John Travolta Then and Now: Photos of the Actor’s Transformation
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John Travolta Is a Stud! See the Iconic ‘Grease’ Actor’s Changing Looks Through the Years
John Travolta just keeps getting better with age! Throughout the years, he’s starred in some of Hollywood’s favorite blockbusters, and the iconic Grease actor has blown fans away with his handsome good looks and admirable charm. While he rose to fame as a heartthrob nearly five decades ago, John’s transformation proves he’ll always be a stud.
In the 1970s, the film star got his big break in showbiz when he began appearing on the hit TV show Welcome Back, Kotter. In 1975, John made his movie debut in the horror film The Devil’s Rain, followed by a role in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble and Carrie in 1976.
The following year in 1977, John got his first taste of international fame and superstardom when he landed a role in Saturday Night Fever. One year later, he portrayed Danny Zuko in 1978’s Grease. Since then, John has been a staple in Hollywood entertainment.
Throughout the ’80s, John continued to act, starring in 1983’s Staying Alive, 1985’s Perfect and Look Who’s Talking in 1989. Two years later in 1991, the Golden Globe winner tied the knot with his wife, Kelly Preston. 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. Following Jett’s death, John and Kelly welcomed their youngest son, Benjamin, in 2010.
As he juggled fatherhood with his career, John continued to star in some of showbiz’s most memorable films. In 1994, he acted alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis in the hit comedy Pulp Fiction. He also has film credits in 1997’s Mad City, 2004’s Ladder 49, Hairspray in 2007, 2013’s Killing Season and most recently, The Fanatic in 2019.
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. The I Am Wrath star shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife, Kelly, has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer,” he wrote in his emotional post. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered.”
Although John lost one of the most important people in his life, he’s able to hold on to the late Jerry Maguire star’s spirit through memories and their kids. Kelly even once opened up about getting to work with her one true love on their film Gotti in 2018.
“I loved working with my hubby. We have done it several times, but this one was the most fun because we play husband and wife who are completely different from us,” Kelly exclusively shared with Closer Weekly in 2018. “The great thing is that you have a rehearsing partner at home! We’d go in and out of these characters, and that is so fun.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see John’s transformation through the years.
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1975
In this photo from 1975, John sported long brunette locks. He looks so young!
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1980
In 1980, the hunk starred opposite actress Debra Winger in the drama film Urban Cowboy.
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1985
By 1985, John said goodbye to his long locks and sported a shorter haircut.
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1990
The Oscar nominee looked handsome as ever as he donned a black tuxedo for a Hollywood event in 1990.
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1995
The Blow Out actor was all smiles for the Apollo 13 premiere in 1995.
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2000
John’s blue shirt really brought out his eyes while walking the red carpet at an event in 2000.
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2005
The loving dad stepped out in a striped button-up and black suit while appearing on London’s TV program Parkinson in 2005.
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2010
John showed up to the premiere of the 2010 film The Last Song wearing a blue top and black jacket. He looks good with a fresh shave!
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2015
John and Kelly welcomed their third child, son Benjamin, in 2010.
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2017
John proved he looks good in anything as he wore a white suit jacket on stage in 2017.
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2020
John switched up his signature look when he debuted his bald hair in 2019. The star’s decision to rock his natural look “came on a whim,” he exclusively told Closer at the time.
In our opinion, John looks better than ever!
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Courtesy of John Travolta/Instagram
2021
John looked happy and relaxed snuggling up to his pup in a sweet Instagram photo. The “I Thought I Lost You” singer sported facial hair and a casual look before ringing in the new year with his kids.
