The Life of John Travolta Quiz | Celebrities

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Born in Englewood, New Jersey on February 18, 1954, to Salvatore and Helen Travolta, as the youngest of six children, John was pampered by his parents. When he was a toddler, John always wanted to be the center of attention, and would go outside in his middle class rural neighborhood and recite lines from movies. When he was twelve years old, his father built him something so that he could be the center of attention with his family and friends alike. What was it that his father made for him?

Answer: A stage

John's father, Salvatore, was a former semiprofessional football player and tire salesman, and his mother, Helen, was a high school drama coach. The Travolta children were raised in the Roman Catholic religion, and being the youngest child, John was pampered beyond anything that his siblings would have ever thought possible.

When he was a toddler, John always wanted to be the center of attention, and he would go to great lengths to accomplish this. Once he tore through his father's closet when his father was at work, and when his dad walked through the door, he acted like he was the father and his dad was him. John questioned his father about why he was coming in late and so on, his father started to crack a smile and then came a booming laugh, John got his wish, he had amused his father. Those types of stunts went on for years, until his father built him his very own stage in the basement of their home in Englewood.

Always the actor, John appeared in local actor workshop plays and in dinner clubs around the Englewood area. While he was in school he took every opportunity to appear in plays, and to entertain his teachers and friends. John also had a talent for dancing and took tap lessons from Gene Kelly's brother, Fred. When he was sixteen years old, he dropped out of school to pursue his acting on a full time basis.

2. When John was sixteen he dropped out of high school and left Englewood to pursue acting on a full time basis. Where did John move to, so that he could continue to act full time?

Answer: Manhattan

Upon arriving in Manhattan, John began by auditioning for anything and everything that he could, he had a great hunger to achieve at being a full time actor. His persistence paid off when he was awarded a small part in the off Broadway production of "Rain" in 1972. Although it was a very small part, he was at least starting to realize his dream of becoming an actor. Critics awarded "Rain" high reviews and gave notable mention to John's minor performance, saying that "he was a very talented individual, who would astound audiences in the years to come."

Immediately following "Rain," Travolta tried for a part in the Broadway musical "Grease," but was not successful in his attempts at scoring a part. He did however, become part of the touring company for "Grease," and he at least had a chance to learn how a Broadway musical is put together. Still on the wave of his success with "Rain," and having experience as a backup dancer in "Grease," he was awarded a part in the Broadway musical "Over There!" which starred the Andrew Sisters. John was indeed on his way to a successful career as a very versatile actor.

3. In 1975, he had the opportunity to appear in a film, even though it was a minor role. What was the name of the movie that he made his film debut in?

Answer: Devil's Rain

In 1975, he had the unique opportunity to appear in a low budget horror film entitled "Devil's Rain." He had a minor part in which he played the character of Danny. The plot of the movie is about a group of Satanists in Midwest America, who have evil powers that allow them to melt their intended victims. Although the movie barely made it at the box office, it gave Travolta the experience of appearing in a film and being able to add it to his ever growing acting resume.

"Race With The Devil," was directed by Jack Starrett, and was produced by Wes Bishop. It was released in 1975, and starred Peter Fonda and Loretta Swit. Jack Starrett appeared in the film as a gas station attendant, and Wes Bishop portrayed the character of Deputy Dave.

"They Came From Within," was directed by David Cronenberg. It was released in 1975 and starred Paul Hampton, Lynn Lowry, Barbara Steele, and Joan Blackman.

"Deep Red," was made in Italy and directed by Dario Argento, and was released in Italy under the name of "Profondo Rosso." It was released in 1975 and starred David Hemmings, Gabriele Lavia, and Eros Pagni.

4. In the latter part of 1975, Travolta hit the big time with his portrayal of Vinnie Barbarino in the hit series "Welcome Back, Kotter." Because of his success and instant stardom with "Welcome Back, Kotter," he was awarded a part in Brian DePalma's "Carrie," in 1976, which starred Sissy Spacek. Toward the end of 1976, he signed a recording contract and had success with four albums, which were entitled "Can't Let Go," "Whenever I'm Away From You," "John Travolta," and "Travolta Fever." What is the title of his only solo hit song, that made it to number one on the billboard charts?

Answer: Let Her In

Travolta's only hit single was in 1977 with "Let Her In," which came from his album entitled "Whenever I'm Away From You." In 1996, he had an album entitled "John Travolta Sings," which was released by Varese Records. He also released another album in 1996 entitled "The Best of John Travolta" under the Varese label. In 1999, Cleopatra Records released another of John's albums entitled "Slow Dancing." In 2002, Dressed To Kill Records released John's ninth album entitled "Saturday Night Fiction."
These hits do not include his duets with Olivia Newton John.

5. With his success on a weekly television series and with his rising musical talent, Travolta was offered, and accepted, the part of Tod Lubitch in the made for television movie, "The Boy In The Plastic Bubble," which was directed by Randal Kleiser, and was based on a true story. However, in 1978, he missed out on what most of his critics say was the part of a lifetime. What is the title of the film that he turned down?

Answer: Days of Heaven

John was offered the part in director Terrence Malick's box office smash, "Days of Heaven," but due to commitments on "Welcome Back, Kotter" he could not accept the part. Instead Malick cast a young Richard Gere in the character of Bill. There would be several more times in the film industry that Travolta would reject offers that would eventually go to Richard Gere.

"On The Yard," was directed by Raphael D. Silver and was based on the novel that was written by Malcolm Braly. It was released in 1978, and starred John Heard, Richard Bright, Mike Kellin, and Thomas G. Waites.

"Midnight Express," was directed by Alan Parker. It was released in 1978, and starred Brad Davis, Bo Hopkins, Randy Quaid, and John Hurt.

"Girlfriends," directed by Claudia Weill. It was released in 1978, and starred Jane Anderson, Tanya Berezin, Adam Cohen, Roderick Cook, Regina David, and Christopher Guest.

6. In 1977, He had starred in his first major film production of "Saturday Night Fever," which was directed by John Badham. He also starred in the film adaptation of the Broadway musicial, "Grease," which was directed by Randal Kleiser. Travolta found success with both of those films and he became known thoughout Hollywood. While riding this wave of success, John was offered the leading male character in "Moment By Moment," which starred Lily Tomlin. What is the name of the character he portrayed?

Answer: Strip Harrison

"Moment By Moment," which starred Lily Tomlin and was directed by Jane Wagner, proved to be disastrous for Travolta. The plot which was about an older woman (Tomlin), who falls in love with a young drifter (Travolta) was mediocre at best. The film was considered by his critics to be a major failure, and they did not think that the film would do anything for Travolta's career.

7. In 1981, Travolta rejected the part of Julian Kaye, in Paul Schrader's "American Gigolo, and in 1983, he also rejected the part of Zack Mayo, in Taylor Hackford's "An Officer and a Gentleman"?

Answer: False

He rejected them in earlier years. An "American Gigolo," was released in 1980, and starred Richard Gere, Hector Elizondo, Lauren Hutton, and Carole Cook.

An "Officer and a Gentleman," was released in 1982, and starred Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Lisa Eilabacher, David Caruso, and Louis Gossett, Jr. Both of these movies no doubt would have bolstered his film persona after his disastrous box office flop with "Moment By Moment."

The reason that he rejected the part of Julian Kaye in an "American Gigolo," was so he could star in "Urban Cowboy" with Debra Winger, and it was for a similar reason that he rejected the offer to star as Officer candidate Zack Mayo in "An Officer and a Gentleman," because he was offered the opportunity to reprise his role as Tony Manero in "Staying Alive."

In the following years Travolta had box office flops with "Two of a Kind," which he starred opposite of Olivia Newton-John, and with "Perfect," in which he starred opposite of Jamie Lee Curtis. In the latter part of 1989, things started to look up for him when he was offered and accepted the part of James Ubriacco starring opposite Kirstie Alley in Amy Heckerling's box office smash "Look Who's Talking." This amazing comeback spawned two sequels, "Look Who's Talking Too," in 1990 and "Look Who's Talking Now," in 1993.

8. In 1991, Travolta had two box office flops, what are the names of these movies?

Answer: 'Eyes of an Angel' and 'Shout'

"Eyes of an Angel," was released in 1991 and was a big disappointment for Travolta critics. While his acting ability was right on target, the script was weak and drawn out. Travolta played the part of Bobby, a single father whose is trying to protect his daughter against gangsters, because she found their wounded Doberman, which they used as bait for pit-bull fighting. If you have never seen this movie, I strongly recommend it, it shows a different style of Travolta's acting, and should not be missed by any true Travolta fan.

"Shout" was released in 1991, and was once again considered by Travolta critics to be very weak, they even said that this movie was the end of his career. The movie was about a music teacher, Jack Cabe, who brings hope to a boys home in 1955 West Texas. I have never had the opportunity to see this movie, but his critics were wrong with "Eyes of an Angel," so they may be wrong about "Shout."

"Rambling Rose," was directed by Martha Coolidge. It was released in 1991, and starred Laura Dern, Diane Ladd, Lukas Haas, John Heard, and Robert Duvall.

"Enchanted April," was directed by Mike Newell. It was released in 1991, and starred Josie Lawrence, Miranda Richardson, and Joan Plowright.

From 1992 through 2002, Travolta has starred in approximately twenty seven films and numerous television appearances. Some of his movies and television appearances include "Boris and Natasha," "Pulp Fiction," "White Man's Burden," "Get Shorty," "Broken Arrow," "Face Off," "Phenomenon," "Michael," "Mad City," "America's Flying Aces: The Blue Angels 50th Anniversary," "Happy Birthday Elizabeth: A Celebration of Life," "Behind the Laughs," and "The 73rd Annual Academy Awards" to name just a few.

9. On September 12, 1991, John married actress Kelly Preston in Paris, France?

Answer: False

On September 5, 1991, John married Kelly Preston, but the marriage was not considered legal because any American who is married in France, while having citizenship in the United States is not considered to be legally married. Travolta and Preston were not aware of this fact until after the ceremony had taken place. They were legally married in Daytona, Florida on September 12, 1991.

10. In 1999, he received the "MTV Movie Award" for Best Onscreen Duo, which he shared with Nicholas Cage for their performance in "Face Off"?

Answer: No

Travolta and Cage shared the coveted award, which they received in 1998 for their performance in John Woo's box office hit, "Face Off."

John has proven throughout his magnificent career that he has what it takes to stay on top. He is a devoted husband and father, and has a fan following that other actors envy. From his first appearance as Vinnie Babarino, the American people have watched John grow as a person and as an actor.

All information contained in this quiz can be found at:
www.eonline.com/travoltabio.html, http://entertainment.msn.com/Artist/?artist=141453, http://www.movieclub.com/spotlight/travolta/travolta.html, www.moviething.com/travolta.html, www.amctv.com/johntravoltabio.html, http://www.movieclub.com/spotlight/travolta/travolta.html

I hope that you enjoyed this quiz, and thanks for playing!

Source: Author DakotaNorth

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor JuniorTheJaws before going online.
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The Life of John Travolta Trivia Quiz

John Travolta has been in the television and film industry for over twenty years, and is respected by his peers and fans alike, but how much do you really know about him? Take this quiz to see how much you think you know. Have fun!

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