The legendary John Travolta is making headlines this week, not for a new cinematic role, but for a rare and heartwarming glimpse into his private life. On 8 February 2026, the 71-year-old actor shared a “belated Christmas card” on social media, sparking a wave of fan engagement over how much his children have grown.
The photograph features Travolta alongside his daughter, Ella Bleu, 25, and his son, Benjamin, 15. Observers were quick to note that Benjamin now “towers over” his father, marking a significant growth spurt for the teenager. Travolta, who shares his children with his late wife Kelly Preston, has largely stepped back from the Hollywood dating scene to focus on his family, recently describing their collective healing process as a “personal and private journey.”
Cinematic Legacy and Recent Revivals
While his family life takes centre stage, Travolta’s professional legacy continues to resonate across the industry. Recent reports have highlighted several milestones and re-releases related to his most iconic work:
- Grease Nostalgia: Director Randal Kleiser recently shared insights into the casting of the 1978 classic, revealing that Travolta was the definitive choice for Danny Zuko after Henry Winkler turned down the role. Travolta also recently delighted fans by donning the Zuko attire for a special screening event.
- Pulp Fiction Style: Watchmaker Timex has announced a reissue of the “Red Vega” 1978 watch, an iconic timepiece worn by Travolta’s character, Vincent Vega, in the 1994 Quentin Tarantino masterpiece.
- Streaming Hits: Travolta’s 1998 action thriller Face/Off, co-starring Nicolas Cage, has seen a resurgence in popularity on Paramount+, currently holding a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
A Career of Resilience
Born on 18 February 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey, Travolta first rose to fame in the 1970s on the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter before becoming a global superstar with Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Despite a “sad tale” of recent box-office struggles—including reports of one indie film earning as little as $171—industry critics still rank Travolta among the “unbreakable” stars whose cultural impact remains impervious to occasional flops.
As he approaches his 72nd birthday later this month, Travolta remains a beloved figure in Canadian and international pop culture, balancing the weight of his Hollywood history with his role as a devoted father.