From silver screen legend to doting dad, John Travolta proves there’s no role more important than being a father. In April 2022, the Grease icon pressed pause on his filming schedule to celebrate a meaningful milestone—his daughter Ella Bleu’s 22nd birthday. The two marked the occasion with a picture-perfect tea party in England, and Travolta gave fans a peek into the whimsical gathering on Instagram.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at their heartwarming celebration, Ella’s blossoming career in acting and music, and the enduring father-daughter bond that continues to inspire. We’ll also revisit some of Travolta’s most headline-making moments—from red carpet surprises to the romantic relationships that have kept tabloids buzzing.
John Travolta Celebrates Daughter Ella’s 22nd Birthday With Enchanting Tea Party in England
Back in April 2022, John Travolta didn’t let his busy filming schedule stop him from celebrating a significant milestone—his daughter Ella’s 22nd birthday. The Hairspray star, then 68, took a break from work to join Ella for an intimate tea party in England that looked straight out of a fairytale.
Travolta shared a sweet photo on Instagram, showing the two of them seated across from each other at a beautifully arranged tea table. With soft smiles and a whimsical setting, the father-daughter duo looked every bit the picture of elegance and affection.
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A Fairytale Tea Party: How John Travolta Made Ella’s 22nd Birthday Magical
In the picture, the table was complete with a fancy tablecloth, beautiful teacups, and yummy desserts. He also shared a heartfelt caption to commemorate his daughter’s birthday and the celebration:
“Happy birthday, my dearest Ella! I love you so much,” the Pulp Fiction actor wrote on Instagram.
“We’re here in England having afternoon tea to celebrate, and I’m also here to shoot a short film called The Shepherd, based on a book by Frederick Forsyth that I’ve always loved.”
John Travolta with his wife, Kelly Preston, and their daughter Ella Bleu Travolta at the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures’ “Old Dogs” at the El Capitan Theater on November 9, 2009, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)
The photo was accompanied by several clips from the tea party, which show their fantastic view of the garden they sat in front of, as well as the two of them cheering with their teacups and taking a sip of the warm beverage.
Star-Studded Wishes: Celebs Shower Ella Travolta With Birthday Love
And if you play the clip with the volume up, you can hear the song “Afternoon Tea” by the Kinks. It looked like the perfect birthday celebration that every girl dreams of having at least once in their life.
The post was followed by thousands of comments from Travolta’s friends and followers, sending Ella all the birthday love from around the world.
Donnie Wahlberg wrote a short and sweet “Happy Birthday!” on the post. Kate Ceberano was a little more sentimental by commenting, “Happy Birthday, beautiful girl,” paired with three heart emojis.
Kelly Preston (L) and John Travolta of “Gotti” pose with their children Ella Bleu Travolta (R) and Benjamin Travolta at the red carpet screening of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 15, 2018, in Cannes, France (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Ella Bleu Travolta’s Breakout Year: Acting, Music, and Fashion Moments
Ella’s famous dad isn’t the only one with a packed schedule. The multi-talented actress recently wrapped filming Get Lost, a modern reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. In the project, Ella reportedly plays a contemporary version of Alice, navigating a whimsical adventure with a fresh twist.
Ella Bleu Travolta looked effortlessly elegant in a white eyelet two-piece dress paired with whimsical transparent heels adorned with pink pom-poms at the Kate Spade Presentation during New York Fashion Week on September 9, 2022, in New York City (Credit: John Nacion /Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
She’s also making waves in the music world. In January, Ella released a dreamy single titled Dizzy, further establishing herself as a rising singer-songwriter to watch.
With all those outstanding accomplishments to list at such a young age, you can bet her father is beaming with pride. The Grease star told People how proud he was of his daughter and the young woman she was growing into.
Actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston and their daughter Ella Bleu arrive at the premiere of “Wild Hogs” at the El Capitan Theater on February 27, 2007, in Hollywood, California (Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock)
“She is her own person. She is gracious, generous, poised, graceful, and gorgeous. I don’t know how she came to be, and I don’t take any credit other than just adoring her,” he said of Ella. “And maybe that’s a valid contribution.”
Travolta shares Ella with his wife, Kelly Preston, who passed away in July 2020 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. They also share 11-year-old sons Benjamin and Jett, who died from a seizure in 2009 at the age of 16.
While Ella continues to shine in her own right—both on-screen and in the music world—it’s clear that her bond with her father remains a guiding force in her journey.
Over the years, John Travolta has not only supported his daughter’s ambitions. Still, he has also remained a constant presence in the public eye, occasionally making headlines for both heartfelt and humorous moments. One particularly unforgettable instance? His unexpected red carpet encounter with Scarlett Johansson at the Oscars.
That Awkward Oscars Moment: When John Travolta Kissed Scarlett Johansson
Elegance defined: Scarlett Johansson’s dazzling Swarovski crystal embroidered collar, a testament to exquisite craftsmanship (Credit: WENN)
In February 2015, Scarlett Johansson joined Emma Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, and Marion Cotillard at the 2015 Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
In an awkward red carpet moment, John Travolta kissed her on the cheek while posing on the red carpet. The 5’3″ (1.60 m) tall American actress, model, and singer donned a custom emerald green Atelier Versace dress featuring a Swarovski crystal embroidered collar.
An unexpected moment: John Travolta shares a congenial kiss on the cheek with Scarlett Johansson, capturing attention (Credit: WENN)
She accessorized with a Piaget ear cuff and sported a pair of “Maja” sandals from Jimmy Choo.
While the two actors worked together in the 2004 movie A Love Song for Bobby Long, Scarlett did not seem very excited about the kiss she received from John Travolta.
Kelly Preston stuns in a strapless custom Gustavo Cadile gown while John Travolta keeps it classic in a dark suit at the 2015 Academy Awards red carpet (Credit: Matt Petit / A.M.P.A.S.)
Regarding her ensemble, do you think the Swarovski crystal-embroidered collar ruined the look? You can find some amazing dresses from the luxury clothing brand at Farfetch and Nordstrom.
Scarlett Johansson stuns in an emerald green Atelier Versace gown, a highlight of the 2015 Academy Awards, Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, February 2015 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN / FayesVision)
John Travolta’s Dating History: Exploring His Alleged Gay Relationships
John Travolta is one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, known for his electrifying performances on the big screen and his magnetic charm off it.
With a career spanning over five decades, the iconic actor has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. He has starred in some of the biggest blockbusters of all time, including Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Pulp Fiction.
John Travolta at the G’Day USA Standing Together event in Beverly Hills, California, on January 25, 2020 (Credit: Tony Forte / Media Punch / INSTARimages)
But when it comes to his personal life, plenty of rumors and speculations are swirling around.
Let’s dive deeply into John Travolta’s love life and explore the truth behind the tabloid headlines. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the romantic escapades of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Exploring the Speculations: Is John Travolta Gay?
John Travolta’s romantic life has garnered significant attention over the years. He has been linked to both men and women, leading to many speculations and rumors about his sexuality.
Travolta has been plagued by allegations of being gay throughout his career, although he was married to Kelly Preston for 29 years, and they have three children together.
John Travolta signing autographs outside the Build Series studios in New York City on November 25, 2019 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The claims began when Californian pilot Doug Gotterba purported to have dated John for six years. After a while, John Travolta finally refuted the accusation.
In a story published by the National Enquirer, which Travolta’s representatives have dismissed as “ridiculous,” Gotterba claims that he met the “Grease” star in February 1981 while interviewing for a pilot position. By September of that year, they had become lovers.
Gotterba remembers the exact date the affair began, as he still has the logbook and records. He claimed they had a romantic dinner at the Highlands Resort in Carmel, shared a bottle of merlot, and returned to their room.
As they walked, Travolta offered Gotterba a massage, which led to sex. Gotterba described Travolta as gentle but very passionate and said that the next day, Travolta told him with a big smile on his face that he had enjoyed their night together.
A Look at John Travolta’s Dating History
John Travolta’s dating history is diverse, with high-profile relationships and alleged romances. The actor was in a long-term marriage with Kelly Preston but was also allegedly romantically linked to some men, such as Paul Barresi and Doug Gotterba.
John Travolta looks polished in a black tuxedo with a gold tie, while Kelly Preston stuns in a brown lace gown with a plunging neckline at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 5, 2006 (Credit: Michael Williams / Startraksphoto)
He has also dated prominent women, including Brooke Shields, Catherine Deneuve, Marilu Henner, Diana Hyland, and Anita Gillette.
John Travolta’s Marriage to Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston was married to John Travolta for 29 years. They appeared in three films together: Old Dogs (2009), The Experts (1989), and Gotti (2018).
John and Kelly met while shooting The Experts in 1987. At the time, the actor was dating Marilu Henner, while Kelly was married to Kevin Gage.
John Travolta and Kelly Preston exude early ’90s glamour—Kelly stuns in a strapless black-and-gold dress, while John keeps it sharp in a tuxedo with a red bow tie—as they depart Spago restaurant in Los Angeles in 1991 (Credit: Bart Sherkow / Shutterstock)
She started dating John, whom she met through Scientology, early in 1990, following the breakup of her romance with Charlie Sheen. They got married on September 5, 1991, following an 8-month engagement.
In 1992, she welcomed a baby boy named Jett. However, Jett tragically died from seizures in 2009 at 16 while on vacation in the Bahamas. Kelly gave birth to a daughter, Ella Bleu, in 2000, and the couple welcomed a son, Benjamin, in 2010.
After a two-year fight with breast cancer, Kelly Preston passed away on July 12, 2020, leaving John and their two surviving children, Ella and Benjamin.
Anita Gillette: John Travolta’s First Famous Love
When John started his acting career in 1976, he began dating American actress Anita Gillette. The couple didn’t stay together for long because the moment the actor met Diana that year, he immediately fell in love with her.
John Travolta keeps it classic in a black tuxedo and satin bow tie at the G’Day USA Australia Week 2010 Black Tie Gala held at the Kodak Theater on January 16, 2010 (Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock)
The Tragic Romance of John Travolta and Diana Hyland
Towards the end of 1976, John Travolta started dating American actress Diana Hyland. The pair met while filming The Boy in the Plastic Bubble. Although Diana played John’s character’s mother, the two actors nonetheless fell in love when he was 23 and she was 41.
After four months of dating, their relationship fell apart when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her health continued to deteriorate even after getting a mastectomy procedure.
Season 1 promo shot of the American television comedy-drama series Eight Is Enough featuring Diana Hyland (Credit: ABC)
John would subsequently disclose that they had chosen a house and planned to move in before she died in his arms in March 1977.
He told People that he had “more fun with Diana than I ever had in my life,” indicating that his relationship with her was meaningful and that he even desired marriage.
John Travolta’s On-And-Off Relationship With Marilu Henner
After Diana’s passing, John Travolta began dating Marilu Henner, another actress. The two were romantically involved from August 1978 through May 1989, and the 70-year-old actress even starred with John in the 1985 film Perfect.
Promo shot of Marilu Henner as Sally in the 1985 American romantic drama film Perfect, which also stars John Travolta in the lead role (Credit: Columbia Pictures)
John met actress Marilu Henner while preparing for Grease in November 1972. They allegedly fell in love immediately, but they didn’t go out together for over a year, as he was still dating someone else.
The couple dated for years, on and off, but eventually, their relationship ended, and John Travolta moved on to date other women.
The Rumored Romance Between John Travolta and Catherine Deneuve
Another actress John Travolta was romantically linked to is the French model Catherine Deneuve. Rumors swirled that the two had a brief romantic relationship in 1980. However, neither of them ever confirmed or denied the rumors.
Catherine Deneuve exudes timeless Parisian elegance in a black tailored pantsuit with oversized gold buttons, paired with sleek black kitten heels at the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2023 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 6, 2023 (Credit: Aurore Marechal / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
John Travolta and Brooke Shields: A Platonic Relationship?
John Travolta also established a relationship with the gorgeous American actress and model Brooke Shields.
Brooke’s mother, Teri, arranged for her then-16-year-old daughter to meet the then-27-year-old actor in 1981. They both had movies coming out at the time: Endless Love for her and Blow Out for him.
Nonetheless, because the actress was only a teenager and John was close to his thirties, their relationship remained platonic.
Teenage Brooke Shields as Jade Butterfield in the 1981 American romantic drama film Endless Love (Credit: Universal Pictures)
According to Gotterba, he suggested to Travolta that he get a girlfriend as a cover-up for their relationship, which is when the actor started dating Brooke Shields.
Gotterba claimed there was no chemistry between Travolta and Shields and that they only smiled for the cameras to maintain the illusion of being a couple.
The Controversial Affair With Doug Gotterba
In addition to his relationships with women, John Travolta has been linked to several men. One of his alleged romantic partners is Doug Gotterba, who worked as John Travolta’s pilot in the 1980s.
During interviews with several newspapers, Doug disclosed that he first met the actor in February 1981, when he applied for a pilot position with John Travolta’s aviation company, Alto, and continued to work there until he signed a termination contract in 1987.
The pilot asserted that their friendship grew significantly more intimate during their six-year employment relationship.
John Travolta looks dapper in a black velvet tuxedo jacket with satin lapels and a classic bow tie at the 13th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards on January 22, 2016 (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)
John’s lawyer sent cease-and-desist letters to the pilot after Doug spoke with The National Enquirer and revealed plans to publish a book, alleging Doug violated a confidentiality clause in his first termination agreement.
However, Doug and his attorney claimed the papers were fake, insisting they were merely an early copy of the contract. Doug sued John and Alto to determine whether the agreement was valid and whether the confidentiality clause was enforceable.
The action was predicated on “the validity of the asserted termination agreements,” according to Doug’s victory in the California appeals court’s ruling.
Paul Barresi’s Scandalous Allegations Against John Travolta
Another man John Travolta has been linked to is Paul Barresi, a former gay porn actor. However, that wasn’t a typical affair or a well-known love tale, according to Paul Barresi, who claimed it was sexual harassment.
The first accusation was made in May 1990 when Paul Barresi informed the National Enquirer that he had numerous sexual encounters with John over two years. But John and his lawyer refuted the charges.
Since then, new names have repeatedly been mentioned, but they have all been swiftly forgotten, and it has never damaged John and Kelly’s marriage.
John Travolta pairs classic black dress shoes with a sharp burgundy velvet blazer and black three-piece suit at the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards on December 11, 2016 (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
John Travolta’s Early Acting Career
American actor John Travolta started in the theater in New York before going to Los Angeles and transitioning to television and movies.
When John was 17, he decided to leave high school and relocate to New York City, where he would eventually land roles on Broadway in the show Over Here! and Grease’s touring production.
He moved to Los Angeles shortly after that to advance his career. His first notable screen appearance after moving to Hollywood was in the 1976 horror movie Carrie. He was also cast as Vinnie Barbarino in ABC’s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.
John Travolta received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in motion pictures (Credit: Helena Garcia Huertas / Shutterstock)
While his romantic life has been a topic of speculation, his talent and dedication to his craft have been the driving forces behind his success.
As he continues to pursue new roles and projects, there is no doubt that his legacy in the acting world will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
John Travolta adds flair to a classic black suit with a white ruffled shirt at the 14th Rome Film Festival in Italy on October 22, 2019 (Credit: Claudio Bottoni / Shutterstock)