History of John Travolta in Timeline

John Travolta is a highly successful American actor who gained prominence in television before becoming a leading film star. He has received numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. Additionally, he has been nominated for prestigious accolades such as Academy Awards and British Academy Film Awards, solidifying his status as a major figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

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

1981: Douglas Gotterba's Employment Begins

In 1981, Douglas Gotterba began working as John Travolta's private pilot.

1987: Douglas Gotterba's Employment Ends

In 1987, Douglas Gotterba's employment as John Travolta's private pilot ended, leading to a termination agreement.

January 2, 2009: Death of Jett Travolta and Extortion Allegations

On January 2, 2009, John Travolta's son, Jett, died at the age of sixteen while on vacation in The Bahamas due to a seizure. Following Jett's death, Travolta faced an extortion attempt related to private information, and he later created the Jett Travolta Foundation to support children with special needs.

2011: Golden Globe Nomination

In 2011, John Travolta received a Golden Globe nomination, marking his most recent nomination to date.

May 2012: Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed

In May 2012, John Travolta was sued by an anonymous masseur for alleged sexual assault and battery. A second masseur later joined the lawsuit with similar claims, but both lawsuits were eventually dropped and dismissed.

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. The judge ruled that a letter written by Singer in response to allegations in Randolph's book was protected by free speech.

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 of Gotterba's plans to release a book about his time working for 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.

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 collaborated with American rapper Pitbull on the film Gotti, for which Pitbull wrote and scored the song "Amore".

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2019: Shaved Head 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, John Travolta's wife, Kelly Preston, passed away 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.