John Joseph Travolta is an American actor, singer, and dancer. He is one of the most well-known actors in the United States, with a successful career spanning over four decades.
As of May 2023, John Travolta’s net worth is estimated to be $250 million. This article discusses how he became one of the wealthiest actors in Hollywood.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
John Travolta was born on February 18, 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey. He grew up in a family of six in Englewood, New Jersey.
His father, Salvatore Travolta, was a tire salesman, and his mother, Helen Cecilia Burke, was an actress and singer.
John Travolta started his acting career when he was only 16 years old, playing the role of Doody in the traveling cast of “Grease.”
He dropped out of high school to pursue his career in acting and moved to New York City to audition for Broadway shows.
John Travolta’s first significant role was in the television series “Welcome Back, Kotter,” where he played Vinnie Barbarino, a role that made him a teen idol in the 1970s.
He also appeared in the horror film “Carrie” in 1976, which helped him gain recognition in the film industry.
Rise to Fame
John Travolta’s breakthrough role was in the 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever,” where he played Tony Manero, a young man who dreams of escaping his mundane life by dancing.
The movie was a massive commercial success, grossing over $237 million worldwide, and earned John Travolta an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
His performance in the film also helped popularize disco music and dance culture.
After the success of “Saturday Night Fever,” John Travolta starred in the film “Grease” in 1978, playing the lead role of Danny Zuko.
The film was a commercial success and became the highest-grossing musical film at the time, grossing over $396 million worldwide.
John Travolta’s performance in “Grease” cemented his status as a Hollywood superstar and a teen idol.
In the 1980s, John Travolta continued to star in successful films, such as “Urban Cowboy,” “Blow Out,” and “Staying Alive,” which was the sequel to “Saturday Night Fever.”
He also appeared in the television film “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,” which was one of his most notable performances on television.
Setbacks and Comeback
Despite his early success, John Travolta’s career suffered setbacks in the 1990s. He starred in a series of critically and commercially unsuccessful films, such as “Look Who’s Talking Now” and “Perfect.”
However, his career was revitalized in 1994 when he starred in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” playing the role of Vincent Vega, a hitman.
The film was a critical and commercial success and earned John Travolta a Golden Globe award for Best Actor.
Personal Life
John Travolta was married to actress Kelly Preston from 1991-2020 until her unfortunate death due to breast cancer. They have three children, Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. Jett passed away in 2009 due to a seizure.
John Travolta is known for his philanthropic work and established the Jett Travolta Foundation, which provides assistance to children with special needs.
The foundation was named after their son Jett, who suffered from autism and seizures.
John Travolta has also been involved in various charitable causes throughout his career. He has worked with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and has been an advocate for the environment, supporting organizations such as the Rainforest Foundation.
John Travolta is also known for his involvement in the Church of Scientology, a controversial religious organization that has been criticized for its practices and beliefs.
John Travolta has been a member of the church for over four decades and has been vocal about his support for the organization.
Career and Achievements
John Travolta has had a successful career in both movies and television. In addition to his iconic roles in “Saturday Night Fever” and “Pulp Fiction,” he has appeared in numerous other successful films.
Some of his notable performances include his role in “Get Shorty,” where he played a mobster who wants to become a Hollywood producer, and his role in “Hairspray,” where he played the lead role of Edna Turnblad.
John Travolta has also worked on Broadway, starring in the musicals “Over Here!” and “Grease.” He received a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance in “Grease.”
Throughout his career, John Travolta has received numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe award for “Get Shorty” and an Academy Award nomination for “Saturday Night Fever.”
He has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
John Travolta Net Worth 2023
As of May 2023, John Travolta’s net worth is estimated to be $250 million. As an actor with decades worth of experience, he has had an extremely successful career.
Outside of being known as a great actor, Travolta is also known for his luxurious lifestyle and has owned several properties throughout his career.
In 2020 he sold his beautiful Brentwood, Los Angeles mansion for $18 million. The estate had 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and a large swimming pool.
John Travolta is also an avid pilot and owns several planes, which he keeps at his private airport in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did John Travolta quit acting?
John Travolta did not quit acting. He was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder, which caused him to temporarily suspend his career.
What ethnicity is John Travolta?
His father was of second-generation Sicilian American descent, and his mother was of Irish American descent. In an Irish-American neighborhood did he grow up.
How old was John Travolta in Grease?
John Travolta was 23 years old when “Grease” was filmed. His breakthrough role in “Saturday Night Fever” had already garnered him fame. He is currently 69 years old.
Did Olivia Newton-John ever date John Travolta?
Despite rumors and photographs of the two kissing at a party in 1978, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John did not have a romantic relationship.
Is John Travolta a trained dancer?
Yes, his mother signed him up for a New York drama school. At school, he studied singing, dancing, and acting. He combined all three skills to become a performer in musical comedy.
How big is John Travolta’s jet?
John Travolta’s 707 jet was originally a Qantas Airways aircraft with 150 seats. It was renovated to accommodate a maximum of 15 guests and featured two bedrooms and a full bathroom.
Key Takeaway
John Travolta’s net worth of $250 million is a testament to his successful career in the entertainment industry.
He has starred in some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history and has received numerous awards and nominations for his performances.
John Travolta is also known for his luxurious lifestyle and philanthropic work, establishing the Jett Travolta Foundation and supporting various charitable causes.
He remains a beloved and respected figure in Hollywood and will always be remembered as one of the greatest actors of his generation.