JOHN TRAVOLTA | BORN 1969

John Travolta’s rise to fame was propelled by his role in the television series “Welcome Back, Kotter,” with his celebrity further solidified by iconic 1970s films such as “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever.” The 1980s brought some setbacks with less successful films, but Travolta’s artistic inclination was rooted in his family background—his mother, an actress and singer, had a profound influence on his decision to pursue drama.

At 17, Travolta left school to embark on his acting career. A pivotal moment came with his casting in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” during a lull in his career, for which he received a mere $150,000 but which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. This role rejuvenated his career, leading to a series of acclaimed performances and establishing him as one of the most esteemed actors in the industry.