John Travolta Then & Now: See Photos of His ‘Grease’ Days to Today

John Travolta at the Fourth Annual Academy Museum Gala held at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images)

WWD via Getty Images

John Travolta is 72! See how far he’s come since his groovy 70s start in our gallery, here.

John Travolta, the man, the myth, the actor, was born on February 18, 1954, and has since become an American icon. His rise to fame began in the groovy 1970s, when he made a name for himself on the small screen in the hit sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, pictured in his headshot here. But it was his roles in the box office hits Carrie, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and Urban Cowboy that cemented his status as a bona fide movie star.

After a quieter stretch in the 1980s, Travolta staged a major comeback in the 1990s with his Oscar-nominated role in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, reestablishing himself as a leading man. He went on to star in a string of hits including Get Shorty, Broken Arrow, Face/Off, Phenomenon and A Civil Action. He later returned to his musical roots in Hairspray and lent his voice to the animated film Bolt. Over the course of his career, Travolta has won a Golden Globe Award and earned nominations for two Academy Awards, an Emmy and multiple Golden Globes.

Although his career hit a bit of a slump in the 80s, John made a comeback in the 90s, thanks to his unforgettable role in the cult classic Pulp Fiction. From there, he continued to captivate audiences in films such as Get Shorty, Broken Arrow, Phenomenon, Face/Off, and A Civil Action. He even showcased his musical talents in the movie-turned-musical Hairspray and the animated hit Bolt. With that many hits, it’s no wonder that John has been recognized for his acting chops. His mantle features a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, and he can boast nominations for an Academy Award, an Emmy, and several other Golden Globe Awards.

In addition to his acting career, John is also a singer-songwriter who has released nine albums. He even topped the charts with the Grease soundtrack, which is one of the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time. When he’s not entertaining, the seasoned aviator enjoys soaring through the skies as a private pilot.

In recent years, Travolta has continued acting while also sharing personal milestones with fans, including heartfelt tributes to his late wife, Kelly Preston, and celebrating time with his children. Decades into his career, he remains a recognizable and beloved figure in entertainment. To see all his best photos from over the years, check out our gallery here.

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