John Travolta, now 70 years old as of 2024, has had one of the most remarkable and resilient careers in Hollywood history. With an estimated net worth of $250 million, Travolta’s journey includes iconic movie roles, massive paychecks, tragic personal loss, and a second act few in the industry ever experience. From disco floors in Saturday Night Fever to face-swapping thrillers in Face/Off, Travolta has truly done it all.
Let’s take a look at how he built his fortune, revived his career multiple times, and what he’s up to today.
When Did John Travolta Start His Career?
John Travolta was born on February 18, 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey. The youngest of six children, he was raised in a creative household. His mother, Helen, was a singer and actress, and his father, Salvatore, was a former football player turned tire salesman.
At age 17, Travolta dropped out of high school and moved to New York City to pursue acting. He landed early roles on Broadway in productions like Grease and Over Here!, before heading to Los Angeles. His breakthrough came in the mid-70s when he starred in the hit TV show Welcome Back, Kotter as Vinnie Barbarino, and not long after, he hit superstardom with Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978).
How Did Travolta’s Career Shift in the ’80s and ’90s?
The 1980s weren’t kind to Travolta’s career. Films like Perfect and Two of a Kind failed to impress. He still worked steadily, but the critical acclaim and box office magic were fading.
That all changed in 1994, when he took a chance on a small film called Pulp Fiction. He was paid just $150,000, but it turned out to be the role that revived his career. The movie was a global hit, and Travolta received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
From that point on, Travolta became a top-tier star again. He scored leading roles and huge paychecks for hits like Get Shorty ($6M), Face/Off ($20M), Primary Colors ($17M), and A Civil Action ($20M).
How Much Has John Travolta Earned from Movies?
John Travolta has earned hundreds of millions from film salaries alone. Between 1995 and 2005, he consistently commanded $20 million per movie. Here’s a glance at some of his top paydays:
- Face/Off (1997): $20 million
- Mad City (1997): $20 million
- The General’s Daughter (1999): $20 million
- Swordfish (2001): $20 million
- Be Cool (2005): $20 million
- Hairspray (2007): $14 million
In total, just 16 of his major films brought in around $230 million in salary. That doesn’t even count backend profits, residuals, or his producing credits.
What Real Estate Does John Travolta Own?
Travolta’s real estate holdings have been just as headline-worthy as his films. Over the years, he’s bought and sold several luxury properties:
- Brentwood, LA: Purchased for $3.5 million in 1993, sold to Scooter Braun in 2020 for $18 million.
- Calabasas, CA: Bought a home in 2019 for $2.65 million.
- Maine Estate: A sprawling 50-acre property he tried to sell in 2022 for $5 million.
- Clearwater, Florida: A mansion he sold in 2021 for $4 million.
- Ocala, Florida (Jumbolair Aviation Estates): A one-of-a-kind home in a private aviation neighborhood with its own runway—perfect for an aviation enthusiast like Travolta, who reportedly owns seven jets.
The Ocala property is now valued at around $10 million, and it’s a testament to Travolta’s deep love of flying.
What Else Contributes to His Net Worth?
Beyond acting, Travolta is a licensed pilot with a passion for aviation. His investment in aircraft and aviation real estate is part of his lifestyle and identity, not just a hobby.
He also co-produced a number of films, including Battlefield Earth (2000), which, although a box office bomb, was a personal passion project based on a book by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
Travolta has lent his voice to animated projects like Bolt (2008) and Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D. His earnings from endorsements and appearances, including recent ads like the 2023 Super Bowl T-Mobile commercial, also pad his financial portfolio.
What About Travolta’s Personal Life?
Travolta married actress Kelly Preston in 1991. They had three children: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. Sadly, their eldest son Jett passed away in 2009 after a seizure while on vacation in the Bahamas. Travolta has openly spoken about Jett’s autism and seizures, and in his memory, he created the Jett Travolta Foundation, which helps children with special needs.
In July 2020, Kelly Preston died after a battle with breast cancer at the age of 57. Travolta shared her passing with dignity and has credited his family and his faith in Scientology for helping him cope with the immense loss.
Has Travolta Faced Any Controversy?
In 2012, Travolta was accused of sexual misconduct by two anonymous masseurs. Both lawsuits were later dropped and dismissed. While the allegations drew media attention, they did not significantly impact his career at the time.
What’s Next for John Travolta?
While Travolta hasn’t appeared in major blockbusters recently, he’s remained active in smaller thrillers and indie projects, like The Poison Rose (2019), The Fanatic (2019), and Paradise City (2022). He also continues producing and exploring new creative avenues in film and television.
Given his enduring popularity and the ability to reinvent himself, it’s safe to say John Travolta still has stories left to tell—both on screen and off.
