Guide Note

John Travolta is an American actor who began his career on the TV show Welcome Back Kotter in the mid '70s. He became a bona fide superstar after playing the lead role in Saturday Night Fever in 1977. A singer as well, he became even more popular when he played Danny Zuko in the 1978 film Grease; he had been in a Broadway production of the musical before he landed his first sitcom role.

Though his career slowed significantly in the '80s, Travolta made his comeback to the big screen when he earned rave reviews as Vincent Vega in the Quentin Tarantino-directed film Pulp Fiction in 1994. More successes followed, including Get Shorty and the John Woo action flick Face/Off with Nicolas Cage.

A noted Scientologist, Travolta produced and starred in Battlefield Earth, a movie adaptation of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's book. The film was panned and became a box office failure, but Travolta's career did not stall; he continued making successful films such as Wild Hogs.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: John Joseph Travolta
2. Born: February 18, 1954
3. Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey
4. Known for his iconic roles in films such as Saturday Night Fever, Pulp Fiction, and Grease
5. Is a Scientologist
6. Golden Globe Award: Get Shorty (1996)
7. Oscar nominations: Saturday Night Fever (1977), Pulp Fiction (1994)
8. Wife: Kelly Preston
9. Is an avid pilot