Hollywood actor John Travolta has openly discussed for the first time in a long time what helps him cope with heavy losses. The star admitted that after the death of his wife Kelly Preston and older son Jett, he tries to look for the bright sides of life and does not allow tragedies to completely break him.
72-year-old John Travolta, who recently presented his first directorial work at the Cannes Film Festival, shared his thoughts on how he managed to endure the most challenging trials in life.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the actor admitted that he always tries to maintain hope even during the most difficult times.
“Life has certainly tested me, but I seek positivity, even when faced with tragedy. I am not made to stay in darkness. I can look at the darkness, but I do not choose to remain there,” Travolta said.
According to the actor, an important source of inspiration for him has been memories of his family. These memories formed the basis of his new film “Night Bus with a Propeller.”
“They are for me the memories on which this film was born. I hope it will once again give hope to the viewers,” the actor noted, speaking about his late wife Kelly Preston and son Jett.
Tragedies That Changed the Actor's Life
In 2009, the Travolta family was shaken by a terrible tragedy. During a vacation in Hawaii, his 16-year-old son Jett passed away. The teenager suffered from autism, asthma, and Kawasaki syndrome. The cause of death was a severe injury sustained during an epileptic seizure.
Another heavy blow for the actor came in 2020 when his wife Kelly Preston died after a two-year battle with breast cancer. The actress was 57 years old.
Despite the losses he has endured, Travolta's children remain by his side — daughter Ella Bleu and younger son Benjamin. Ella often accompanies her father to social events, while Benjamin even appeared in his new film.
Success at Cannes
This year, John Travolta presented his first directorial work — the film “Night Bus with a Propeller” — at the Cannes Film Festival. One of the roles in the film was played by his younger son Benjamin.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nd9fv9rPCMg?si=3T0PMgS9jHQF3Fkg&start=9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>After the premiere, the audience applauded the actor for several minutes while standing. Additionally, Travolta was awarded a special prize for his contribution to the development of world cinema.
Family Remains the Main Meaning
Despite his global fame, successful career, and numerous awards, Travolta has repeatedly stated that the main value in his life has always been family.
John Travolta with his daughter Ella Bleu.
It is his loved ones, according to the actor, who help him find the strength to move forward and maintain faith in the better even after the most difficult trials.
John Travolta's story is an example of how a person can continue to live and create despite heavy losses. After experiencing the death of his son and beloved wife, the actor did not shut himself off but managed to find support in the memories of his loved ones, his children, and his beloved work. Today, he remains one of the brightest figures in Hollywood, inspiring fans with his resilience and zest for life.
