The Story of John Travolta

Inspired By Mother

Besides his siblings who loved acting, John said his true inspiration was his mother. How sweet! His mother, Helen, acted and danced.

It was Helen who Travolta credits with inspiring him to attend drama school in New York. He was able to study acting, dancing and even singing there. His sister Ellen also embarked on an entertainment career of her own! Both Ellen and Helen even made appearances in Travolta’s movies, Grease and Saturday Night Fever.

Tire Business

So if his mother and sister pursued a career in arts, what about his father? Glad you asked. Salvatore Travolta was a former quarterback for a semi-pro football team.

After retiring, he opened a tire shop called The Travolta Tire Exchange. He proudly watched his family pursue their own dreams. Sadly, he died in 1995.