John Travolta Credits ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ For His Success - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 01-30-2010, 01:48 AM

Link

NEW YORK, N.Y. --
John Travolta is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and hardworking actors, but he credits his success to one thing – “Welcome Back, Kotter.”

And John revealed how indebted he is to the 1970’s television show that made him a star during an interview alongside his “From Paris with Love” co-star Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

“It’s where I got my start,” John told Jonathan as the two were interviewed by Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush on Friday in New York City. “I wouldn’t be sitting here next to you today if it weren’t for ‘Welcome Back, Kotter.’”

Jonathan, who grew up in Ireland, hadn’t heard of the series, but listened attentively as John reminisced about his early days as an actor.

”[19]75… I was 21… I got the pilot,” John recounted. “Then you have to wait. You have to wait three months with baited breath and then they finally let you know [if the show gets picked up].

“When we [were paired] with ‘Happy Days.’ I knew we were an automatic hit,” he added.

catlover79 · 01-30-2010, 01:50 AM

Very cool!

Marvo301 · 01-30-2010, 02:04 AM

It's always nice when an actor embraces his TV roots rather than trying to run away from them. Good for John.

Schmoopie · 01-30-2010, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

It's always nice when an actor embraces his TV roots rather than trying to run away from them. Good for John.

I agree! That's a great story!

catlover79 · 01-30-2010, 04:29 AM

John Travolta has always seemed to have his head screwed on straight when it comes to Hollywood. He seems like a nice man, polite and kind. I don't agree with his religious beliefs, but at least he doesn't try to ram them down people's throats and not condemn them for not following his prescription for life (*coughTomCruisecough*). He's endured some awful tragedies (the loss of his fiancee, Diana Hyland, in 1977 - and of course his son Jett last year), but he seems to handle them with grace. I wonder if he's in touch with any of the WBK gang.

MickeyMac · 01-30-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

John Travolta has always seemed to have his head screwed on straight when it comes to Hollywood. He seems like a nice man, polite and kind. I don't agree with his religious beliefs, but at least he doesn't try to ram them down people's throats and not condemn them for not following his prescription for life (*coughTomCruisecough*). He's endured some awful tragedies (the loss of his fiancee, Diana Hyland, in 1977 - and of course his son Jett last year), but he seems to handle them with grace. I wonder if he's in touch with any of the WBK gang.

I couldnt have said that better myself.

catlover79 · 01-30-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyMac

I couldnt have said that better myself.

Thanks! I just call them like I see them.

Pitooey · 01-31-2010, 12:04 AM

And to think I was in

with John back then.

hatwink · 03-29-2010, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

John Travolta has always seemed to have his head screwed on straight when it comes to Hollywood. He seems like a nice man, polite and kind. I don't agree with his religious beliefs, but at least he doesn't try to ram them down people's throats and not condemn them for not following his prescription for life (*coughTomCruisecough*). He's endured some awful tragedies (the loss of his fiancee, Diana Hyland, in 1977 - and of course his son Jett last year), but he seems to handle them with grace. I wonder if he's in touch with any of the WBK gang.

I think all of them have remained, at least in touch, to this very day.Lawrencel Hilton-Jacobs once talked about it in an interview a few years back.In his case, I think him and Bobby Hegyes stay in touch the most.

Chocolate Moose · 03-29-2010, 03:30 PM

but he never came to any Kotter reunions, though.

catlover79 · 03-29-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocolate Moose

but he never came to any Kotter reunions, though.

Good point. Hey, even Ron Howard (big-time, Oscar-winning director) participates in as many Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days reunion as he can. Why John can't/won't is beyond me.

Dr. Thong · 12-09-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocolate Moose

but he never came to any Kotter reunions, though.

True. I have never heard John acknowledge Kotter in any way shape or form until I read this post.

It would be great to get the cast together and do a retrospective show where they sit around and reminisce, but I won't hold my breath waiting for it to happen.

biffbronson · 12-10-2010, 10:00 AM

"I said a Bar - Bar - Bar - Bar - Barbarino" (LOL)

Rewound50 · 08-03-2015, 11:42 AM

Without question Travolta would never have been a household name if it were not for Kotter. That show gave him the funds to find the agent to get him the roles that made him the icon he is today. Without that show, he would have missed that critical period and likely faded into actor oblivion with millions of others wanting to make it big. True, Travolta had the goods to eventually become a star, but his legacy is forever framed in Kotter, Fever, and Grease. Without those, he would largely be unknown to the public today.

Planet Claire · 08-03-2015, 02:21 PM

Great Story. John really seems like a fantastic all around person. It is great that he looks back on his T.V. roots and the success of "Welcome Back Kotter" to his successes now in the business.

01-30-2010, 01:48 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,386	John Travolta Credits ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ For His Success Link NEW YORK, N.Y. -- John Travolta is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and hardworking actors, but he credits his success to one thing – “Welcome Back, Kotter.” And John revealed how indebted he is to the 1970’s television show that made him a star during an interview alongside his “From Paris with Love” co-star Jonathan Rhys Meyers. “It’s where I got my start,” John told Jonathan as the two were interviewed by Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush on Friday in New York City. “I wouldn’t be sitting here next to you today if it weren’t for ‘Welcome Back, Kotter.’” Jonathan, who grew up in Ireland, hadn’t heard of the series, but listened attentively as John reminisced about his early days as an actor. ”[19]75… I was 21… I got the pilot,” John recounted. “Then you have to wait. You have to wait three months with baited breath and then they finally let you know [if the show gets picked up]. “When we [were paired] with ‘Happy Days.’ I knew we were an automatic hit,” he added.
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01-30-2010, 01:50 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Very cool!
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01-30-2010, 02:04 AM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	It's always nice when an actor embraces his TV roots rather than trying to run away from them. Good for John.
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01-31-2010, 12:04 AM	#8
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	And to think I was in with John back then.
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03-29-2010, 03:30 PM	#10
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,899	but he never came to any Kotter reunions, though.
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01-30-2010, 04:29 AM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	John Travolta has always seemed to have his head screwed on straight when it comes to Hollywood. He seems like a nice man, polite and kind. I don't agree with his religious beliefs, but at least he doesn't try to ram them down people's throats and not condemn them for not following his prescription for life (coughTomCruisecough). He's endured some awful tragedies (the loss of his fiancee, Diana Hyland, in 1977 - and of course his son Jett last year), but he seems to handle them with grace. I wonder if he's in touch with any of the WBK gang.

12-10-2010, 10:00 AM	#13
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,502	"I said a Bar - Bar - Bar - Bar - Barbarino" (LOL)
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08-03-2015, 11:42 AM	#14
Rewound50 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 28, 2015 Location: Louisville Posts: 46	Without question Travolta would never have been a household name if it were not for Kotter. That show gave him the funds to find the agent to get him the roles that made him the icon he is today. Without that show, he would have missed that critical period and likely faded into actor oblivion with millions of others wanting to make it big. True, Travolta had the goods to eventually become a star, but his legacy is forever framed in Kotter, Fever, and Grease. Without those, he would largely be unknown to the public today.

08-03-2015, 02:21 PM	#15
Planet Claire Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 02, 2015 Posts: 222	Great Story. John really seems like a fantastic all around person. It is great that he looks back on his T.V. roots and the success of "Welcome Back Kotter" to his successes now in the business.