pilot, Douglas Gotterba, with a cease and desist letter after learning he planned to release a book about his time working for Travolta between 1981 and 1987.

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 the termination agreement signed years earlier.

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". Pitbull scored the film and wrote the song "Amore" for it.

Loading Video...

2019: New Shaved Head Look and Music Video Appearance

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".

Loading Video...

July 12, 2020: Death of Kelly Preston

On July 12, 2020, John Travolta's wife, Kelly Preston, died at the age of 57 at their home in Clearwater, Florida, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Preston had been receiving treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, at the time of her death.