Travolta, John (1954-…), is an American motion-picture star famous for his versatility. He is also known for his likable screen presence, even when playing villains.
John Joseph Travolta was born on Feb. 18, 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey. He dropped out of school at the age of 16 to enter show business. He took a variety of small stage and film roles and eventually appeared in the touring and Broadway productions of the musical Grease. Travolta’s big break came with his role as Vinnie Barbarino in the popular television series “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975-1979).
Travolta appeared as a teenaged villain in the horror movie Carrie (1976). He first gained movie success for his sexy disco dancing in the musical Saturday Night Fever (1977). He danced and sang the leading role in the film version of Grease (1978). He also starred in the modern Western Urban Cowboy (1980).
Travolta’s career sagged during the mid-1980’s before he regained some popularity in the comedies Look Who’s Talking (1989) and Look Who’s Talking Too (1990). He returned to stardom as a weirdly funny gangster in Pulp Fiction (1994), directed by Quentin Tarantino. Travolta then starred in a string of popular movies, including Get Shorty (1995); Broken Arrow, Phenomenon, and Michael (all 1996); Face/Off (1997); and Primary Colors and A Civil Action (both 1998).
Travolta’s other films include The General’s Daughter (1999); Lucky Numbers (2000); Swordfish (2001); The Punisher, Ladder 49, and A Love Song for Bobby Long (all 2004); Lonely Hearts (2006); a remake of the 1988 motion picture Hairspray, based on the hit Broadway musical (2007); The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009), a remake of the 1974 film The Taking of Pelham One Two Three; Old Dogs (2009); From Paris with Love (2010); Savages (2012); Killing Season (2013); Criminal Activities (2015); and In a Valley of Violence (2016). He also provided the voice of the title character of a dog in the animated film Bolt (2008). In 2016, he acted in the cable television anthology miniseries American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson. Travolta was married to the American actress Kelly Preston from 1991 until her death in 2020.
