John Travolta: A Life of Fame, Family, and Resilience

With the massive success of films like Saturday Night Fever in 1977, John Travolta quickly became an international superstar. His fame skyrocketed even further with his iconic role in Grease.

Born in New Jersey in 1954, John was the youngest of six children. From an early age, he knew he wanted to pursue acting. He was so committed to his dream that he dropped out of high school to focus on his career—a risky move at the time, but one he now calls the best decision of his life.

Throughout his illustrious career, John has appeared in numerous films, each adding to his legacy. Some of his standout performances include Gotti (2018), Two of a Kind (1983), Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995)—which earned him a Golden Globe—Broken Arrow (1996), and Wild Hogs (2007), among many others.

In 1991, John married actress Kelly Preston. Interestingly, when they first met, Kelly was married. However, by 2018, Kelly opened up about how her previous marriage wasn’t the right fit for her, and she found her true happiness with John.

Tragically, Kelly passed away in July 2020 after battling breast cancer. The couple had been married for nearly 30 years. They had three children together: Jett, born in 1992; Ella Bleu, born in 2000; and their youngest, Benjamin, born in 2010.

In 2009, John and Kelly faced unimaginable heartbreak when their eldest son, Jett, passed away at just 16 years old due to a seizure caused by his autism. John admitted that he was devastated and didn’t know how to cope with the loss. It was his remaining children, Ella and Benjamin, who gave him the strength to carry on, and he focused on being present for them.

Like her parents, Ella has pursued a career in acting. She credits her parents for always offering her wise advice and nurturing her interest in the arts from a young age. After her mother’s passing, Ella posted a touching tribute, expressing how her mom was the best person she’d ever known and thanking her for always being there.

Ella also shares a deep bond with her father, describing him as the most important person in her life. The affection is mutual—John frequently expresses his pride in Ella, often posting about her on social media. One particularly sweet moment was when John shared a video of him and Ella dancing together in honor of Kelly, reminiscing that dancing with Kelly was one of her favorite activities.

Through all of life’s highs and lows, John and Ella have remained close, and their bond is a testament to the importance of family. Here’s hoping their relationship continues to thrive because, as we all know, family is everything.