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John Travolta Headshot

BIO

While best known for his roles on screen, John Travolta appeared on Broadway in Grease in 1972, as well as in Over Here! in 1974. He appeared Off-Broadway in Rain in 1972. Two of his most noted screen roles include Tony Manero in the dance drama Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Danny Zuko in the film adaptation of Grease (1978).


Travolta came to prominence starring in the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979), followed by a supporting performance in Carrie (1976) and then leading roles in Grease (1978), Urban Cowboy (1980), and Blow Out (1981). He earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his roles in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Pulp Fiction (1994). His other notable films include Get Shorty (1995), Broken Arrow (1996), Michael (1996), Face/Off (1997), A Civil Action (1998), Primary Colors (1998), The General's Daughter (1999), The Punisher (2004), Wild Hogs (2007), Hairspray (2007), Bolt (2008), and Savages (2012).

Travolta returned to television portraying lawyer Robert Shapiro in the series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. He received an Emmy Award as a producer as well as nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. He was also Emmy-nominated for his role in the action-comedy web series Die Hart (2021).

Outside of acting, Travolta has released nine albums, including four singles that have charted on the Billboard Hot 100's Top 40. His albums have typically accompanied films he has starred in, such as Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture (1978), which topped the Billboard 200. Travolta is also a private pilot.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1974
Performer, Misfit
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Doody [Replacement]

News

Interview: Lady Bunny of BUNNY BUTCHERS BROADWAY! at Renberg Theatre
by Jonas Schwartz-Owen - Jul 11, 2026

Long before drag queens were winning Emmys, selling out theaters, and becoming household names, Lady Bunny was busy creating her own lane.
HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL to Play Milton Keynes Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 6, 2026

HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL is set to play Milton Keynes Theatre for a limited run, with tickets now on sale through ATG Tickets.
HAIRSPRAY Will Embark on a New UK and Ireland Tour in 2027
by Stephi Wild - Jul 3, 2026

Brenda Edwards and Paul Kerryson's production of Hairspray will embark on its second major national UK and Ireland tour in 2027. Learn more about the show and tour dates here!
Review: GREASE at Theatre By The Sea
by Christopher Verleger - Jul 1, 2026

If the summer heat has you at wit’s end, there is no better way to stay cool than Theatre By The Sea’s stylish, energetic, remarkably entertaining production of “Grease,” the Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey musical that premiered on Broadway in 1972 and spawned the now classic 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Jenn Colella Recalls How There’d Be a 'Naked Fight Call' at Broadway’s URBAN COWBOY
by Michael Gioia - Jun 30, 2026

Jenn Colella revealed that there was quite the unconventional fight call happening at Broadway’s Urban Cowboy. ‘We were wild in that show,’ she recalls of her time starring in the short-lived 2003 Broadway musical.
Tony Winner Janie Sell Passes Away at 86
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jun 21, 2026

Tony winner Janie Sell died at the age of 86 after a brief illness, according to her longtime friend James Dybas, who confirmed the news online. She was surrounded by her friends and family members. 
Interview: Eden Franco Talks HAIRSPRAY at Maine Street Music Theatre
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - May 19, 2026

When HAIRSPRAY begins its run at Maine State Music Theatre on June 3, the new revival, created as a co-production with Lancaster’s Fulton Theatre, will be an evening of professional firsts for its young star, Eden Franco, who plays the demanding role of the musical’s protagonist, Tracy Turnblad. For Franco, who was graduated from college only two years ago, this production marks her first professional contract, her first experience in regional theatre, her debut in Maine, and her role debut in the Marc Shaiman-Scott Wittman musical.
ALWAYS OLIVIA Tribute Show Will Present at Raue Center For The Arts
by A.A. Cristi - May 18, 2026

Raue Center For The Arts will present ALWAYS OLIVIA, a tribute to Olivia Newton-John starring Annie Aiello, backed by a five-piece band. The show has earned three consecutive 'Tribute Artist of the Year' nominations.
Cast Set for HAIRSPRAY at San Francisco Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 14, 2026

San Francisco Playhouse has revealed the full cast and creative team for Hairspray, the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical featuring songs including “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “Good Morning Baltimore.”
Stephen Webb on THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
by Natalie O'Donoghue - May 12, 2026

Stephen Webb on touring with The Rocky Horror Picture Show which comes to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre in June.
Video: Watch the Trailer for John Travolta's PROPELLER ONE-WAY NIGHT COACH
by Josh Sharpe - May 6, 2026

The trailer has been unveiled for Propeller One-Way Night Coach, a new Apple film written, directed, narrated and produced by John Travolta. Check it out now.
Review: CACTUS FLOWER at New Theatre Restaurant
by Alan Portner - May 4, 2026

The air at New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park is thick with the scent of high-end buffet favorites and the electric hum of a sold-out crowd. The curtain has risen on a revival of the 1960s Broadway classic Cactus Flower, and if the opening week's standing ovations are any indication, Kansas City has another bona fide hit on its hands.
HAIRSPRAY Will Come to San Francisco Playhouse This Summer
by Stephi Wild - Apr 15, 2026

San Francisco Playhouse will close its 2025-26 season with HAIRSPRAY, the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical directed by Artistic Director Bill English, featuring choreography by Phoenyx Rose.
Did you Know that These Broadway Shows Are Inspired by Magazine Articles?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 19, 2026

Musicals and plays based on movies? Many. Based on books? Also plentiful. Based on true stories? Of course. But musicals and plays based on or inspired by magazine articles? These are a rare breed. One recently opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre.
MARY JANE & More Lead Seattle's Spring 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Apr 2, 2026

Seattle is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our top picks for Seattle for Spring 2026.
HAIRSPRAY Will Come to Derby Dinner Playhouse in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026

DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE will present the Broadway musical HAIRSPRAY, opening April 1, 2026, in Clarksville, Indiana. The production features a cast led by Katelyn Webb and includes iconic songs from the show.
Titanique Broadway Cast: Meet Every Star at the St. James
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2026

Meet the full Titanique Broadway cast! Jim Parsons, Melissa Barrera, Deborah Cox & more bring this Céline Dion-powered musical comedy to the St. James Theatre.
THE JIVE ACES Will Celebrate New Album at The Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2026

The Green Room 42 will present The Jive Aces – the UK's number one Jive and Swing band – for a one-night-only New York appearance on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM. 
GREASE at Rondo
by Annette Stolt - Mar 10, 2026

The cult musical Grease is being staged in a new version at Rondo in Gothenburg with, among others, Anton Ewald, Gothenburg profile Anna Mannheimer and Arantxa Álvarez, acclaimed TV and radio profile.
BWW Q&A: Tony Sportiello Talks THE PAPARAZZI at AMT Theater
by Joshua Wright - Mar 4, 2026

AMT Theater was created out of covid as an affordable theater alternative for those living in Hell's Kitchen and the heart of the theater district. Since then it has won several awards, including Best Newcomer and Best Venue from 42nd Street Online.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Travolta been in?

John Travolta has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has John Travolta been in?

John Travolta has not appeared in the West End.

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