For more than five decades, John Travolta has remained one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. From disco floors in Saturday Night Fever to sharp-suited dialogue in Pulp Fiction, his career has seen dizzying highs, quiet reinventions, and deeply personal challenges. Beyond the spotlight, he is a devoted father, a licensed pilot, and a man shaped by both triumph and loss. This Article explores John Travolta net worth, age, wife, family life, career milestones, and personal journey—offering a complete portrait of the actor behind the legend.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | John Joseph Travolta |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1954 |
| Age | 72 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Englewood, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Singer |
| Years Active | 1972 – Present |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Marital Status | Widowed (married to Kelly Preston from 1991–2020) |
| Children | Jett (deceased), Ella Bleu, Benjamin |
| John Travolta Net Worth | Approximately $250 Million |
| Famous For | Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Pulp Fiction |
| @johntravolta |
Who Is John Travolta?
John Travolta is an American actor, producer, and singer whose career spans more than five decades. Rising to fame in the 1970s, he became one of the defining faces of disco-era cinema before reinventing himself in the 1990s with bold, career-reviving roles.
But Travolta’s identity extends beyond his filmography. He is a father, an aviation enthusiast, and a performer who has experienced both immense public success and deeply private loss. His longevity in Hollywood is not accidental—it reflects persistence, adaptability, and genuine talent.
John Travolta Net Worth
As of 2026, John Travolta’s estimated net worth is around $250 million.
This wealth is the result of:
- Major film salaries across decades
- Producing credits
- Endorsement deals
- Long-term real estate investments
During the height of his career, Travolta commanded multi-million-dollar paychecks per film. His comeback in the 1990s further strengthened his earning power, allowing him to remain financially stable well into later stages of his career.
Early Life: A Creative Household in New Jersey
Born on February 18, 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey, John Travolta grew up surrounded by performance and ambition. He was the youngest of six children in a lively Irish-Italian household.
His mother, Helen Cecilia Burke, was an actress and singer who later became a high school drama teacher. His father, Salvatore “Sam” Travolta, worked as a semi-professional football player before becoming a tire salesman. The arts were never far from the family dinner table. Several of his siblings also pursued acting careers, creating an environment where performance was encouraged rather than questioned.
Travolta attended Dwight Morrow High School but made a bold decision at 16—he left school to chase acting full-time in New York City. It was a risk. But it was one that would change his life.
The Rise of a Star: 1970s Breakthrough
John Travolta’s early career began with stage roles and television appearances, but his breakthrough came with the TV sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975–1979), where he played the charming and rebellious Vinnie Barbarino. The role made him a teen idol almost overnight.
Then came the film that defined a generation.
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Travolta’s portrayal of Tony Manero transformed disco culture into cinematic history. The performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor at just 24 years old. His dance sequences became iconic, and the white suit became one of the most recognizable costumes in film history.
Grease (1978)
If Saturday Night Fever made him a serious actor, Grease made him a global superstar. Playing Danny Zuko opposite Olivia Newton-John, Travolta cemented his place in pop culture. The film remains one of the highest-grossing movie musicals ever made.
Career Challenges and Reinvention
The 1980s brought mixed results. Some films did not perform as expected, and his career slowed. But Hollywood has always loved a comeback story.
The Comeback: Pulp Fiction (1994)
When director Quentin Tarantino cast Travolta as Vincent Vega in “Pulp Fiction,” it marked a turning point. The film became a cultural phenomenon, and Travolta’s performance earned him another Academy Award nomination.
Other Notable Films
Across decades, Travolta built a filmography that spans genres:
- Urban Cowboy
- Get Shorty
- Face/Off
- Primary Colors
- Swordfish
- Hairspray
- The Taking of Pelham 123
He moved between action, comedy, drama, and musicals with confidence. Few actors manage to reinvent themselves across eras, but Travolta did it more than once.
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Family
Behind the fame, Travolta built a deeply personal life centered on family.
Marriage to Kelly Preston
In 1991, John Travolta married actress Kelly Preston. Their marriage lasted nearly three decades, becoming one of Hollywood’s more enduring partnerships.
Kelly Preston passed away in 2020 after battling breast cancer. Travolta publicly expressed gratitude for the time they shared and has often spoken about her strength and love for their family.
His Children
Travolta is a father of three:
- Jett Travolta (1992–2009)
- Ella Bleu Travolta
- Benjamin Travolta
The loss of his son Jett in 2009 was a deeply painful chapter in his life. Travolta has spoken openly about grief and the importance of support and healing.
Despite personal tragedy, he remains devoted to his children. His social media often reflects quiet, heartfelt moments with Ella and Benjamin.
Professional Life
Travolta’s career is a story of meteoric rise, challenge, and reinvention.
Early Television Fame
He gained widespread recognition in the mid-1970s on the television sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter,” where he played the charismatic Vinnie Barbarino. The role turned him into a teen idol.
1970s Stardom
His breakthrough film role came with Saturday Night Fever (1977). The performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and made him an international star. The following year, Grease (1978) cemented his global appeal.
Career Reinvention
After a quieter period in the 1980s, Travolta experienced a major resurgence with Pulp Fiction (1994). Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the film revitalized his career and earned him another Academy Award nomination.
Continued Success
Over the years, Travolta starred in:
- Urban Cowboy
- Get Shorty
- Face/Off
- Primary Colors
- Swordfish
- Hairspray
- The Taking of Pelham 123
His ability to transition between musical roles, action films, and dramatic performances speaks to his range as an actor.
Height and Physical Appearance
John Travolta stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), giving him a commanding presence both on-screen and in public appearances.
- Hair Color: Dark Brown (often closely cropped in recent years)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Build: Solid, broad-shouldered frame
In his younger years, Travolta became a style icon thanks to his dance moves and sharp suits. Today, his look reflects maturity and confidence.
Children
Travolta is the father of three children:
- Jett Travolta (1992–2009)
- Ella Bleu Travolta
- Benjamin Travolta
The loss of Jett in 2009 was a devastating chapter in Travolta’s life. Despite personal tragedy, he has remained deeply devoted to his surviving children, often expressing how fatherhood gives his life meaning and direction.
A Timeline of His Public Career
1972 – Began professional acting career
1975–1979 – Starred in Welcome Back, Kotter
1977 – Saturday Night Fever earns Oscar nomination
1978 – Global success with Grease
1980 – Appeared in Urban Cowboy
1994 – Career revival with Pulp Fiction
1995–2000s – Starred in action and comedy hits
2007 – Appeared in Hairspray
2010s–2020s – Continued acting and producing
This timeline reflects a career marked by both reinvention and longevity.
Education
Travolta attended Dwight Morrow High School but left before graduation to pursue acting full-time. Instead of traditional higher education, he trained through workshops, auditions, and professional stage work.
His career path shows that alternative routes can still lead to sustained success in the arts.
Final Word
John Travolta’s story is more than a list of films or financial milestones. It is a narrative of evolution.
Born in 1954 in New Jersey, he rose to international fame before the age of 25. He endured career fluctuations and re-emerged stronger. He experienced personal tragedy yet continues to prioritize family and personal passions.
With an estimated net worth of $250 million, an enduring film legacy, and decades of cultural impact, Travolta stands as one of Hollywood’s most resilient figures.
FAQs
1. What is John Travolta net worth in 2026?
His estimated net worth is approximately $250 million.
2. How old is John Travolta?
He was born on February 18, 1954, making him 72 years old in 2026.
3. Who was John Travolta’s wife?
He was married to actress Kelly Preston from 1991 until her passing in 2020.
4. How many children does John Travolta have?
He has three children: Jett (deceased), Ella Bleu, and Benjamin.
5. What is John Travolta famous for?
He is best known for Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and Pulp Fiction.
6. Is John Travolta a licensed pilot?
Yes, he is a licensed pilot and owns multiple aircraft.
