Scientology is considered a highly controversial religion and, beyond the many allegations made against it over the years, it may also have indirectly prevented a romance many would have loved to see: John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Travolta and Newton-John met in 1977 while filming Grease, which was released the following year, became a global hit and remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
In a new book about the late star’s life, A Little More Love: The Life and Legacy of Olivia Newton-John, author Matthew Hild claims the two — or at least Newton-John — wanted to continue the romantic connection after filming ended, but Travolta’s lifestyle after joining Scientology several years earlier made her give up on the idea.
According to Hild, a few years after filming Grease, Newton-John was on tour when, during a conversation with one of her musicians, who had previously been married to a Scientologist, she asked: “I know the church sees John as a very important member. If I married him, would he expect me to become a Scientologist?” The musician, whose name was not disclosed, replied: “You wouldn’t have to, but let’s just say you would be encouraged to do it.” She answered: “Thank you, that’s all I needed to know.”
In 2018, during celebrations marking 40 years since the film’s release, actress Didi Conn, who played Frenchy, described in an interview how it looked from her side. She recalled filming an alternative scene meant to close the movie, in which Danny and Sandy shared a passionate kiss. She said the two enjoyed that kiss a little too much: “They weren’t pretending in that moment. It was real, very real.”
At the same time, Newton-John clarified in an interview: “We both had partners then, and I think it just didn’t happen. But it was for the best, because it kept the tension and chemistry between us. It could have been a disaster if we had decided to date and then fallen out, so I think it’s good that it didn’t happen.”
They never became a couple, but remained close friends over the years. In 1983, they reunited on the big screen in Two of a Kind — which, in terms of success, was the complete opposite of their first collaboration: It failed at the box office, was panned by critics and earned them and the film nominations for that year’s Razzie Awards.
Newton-John was married twice: from 1984 to 1995 to actor Matt Lattanzi, who had appeared two years earlier in Grease 2, and with whom she had a daughter. She later married businessman John Easterling in 2008 and remained married to him until her death from cancer in 2022 at age 73.
Travolta was married to actress Kelly Preston from 1991 until 2020. She also died of breast cancer. The couple had three children.
After Newton-John’s death, Travolta eulogized her: “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again.” He added: “Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John.”