History of John Travolta in Timeline

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

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.

2011: Golden Globe Nomination

In 2011, John Travolta received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor, marking his most recent of six nominations to date.

May 2012: Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed

In May 2012, John Travolta faced a lawsuit from an anonymous masseur alleging sexual assault and battery. Travolta's lawyer refuted the claims as false, asserting Travolta's alibi and intention to pursue legal action against the plaintiff for malicious prosecution. A second masseur later joined the lawsuit with similar allegations, but both lawsuits were eventually dropped.

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.

2014: IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema

In 2014, John Travolta was honored with the IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema.

2018: Collaboration with Pitbull on the film Gotti

In 2018, John Travolta collaborated with American rapper Pitbull on the film Gotti, for which Pitbull composed the score and wrote the song "Amore".

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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.