John Joseph Travolta (born February 18, 1954) is an Academy Award-nominated… Read Full Bio ↴John Joseph Travolta (born February 18, 1954) is an Academy Award-nominated American actor, singer, entertainer and aviator. He became known during the late 1970s, establishing a career as a leading Hollywood actor, and has subsequently continued appearing in major films, including his 1990s roles in Pulp Fiction and Get Shorty.

Early life

Travolta, the youngest of six children, was born in Englewood, New Jersey to Salvatore Travolta, a second-generation Italian American semi-professional football player turned tire salesman, and Helen Cecilia Burke, an Irish American actress and singer who had appeared in The Sunshine Sisters, a radio vocal group, and acted and directed before becoming a high school drama teacher. She was 42 when Travolta was born. Travolta grew up in an Irish-American neighborhood and has said that his household was predominantly Irish in culture. His family was Catholic.

Career

After dropping out of Dwight Morrow High School after his junior year, Travolta moved to New York City to get a job as a performer. He landed roles in the touring company of Grease and on Broadway in Over Here! singing the Sherman Brothers' song "Dream Drummin'". Travolta also cut singles for a local record company, but the songs were quickly forgotten. But eventually, he moved to Los Angeles, California to further his career in show business.

Travolta gained his first major movie role as Billy Nolan, a sadistic bully who taunted Sissy Spacek's Carrie White in the horror film Carrie (1976). Around the same time he landed his star-making role as Vinnie Barbarino in the TV sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979) in which his sister, Ellen, also occasionally appeared (as Arnold Horshack's mother).

Around this time he also had a hit single entitled "Let Her In" peaking at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the next few years, he appeared in some of his most memorable screen roles: Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and as Danny Zuko in Grease (1978). His mother and his sister Ann appeared as extras in Saturday Night Fever and his sister Ellen appeared as a waitress in Grease. Travolta performed several of the songs on the Grease soundtrack album, that eventually went on to sell more than 10 million copies. In 1980, Travolta inspired a nationwide country music craze that followed on the heels of his hit film, Urban Cowboy, in which he starred with Debra Winger.

After Urban Cowboy came a string of flops that sidelined his acting career. Some suggest that he was typecast as a disco stud or 1970s icon, which could be the reason his agent intervened on several occasions to turn down acting roles. During that time he was offered, but turned down, lead roles in what would become box office hits, including American Gigolo, An Officer and A Gentleman, and Splash. The first two films ultimately starred Richard Gere in the lead role and went to become box office successes. This was also the case with the movie Chicago - the role of lawyer Billy Flynn was offered to Travolta, but ultimately was played by Gere; the film went on to become a highly commercial and critical success. His only hit film during this period was alongside Kirstie Alley and a baby voiced by Bruce Willis in Look Who's Talking. However, it wasn't until he played Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's hit Pulp Fiction (1994), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, that his career was revived. The movie shifted him back onto the A-list, and he was inundated with offers. Coincidentally, before Travolta took the role he visited Tarantino, who was living in the same ramshackle apartment in Los Angeles that Travolta had inhabited when he got his start. Notable roles following Pulp Fiction include a movie-buff loan shark in Get Shorty (1995), an FBI agent in Face/Off (1997), a desperate attorney in A Civil Action (1998) and a military detective in The General's Daughter (1999).

Travolta also starred in Battlefield Earth (2000) based on a work of science fiction by L. Ron Hubbard, in which he played the leader of a group of aliens that enslaves humanity on a bleak future Earth. The film received almost universally negative reviews and did very poorly at the box office. Travolta, who converted to Scientology in 1975 and endorses Hubbard's teachings, had hoped that the film would be well received and be the first in a series of Hubbard film adaptations. In fact, the film won a Razzie Award for Worst Film of the Year at the 2000 awards.

Travola is currently starring as a workaholic turned biker in Wild Hogs (2007).

Travolta will play Edna Turnblad in the 2007 adaptation of Hairspray.

Personal life

Travolta married actress Kelly Preston in 1991. They have a son named Jett, and a daughter named Ella Blue. On April 10, 2006, Mark Ebner of Hollywood, Interrupted made a public plea to Travolta and Preston to have their son treated for autism, alleging five reliable sources—including representatives from Cure Autism Now and The Autism Perspective—who claim that Jett suffers from autism, and not from Kawasaki syndrome as stated by the parents. His brother Joey Travolta recently produced a documentary about autism.

Travolta is a licensed pilot and owns five airplanes, including an ex-Australian airliner, the Qantas 707-138. The plane bears the name Jett Clipper Ella in honor of his son Jett and his daughter Ella. Pan Am was a large operator of the 707 and used Clipper in their names. His US$4.9 million estate in the Jumbolair subdivision in Anthony, Florida is situated on Greystone Airport with its own runway and taxiway right to the door.

In 1992, he wrote and illustrated a short children's book entitled Propeller One-Way Night Coach about the fictional journey of an 8-year-old boy named Jeff across the USA in the 1950s. He celebrated with the Australian national football team in their dressing room following their qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Questions have also been raised regarding what kind of agreements were made between Travolta and then-President Bill Clinton, regarding how Travolta would portray Jack Stanton, a character based on Clinton, in the movie Primary Colors and whether Clinton would pressure the German government to remove its ban on Scientology. Travolta was quoted about the issue in May 1998 issue of George magazine:

The next day, I met with Clinton. He told me: "Your program sounds great. More than that, I'd really love to help you with your issue over in Germany with Scientology." I was waiting for the seduction that I had heard so much about. I thought, "Well, how could he ever seduce me?" And after we talked, I thought, "Bingo!" He did it. Scientology is the one issue that really matters to me.

In another interview, Travolta admitted that his portrayal of Stanton was much more kind than that in the book Primary Colors. The next year, in November 1998, Clinton sent Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to urge German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel to grant Scientology the status of a registered religion—without success.

Other

Travolta's affiliation with Scientology is frequently mentioned in the press. In 1998 he was named in a lawsuit involving a former member who claimed that he was promised that his homosexuality could be cured. The lawsuit alleged that the organization frequently cited Travolta as proof that the organization could in fact change a person's sexual orientation. A lawyer for Travolta replied, "This looks like complete hogwash. Travolta is a happily married man, which proves he isn't gay". Paul Barresi claimed to have had a homosexual relationship with Travolta in 1982, but later recanted the statement. In 2006, Travolta was photographed in what looks like the exchange of a kiss with an unidentified male in Hamilton, Ontario. However, Travolta's attorney, Martin Singer, stated that Travolta's wife Preston was on board the plane and claimed the kiss to be a nonromantic gesture Travolta makes with all close friends of both genders, entirely nonsexual in nature, and that "people who are close to Mr. Travolta are aware of his customary, non-romantic gesture."

Faith No More's Mike Patton wrote and recorded a song called "Travolta" with his band Mr. Bungle. The name of the song was changed to "Quote Unquote" due to legal reasons. The song came out 1991, which was a time at which John Travolta was considered a "has-been" actor. This was before Pulp Fiction came out, and Travolta's career took off again. "Quote Unquote" is also the name of a book John Travolta published around this time. In an episode of South Park, Travolta was one of the characters shown trying to get Tom Cruise out of Stan's closet. The other trying to get him out (Tom Cruise) was R. Kelly, threatening both Tom and John the count of three before he shoots both of them.

Welcome to the 60's
John Travolta Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Tracy, I haven't left this house in years)
(Then isn't it time you did)
(Oh no, Tracy, we'll have your father meet with him)
(I, I don't want to be seen like this)
(The neighbors haven't seen me since I was a size ten)
(Don't make me do it, Tracy)
(Ma, it's changing out there, you'll like it)
(People who are different their time is coming)

Hey mama, hey mama look around
Everybody's groovin' to a brand new sound
Hey mama, hey mama follow me
I know something's in you that you wanna set free

So let so, go, go of the past now
Say hello to the love in your heart
Yes, I know that the world's spinning fast now
You gotta get yourself a brand new start

Hey mama, welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh mama, welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Go mama, go, go, go

Welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
Hey mama, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey mama, hey mama
Have some fun
I haven't left this house since 1951

Hey mama, hey mama
Take a chance

Oh Tracy, it's been years
Since someone asked me to dance

So let go, so, go of the past now
Say hello to the light in your eyes
Yes, I know that the world's
Spinning fast now, but you gotta run the race
To win the prize

Hey mama, welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh mama, welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Go mama, go, go, go

Welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Hey mama, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Hey mama, welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh mama, welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Go mama, go, go, go

Welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, hey mama
Hey mama
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Welcome to the rhythm of a brand new day
Take your old-fashioned fears
And just throw them away

You should add some color and a fresh new do
'Cause it's time for a star
Who looks just like you

(There's my shining star, fantastic to meet you)
(I'm Mr. Pinky)
(It's so nice to meet you)
(Tracey, is this your older sister?)
(Flattery will not distract Ms. Turnblads agent)
(Fifty-four double D)
(Triple E)
(I hit the motherload)

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh mama, welcome to the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Go mama, go, go, go

Dontcha let nobody
Try to steal your fun
'Cause a little touch of lipstick
Never hurt no one

The future's got a million roads
For you to choose
But you'll walk a little taller
In some high-heel shoes

And once you find the style
That makes you feel like you
Something fresh
Something new

Step on out
Hear us shout

Mama, that's your cue

Hey Tracy, hey baby
Look at me
I'm the cutest chickie
That ya ever did see

Hey Tracy, hey baby
Look at us
Where is there a team
That's half as fabulous?

I let go, go, go of the past now
Say hello to this red carpet ride
Yes I know that the world's spinning fast now
Tell Lollabrigida to step aside

Your mama's welcoming the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh your mama's welcoming the sixties
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Go, mama, go, go, go

Welcome to the sixties, open the door
For the girl who has more, she's a star
Tracy, go, go, go

Hey mama, welcome to the 60's
Your mama's hip (hip), your mama's in (in mama)
Your mama's looking at herself
And wonder where you been? Where you been?

Your mama's lit (lit), she's all aglow (glow mama)
Your mama once was holding back
But mama's gotta let go, go, go

Welcome to the six to the O
To the apostrophe S
Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey mama welcome to the sixties
Oh whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Hey mama welcome to the sixties (oh yeah)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Go mama go, go, go

Oh, oh, oh, yeah
Go mama, go, go, go

Overall Meaning

The song "Welcome to the 60's" is a lively and upbeat song sung by Tracy Turnblad and her mother, Edna, in the popular musical film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Hairspray." The song is a tribute to the changing times in the 1960s, with references to the Civil Rights Movement, feminism, and the changing fashions of the era. In the beginning of the song, Edna expresses her fears of leaving the house and being seen by people as she was when she was a size 10. However, Tracy encourages her mother to embrace the changing times and see the world outside. The song continues with a call for everyone to let go of the past and embrace a new sense of freedom and joy, represented by the exciting changes happening in the 60s. Throughout the song, there are fun and playful references to popular culture from the era, such as La Dolce Vita actress, Gina Lollabrigida.

Overall, the song is a celebration of the changing times and inviting everyone to join in the festivities of the decade. The catchy melody and upbeat energy of the song are infectious, and by the end of the song, even Edna is swept up in the fun.

Line by Line Meaning

Tracy, I haven't left this house in years
I have been too afraid to leave the house for a long time.

Then isn't it time you did
It is time for you to take a chance and go out.

Oh, no, Tracy, we'll have your father meet with him
I am hesitant to leave because of how I look, but maybe your father can help convince me.

I, I don't want to be seen like this
I am ashamed of how I look and do not want to be seen in public.

The neighbors haven't seen me since I was a size ten
I am self-conscious about my weight gain and do not want my neighbors to see me like this.

Don't make me do it, Tracy
I am struggling to overcome my fear of going out in public.

Ma, it's changing out there, you'll like it
Times have changed since the 50s, and I might enjoy the new things out there.

People who are different their time is coming
Different people are being included in the changing times, and it is becoming more acceptable.

Hey mama, hey mama look around
Take a look around and see that people are excited and happy about the changes in the world.

Everybody's groovin' to a brand new sound
Everyone is enjoying the new, upbeat music.

Hey mama, hey mama follow me
Come with me and see that there is so much to enjoy in the world.

I know something's in you that you wanna set free
You have something incredible within you that is waiting to burst out.

So let so go of the past now
It is time to let go of your past fears and embrace what lies ahead.

Say hello to the love in your heart
Embrace the love that you have within yourself.

Yes, I know that the world's spinning fast now
The world is changing quickly, but do not be afraid to keep up.

You gotta get yourself a brand new start
It is time to start anew and leave your fears in the past.

Hey mama, welcome to the sixties
Welcome to the exciting, changing times of the 60s.

Have some fun
Enjoy all that the world has to offer.

I haven't left this house since 1951
I have not left my house in a very long time.

Take a chance
Be daring and try something new.

Oh Tracy, it's been years
It has been a long time since I have had fun and gone out.

Since someone asked me to dance
No one has asked me to dance in a long time, and I miss it.

Say hello to the light in your eyes
Let the brightness of your spirit shine through.

But you gotta run the race
Embrace the challenge of the fast-changing world.

To win the prize
Work hard and strive for success.

Welcome to the rhythm of a brand new day
Embrace the fast-paced, new rhythm of the changing world.

Take your old-fashioned fears and just throw them away
Let go of your old-fashioned fears and embrace the future.

'Cause it's time for a star who looks just like you
It is time for someone just like you to shine and make a difference.

Don't let nobody try to steal your fun
Do not let anyone steal your joy and happiness.

'Cause a little touch of lipstick never hurt no one
A little makeup and confidence can go a long way and never hurt anyone.

The future's got a million roads for you to choose
The future is vast, and there are many opportunities to choose and follow your dreams.

But you'll walk a little taller in some high-heel shoes
You will feel more confident in yourself if you wear something you feel empowered in, like high heels.

And once you find the style that makes you feel like you
Once you find the style that suits you and makes you feel great, do not be afraid to embrace it.

Step on out, hear us shout
Come out and be confident and proud of who you are.

Mama, that's your cue
It is time for you to come out, be brave and confident.

I'm the cutest chickie that ya ever did see
I am looking and feeling my best, and others can see that I am confident and beautiful.

Where is there a team that's half as fabulous?
We are a fantastic team and unstoppable when we work together.

Say hello to this red carpet ride
Get ready for the ride of your life.

Tell Lollabrigida to step aside
Even the most beautiful and lustrous people in the world have to accept your brilliance and light.

Your mama's welcoming the sixties
They welcome and embrace the changing, creative, and innovative times of the sixties.

She's a star, go mama go, go, go
She is a bright and shining star; therefore, she should keep pushing forward and doing great things.

Open the door for the girl who has more, she's a star
Make room for the girl who is different and can do great things.

Tracy, go, go, go
Tracy, keep pushing forward and pursuing greatness relentlessly.

Welcome to the sixties
Welcome to the incredible, changing, and innovative world of the sixties.

Your mama's hip, your mama's in
Your mom is now involved actively in the changing, fast-paced world of the sixties.

Your mama's looking at herself and wonder where you been?
She is now looking at herself and thinking that life would have been better if she had stepped out earlier.

Your mama's lit, she's all aglow
She is now lit and full of confidence after experiencing everything the world has to offer.

Your mama once was holding back
In the past, she was holding herself back because of fear.

But mama's gotta let go, go, go
However, she has to let go of that fear and embrace the new era.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Marc Shaiman, Scott Michael Wittman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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