He played everything from an action star, to an angel, a politician, and a lawyer. Despite checking a news archive and Travolta's own Instagram account, we found no evidence that the actor had married again, or even entered into a relationship, since his wife, the actor Kelly Preston, died of breast cancer in July 2020. According to Yahoo, "He waived his $20 million fee to get "Battlefield Earth" -- the sci-fi action feature based on the book by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard -- commissioned for the big screen. We have seen plenty of stars cash in this way, but stories like this one show the amount of risk that is involved with this decision. Welcome Back, Kotter. He also has film credits in 1997s Mad City, 2004s Ladder 49, Hairspray in 2007, 2013s Killing Season and most recently, The Fanatic in 2019. Welcome Back, Kotter is an American sitcom starring Gabe Kaplan as a sardonic high school teacher in charge of a racially and ethnically diverse remedial class called the "Sweathogs". Arnold Horshack's a Real Dude. Was Ron Palillo as Arnold Horshack America's first gay TV star? The planned scene was Kotter doing his frequent impression of Marx, then Marx appearing with his reaction. Two years later in 1991, the Golden Globe winner tied the knot with his wife, Kelly Preston. It helped launch many of its cast members to stardom most notably, John Travolta.But despite the shows success, it continued to be met with one controversy after the next. Here's John Travolta in 1975 starring as Vinnie Barbarino on the popular TV series "Welcome Back, Kotter." Partially because of the loss hes endured, or maybe because society has realized how cruel they could be to an actor who gave us so much entertainment, the stance on Travolta has softened in recent years. After leaving school at 16 to pursue acting, John was quickly snapped by an agent who adored his gorgeous good looks, sense of humour and intelligence. While some sweetly likened Travoltas moves to dad dancing, others saw the routine as yet another sign that many just dont take him seriously anymore. He and his family live in Florida in a community that caters to plane owners they have two full runways leading right to their house! Returning to the small screen in 2015, John Travolta took on the role of noted criminal defense attorney Robert Shapiro in "The People v. O.J. In 2021, an online advertisement claimed the Hollywood star John Travolta had remarried after the death of his wife Kelly Preston in 2020, and now had a "new wife." The ad, which invited internet . Wensley said There was a feeling in Hollywood and elsewhere of great sympathy for him, he has been through a lot. He got a second chance three decades ago. John was rescued by the 1989 romantic comedy Look Whos Talking, which raked in $297million (213m) at the box office and was such a success that two sequels were made. Gabe Kaplan may have played the title character of the classic 1970s sitcom, Welcome Back, Kotter, about a teacher who alternately educates and makes fun of his Sweathog-filled classroom. It only continued to get bigger the next year with Barry Sonnenfelds Get Shorty, which Travolta won a Golden Globe for. The stars decision to rock his natural look came on a whim, he exclusively told Closer at the time. How Old Was John Travolta In Welcome Back Kotter - Bologny John proved he looks good in anything as he wore a white suit jacket on stage in 2017. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images), Actor John Travolta (R), wife actress Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Bleu Travolta arrive at the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' 'Old Dogs' at the El Capitan Theatre on November 9, 2009 in Hollywood, California. Maybe he has a third act in him. But hes also taken himself off in some weird directions, including through his association with the Church of Scientology, which led him to produce and star in an earlier passion project, the widely maligned Battlefield Earth in 2000. Miss Manners: Is it tacky to bring pastries when I turn in my son's school application? Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Sure, Travolta has made more than his fair share of bucks, but losing out on $15 million still stings. Some of Travolta's biggest paydays include $12 million for Michael, and a combined $40 million for Face/Off and Mad City. Snopes has debunked multiple examples of fake celebrity-themed tidbits that lead unwitting readers down a futile slideshow rabbit hole such as the one that resulted from the fake "John Travolta's new wife" ad in 2021. In the film which is based on a novel written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard John played the villainous Terl, a humanoid alien from the planet Psychlo. Since the 1970s, John Travolta has endured as one of Hollywood's most fascinating and, at times, controversial stars. John Travolta made headlines in January 2019 when he stepped out sporting a surprising new look a bald head! She has previously reported or edited for Bay Area news and lifestyle publications, including Walnut Creek Patch, and Diablo, Oakland and Alameda magazines, as well as The Nation in Bangkok, Thailand and The Economist. ABC Television Directed by Roy Christopher Starring: John Travolta, Gabe Kaplan, Robert Hegyes, Ron Palillo Gabe Kotter, formerly a Sweathog, returns to James Buchanan High as a teacher. Vinnie Barbarino 51 Episodes 1978. The Hollywood Reporter and Indiewire say otherwise, with the Hollywood Reporter calling the film pretty terrible:poorly written, devoid of tension, ridiculous in spots and just plain dull in others.. While the Travolta craze was going, there are tensions behind the scenes: Marcia Strassman, was becoming disenchanted wit See production, box office & company info. Unfortunately for the lovebirds, their marriage ceremony wasn't legal, which led them to remarry in Daytona Beach, Florida, a week later. He earned an army of fans after bagging his first role in the 70s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter and shortly after, landed his breakthrough role in Saturday Night Fever. How did it eventually come to an end after surviving so many setbacks?Join FactsVerse to learn about the scene that took Welcome Back Kotter off the air for good.The Scene That Took Welcome Back Kotter off the Air for Good It got weaker one cast members like John Travolta became less prominent because of his growing film career, but it never lost it's creative edge totally. Until then, even if he squandered his gift once, John Travolta will still be remembered as one of the most loved actors ever, no matter what happens with the rest of his career. The singer continued: Hes bigger than the movies, hes bigger than their successes, hes bigger than the failures, John Travolta stands above all that.. The last decade or so has seen him slumming it in horribly forgettable direct-to-video movies. In this January 1996 photo, John Travolta and Nicole Kidman are seen laughing, statues in hand, at the Golden Globes. Wensley said: His career was going so badly he was seriously contemplating working for an airline full-time as a pilot and quitting Hollywood.. If youre watching it, Im writing about it, and having a great time doing so. Wed go in and out of these characters, and that is so fun.. In this black-and-white photo from the 50th Annual Academy Awards in April 1978, John Travolta has reason to look nervous. Sometimes, these stars are totally fine with taking their traditional salaries, while others like to gamble on a movie's success to see just how much they can pocket. Scroll through the gallery below to see Johns transformation through the years. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Many executives felt that the characters could be a poor influence on American students. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, it originally aired on ABC from September 9, 1975, to May 17, 1979. Not only was the movie a success at the box office, pulling in more than $213 million worldwide, but it earned John the respect of formerly disenchanted film critics who called his performance "extraordinary.". In this 1989 promotional photo, John Travolta posed alongside his "The Experts" co-star Kelly Preston. 'Welcome Back, Kotter' Cast Secrets Fans Always Wanted to Know His overnight. He has written two novels and is neck deep in the querying trenches. John Travolta - Here is more classic 1970's TV gold -- John Travolta's audition for Welcome Back, Kotter, recorded on March 24, 1975. Let's take a look back at how Travolta gambled and lost on a sci-fi flop. People were talking more about his religious preferences than his work. The fledgeling actor was beyond excited for his first big movie and had been training for five months before his world was rocked by the news that Diana had breast cancer in 1977. And surround yourself with people who are positive influences because one bad egg can spoil everything.. The premiere didnt go so well, with the long, reportedly troubled film drawing mostly negative reviews. John and Kelly welcomed their third child, son Benjamin, in 2010. The longtime couple became the proud parents of their eldest child in 1992, named Jett who tragically died at age 16 in 2009 after suffering a seizure and daughter Ella Bleu in 2000. John Travolta Then and Now: Photos of the Actor's Transformation John Travolta and Late Wife Kelly Preston's Family Photo Album. John grew up in the suburbs of Englewood, New Jersey, where his mother Helen instilled in him a passion for singing, dancing and culture. Battlefield Earth was a disaster, and while he had some hits following this, Travolta was never a red-hot star again. The performance earned John another Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor in a series. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images), Actor John Travolta answers questions from the audience during the Q & A following the Variety Screening Series - "A Love Song For Bobby Long" at the ArcLight Theater on December 14, 2004 in Hollywood, California. In 1975, he landed not the lead role, but the most memorable, in ABC's high school set sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.Travolta played Vinnie . (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images), John Travolta, Qantas Goodwill Ambassador breaks into song as the Socceroos prepare ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, at Kloofzicht Lodge on June 11, 2010 in Muldersdrift, South Africa. Battlefield Earth was from a different era. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images), Actor John Travolta attends the "Savages" (Salvages) photocall at the Kursaal Palace during the 60th San Sebastian International Film Festival on September 23, 2012 in San Sebastian, Spain. TheBlow Outactor was all smiles for theApollo 13premiere in 1995. By 1985, John said goodbye to his long locks and sported a shorter haircut. Following his career revival, Travolta would see a number of peaks and valleys, and many of the films that he starred in during the 90s and early 2000s went on to find success at the box office. Proving his acting versatility, John took on the role of Edna Turnblad, the mother of the film's protagonist, Tracy Turnblad. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. Though it wasnt a big hit like previous films, it was well done and went on to become a cult favorite. One of his oldest pals, Kate Edwards, explained: There was something about John that made you want to protect him. In 1975, John made his movie debut in the horror film The Devils Rain, followed by a role in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble and Carrie in 1976. Welcome Back John Travolta. Actor Returns to TV With Crime Series While attending a celebrity softball game in Los Angeles in October 1992, Kelly Preston and John Travolta showed off their baby boy, Jett Travolta, who was born earlier that year. Thankfully, John recovered his mojo in the 1980 romantic drama "Urban Cowboy" (pictured) in which he played Bud, a young cowboy working in a Houston oil refinery who falls in love with a woman who defies his expectations. But. It gave Travolta a chance to expand and do something out of his comfort zone. Arguably, what could have been Travoltas most important role came in 1981, when he reconnected with DePalma and Nancy Allen from Carrie for the thriller Blow Out. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images), CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device. She also appeared alongside her brother in the 1978 summer blockbuster Grease. Diana underwent a mastectomy but cancer had spread throughout her body and just three months after her diagnosis she died. So, how did John Travolta cost himself millions? Wensley Clarkson, who wrote a biography about the star, explained that John spent every moment he could with her but struggled to rein in his emotions on set. Moreover, the married father of two living children has been dogged by lawsuits and claims that hes been sexually inappropriate with men hes hired to give him massages. In the late 1970s, few actors were more popular than John Travolta. He tried to salvage it with follow-ups like Swordfish and Domestic Disturbance, which were okay, but the shine on the rebuilt toy had worn off. While it seems John is still at the top of his game when it comes to his career, he suffered a tragic loss in his personal life when his beloved wife, Kelly, died in July 2020. Welcome Back, Kotter (TV Series 1975-1979) - Trivia - IMDb Sounds great -- but "Battleship Earth" tanked at the box office, totaling just $21.5 million. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Saira Banu In A Throwback Gold: "Only If Time Stood Still", "I Am Just Physically Finished Sir," Cyrus Broacha Tells Salman Khan, "Cinema God And Goddess": Tamannaah's Song, Inside Karan's "Kitty Party" With Arjun, Kusha And Others, Kajol Clarifies After Backlash Over "Uneducated Political Leaders" Comment, "9th-Month Fatigue": Ileana Shares New Pic From Her Maternity Diaries, Spot Ranbir In Mom Neetu's Birthday Celebration In Italy. In 1976, John Travolta began dating actress and single mom Diana Hyland, who was 18 years his senior and co-starred with him in the TV movie "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble." Besides spawning many stand-up comedians, Welcome Back . But on top of that, hed had the blows of people dying around him. Although John Travolta's career in Hollywood has long been plagued by rumors that he's secretly gay, things took a dark turn when two male massage therapists came forward with independent allegations of sexual battery and a lawsuit seeking $2 million in damages. She divorced her first husband, Kevin Gage, in 1987 after feeling an intense connection to John. After establishing himself in the TV series Welcome Back, Kotter and a small role in Brian DePalma's Carrie, Travolta shot to super stardom thanks to his dual performances in 1977's Saturday . (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images), Nicaraguan former actress Bianca Jagger chats with American actor John Travolta at 'Saturday Night Fever' film premiere, London, UK, 23rd March 1978. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, John Travolta's first film role was in The Devil's Rain in 1975, since then he's starred in scores of hits from Grease to Pulp Fiction but also his films have flopped too, John with his parents Salvatore and Helen Travolta in 1976, shortly before his mother died, John Travolta became an international hit after his performance in the 1977 disco dance drama Saturday Night Fever, John with his wife Kelly Preston, late son Jett and daughter Ella, Jett Travolta has suffered seizures throughout his life and after one of them hitting his head on a bathtub and died. Olivia passed away four years later in 2022 after a decades-long battle with breast cancer. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Following Jetts death, John and Kelly welcomed their youngest son, Benjamin, in 2010. After establishing himself in the TV series Welcome Back, Kotter and a small role in Brian DePalmas Carrie, Travolta shot to super stardom thanks to his dual performances in 1977s Saturday Night Fever and 1978s Grease. Travolta wasnt Tarantinos first pick for the suave hitman, Vinnie Vega. 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The star, who's long worn wigs and weaves, told People magazine of his new 'do, "[It] feels great." John looked happy and relaxed snuggling up to his pup in a sweet Instagram photo. The youngest of six siblings, his gentle spirit and fragility was recognised from an early age and left friends feeling compelled to take care of him. In one interview, he talked up his association with the Church of Scientology, crediting the controversial organization with helping him maintain a positive attitude. In the movie, John played George Malley, a man from a small town who has an unexplainable experience with mysterious lights that leave him with telekinetic powers. The great thing is that you have a rehearsing partner at home! John and Kelly proudly showed off their baby boy to the world in Paris in June 2011. Welcome Back, Kotter is an American television sitcom starring Gabe Kaplan and featuring a young John Travolta. Welcome Back, Kotter introduced audiences to John Travolta during the 70s, and making the switch to film was the right move for the young actor. Predictably, John Travolta (who was already heading toward heartthrob status) had the most success, hitting #10 in 1976 with "Let Her In." . Not only did Travolta lose money, but CNBC reports that the movie itself lost over $40 million thanks to its huge budget and inability to make much at the box office. 'Welcome Back, Kotter' Officially Ended After This Happened John Travolta. Those characters included Marcia Strassman as Gabe's wife, Julie (who wouldn't have much of a presence until later in the show's run), and then, as the Sweathogs, Travolta as Vinnie . Harriette Cole: Is it a red flag that he wants me to ride a bus to our first date? It sounds simple, but they all contribute to your well-being, he said, according to the Hollywood Reporter. That turned out to be the last hit of Travoltas early career. In the 1970s, the film star got his big break in showbiz when he began appearing on the hit TV show Welcome Back, Kotter. Video of Travolta busting some moves while the rapper performed Just A Lil Bit have gone viral. As Johns career took off, his life was about to be dealt a devastating blow. Because John Travolta has been a major star since the 70s and has been the lead in countless hit films, it goes without saying that he has been able to make millions during his time in Hollywood. On top of that, he went through two brutal personal tragedies, first losing his son Jett at the age of 16 in 2009, then saying goodbye to his wife of 29 years, Kelly Preston, when she died of cancer in 2020. Thats not so much the case anymore, and its not just because Travolta is 64 and decades past his Saturday Night Fever Jersey boy sexual prime. The image Travolta had crafted for himself was destroyed. Related: How John Travolta Amassed His $250 Million Fortune. The career that had gone off the rails a decade before was back on track. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for HFPA), Actor John Travolta poses with U.S. On-screen John Travolta was the king of cool, the alpha male men longed to be and women longed to be with. She graduated from Northwestern University with a BA degree in German studies and from Mills College with a MFA degree in creative writing and English. Since then, John has been a staple in Hollywood entertainment. UPDATED 2/14/2023 "Welcome back, your dreams are your ticket out!" Bet you can hear that soothing theme song right now. Vinnie Barbarino. Welcome Back, Kotter (TV Series 1975-1979) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. 12 Back-to-School Facts About Welcome Back, Kotter - Mental Floss From television star to film legend, Travolta has seen and done it all, and at this point, the man can sit back and enjoy the spoils of a successful Hollywood career. This Is the Most Important Film in John Travolta's Career - Collider (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for AMBI MEDIA GROUP), John Travolta and Karzan Kader is on The Set Of The Movie "Trading Paint" on September 1, 2017. A little more than a year after the death of son Jett, John Travolta and Kelly Preston welcomed their third child to the family, Benjamin Travolta. Shawn Van Horn is a Senior Features Writer for Collider. Outlining, the ABC sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" that became a hit after its first year. Martha Ross is a Bay Area News Group features writer for The Mercury News and East Bay Times who covers everything and anything related to popular culture, society, health, womens issues and families. Simpson. The second chance that Travolta had rightfully earned with his charisma and acting ability was gone in a flash. Reclaiming his former glory, John was nominated that night for best actor in a leading role for his work as Vincent Vega in "Pulp Fiction." Try our quiz and enter to win $500!Click below to check the trivia question https://bit.ly/3rEeMxk The show launched in 1975 at a time when America was about a decade away from the civil rights movement. Unbeknown to John, his mother Helen had been diagnosed with breast cancer but she chose not to tell him. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. John Travolta took a supernatural turn alongside Kyra Sedgwick in the 1996 film "Phenomenon." The miniseries marks Mr Travolta's first TV role since his 1979 released TV series Welcome Back, Kotter. Wensley said: She knew what hed been through with the death of Diana Hyland only 18 months earlier and she wanted to pretend, it was always her priority to protect him.. In 2018, John Travolta appeared in the long-awaited film "Gotti" starring as Gambino family crime boss John Gotti. John took to Instagram to announce his wifes death and described that she fought a courageous fight with the love and support from so many. He is also a Features Writer & Editor and a News Writer for The Sportster. Travolta had taken the career resurgence handed to him and squandered it by flying too close to the sun and assuming that an outlandish film would work just because everything else was. You can grab the complete series at: http://www.shoutfactory.com/product/w. It was the last red carpet the couple did together. Based on a novel written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, the bizarre sci-fi flick saw Travolta, a noted Scientologist, in some hilariously bad blue makeup. The following year in 1977, John got his first taste of international fame and superstardom when he landed a role in Saturday Night Fever. Mr. Travolta was 21 at the time.A few interesting facts. Shortly after news of his death broke, the Travoltas released this family picture to honor their son's memory. I loved working with my hubby. The man has a massive net worth, and his paydays have been in the elite tier in Hollywood. The claim that Travolta had remarried was false, and the "new wife" ad appeared to be a particularly distasteful example of what's known in online advertising as "arbitrage," whereby an advertiser pays for an ad often with a salacious or sensationalist "clickbait" headline and then aims to recoup that expense with earnings from individual ads on multi-page slideshows. 'Welcome Back, Kotter': 25 Things You Never Knew About the - Yahoo The Oscar nominee looked handsome as ever as he donned a black tuxedo for a Hollywood event in 1990. John Travolta, in full John Joseph Travolta, (born February 18, 1954, Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.), American actor and singer who was a cultural icon of the 1970s, especially known for roles in the TV series Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-79) and the blockbuster film Saturday Night Fever (1977). Marcia Strassman dies at 66; actress starred in 'Welcome Back, Kotter Welcome Back, Kotter introduced audiences to John Travolta during the 70s, and making the switch to film was the right move for the young actor. The early 80s didnt start out so bad for him either. 'Pulp Fiction' Gave John Travolta a Second Chance, but He - Collider Despite all of these amazing salaries coming his way, Travolta has not always made the right choices. Ron Palillo . It's a personal favorite, written and performed by The Lovin' Spoonful founder, John Sebastian. The same year John was cast in "Kotter," he made his big screen debut in the thriller "The Devil's Rain." John switched up his signature look when he debuted his bald hair in 2019. "Welcome Back" is a popular record that was the theme song of the 1970s American television sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. The producers liked that theme and named the show \"Welcome Back, Kotter.\" Keep an eye out, I have additional Welcome Back, Kotter auditions that I will post.

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