10 fun and interesting John Travolta facts

1. John Travolta is the 21st "Top Movie Star of All Time"

John Travolta has been a Hollywood icon for decades, and in 1997, his star power was officially recognized when he was ranked as the 21st "Top Movie Star of All Time" by the UK magazine, Empire. This ranking was based on his impressive body of work, which includes iconic films such as Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Pulp Fiction. Travolta's success has spanned generations, and his influence on the film industry is undeniable.

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2. John Travolta's Career Soared After His Iconic Dance Performances

John Travolta's career skyrocketed after his iconic dance performances in the movies “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease”. His electrifying moves and undeniable charisma earned him rave reviews and made him a household name. After achieving success in the dance genre, Travolta moved away from it and began to focus on action roles, appearing in films such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Face/Off”.

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3. Travolta's Dance Moves Still Make an Impact

John Travolta dedicated nine months of hard work and training to perfect his dance moves for the iconic movie, Saturday Night Fever. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his performance was as authentic as possible, and it paid off - the movie was a huge success and Travolta's dance moves have become legendary. His dedication to the craft of dance was evident in the way he moved on the dance floor, and it's no wonder that he's still remembered as one of the greatest dancers of all time.

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4. John Travolta Wins Golden Globe for "Get Shorty"

John Travolta's iconic performance in the 1995 comedy-drama "Get Shorty" earned him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of the loan shark-turned-movie producer Chili Palmer was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and his performance was seen as a major comeback for the actor. Travolta's portrayal of the character was so convincing that he was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first actor to be nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for the same role.

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5. John Travolta missed out on four major opportunities

John Travolta has had a long and successful career, but he has also missed out on some major opportunities. He famously turned down the lead roles in four popular films: “Days of Heaven”, “American Gigolo”, “An Officer and a Gentleman”, and “Chicago”. These roles were all taken by Richard Gere, who went on to become a major star in his own right. It's a strange twist of fate that Travolta passed on these roles, as they could have been major career-defining moments for him.

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6. Avid Pilot and Enjoyer of Flight

John Travolta is an avid aviator, having obtained his pilot's license and owning his own private plane. He loves to take friends and family on flights, sharing his passion for aviation with them. His enthusiasm for flying is so strong that he has even been known to take the controls of commercial flights, much to the delight of his fellow passengers.

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7. John Travolta's Big Success: Defying Agent's Discouragement

John Travolta was offered the male lead role in the 1984 hit movie "Splash", but his agent discouraged him from taking it, so the part went to Tom Hanks instead. Despite his agent's advice, the movie went on to become a massive success, grossing over $69 million at the box office and earning two Academy Award nominations. It was also the first movie to feature a mermaid in a major role, and it launched Tom Hanks' career as a leading man.

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8. John Travolta's dedication to his role in 'Primary Colors' pays off

John Travolta is known for his impressive physique, but for his role in the 1998 film "Primary Colors" he was so taken by the part that he willingly put on 30 pounds. He was dedicated to the role and wanted to ensure that he was able to accurately portray the character. His hard work paid off, as the film was a critical and commercial success.

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9. John Travolta's Books Offer Unique Insights Into His Mind

John Travolta is not only an acclaimed actor, but also a published author. His books include the fitness guide "John Travolta Staying Fit!", which provides readers with tips on how to stay healthy and fit, and the children's fable "Propeller One-Way Night Coach, A Fable For All Ages", which tells the story of a young boy's journey to find his destiny. Both books offer readers a unique insight into the mind of John Travolta.

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10. Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Movie Star: John Travolta

Oprah Winfrey and John Travolta have been great friends for many years, and Oprah has even gone so far as to call him her favorite movie star. The two have been spotted together at various events, and Oprah has even invited John to appear on her show multiple times. Their friendship is so strong that Oprah has even said that she considers John to be like a brother to her.