John Travolta, 72, flew his own private jet off the runway at his $10 million home in the US to head to Cannes Film Festival for his directing debut, for Propeller One-Way Night Coach this week. The actor took to Instagram to share clips from the journey, which he took alongside his 26-year-old daughter, Ella, who stars in the new film.
"The champagne is on me," the star joked as he did a captain's announcement from the runway, which is essentially in his back garden. The Grease star built his dream home on the Jumbolair Aviation Estates airstrip because of his love of flying. As well as it being a sweet father-daughter moment, there could be another reason why John chose to fly his private jet himself from home, and that's because he's due to part ways with his beloved residence soon, as it is currently on the market and awaiting a buyer.
© Mondadori Portfolio via Getty ImJohn Travolta's appearance
Unbelievably, it's not the fact that John flew his own plane that has got people talking; instead, it has been the actor's youthful appearance that has garnered attention. "Not John Travolta… Benjamin Button," is the most liked comment under his video. Other comments included: "He looks great, doesn't he?"
One fan penned: "Don't think enough people are realizing he flew that plane here," to which someone else replied: "I honestly didn’t know until I read your comment. I was too busy noticing how young he looks."
© Getty ImagesPart of that youthful look was his new style - complete with a beret. It turns out this was a very conscious decision from John. His fashion statement was more than a sartorial success - it was a statement.
"I have over 50 years of me at events and happenings, and I can't tell the difference with what I wore," he told the TODAY show. "I'm not an actor this time, I'm a director. Show up like a director," he continued. "So I did that, and that's really the simplicity of it." It transpires that berets are synonymous with directors and John was keen to follow suit.
Life after wife Kelly
© ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULATLeaving his family home will be hard because of his passion for planes, but also because he built it alongside his wife, Kelly Preston, who sadly passed away in 2020. Hollywood star John has been open about his struggles with grief over her passing.
"The most important thing you can do to help another when they are in mourning," John told Esquire Spain. "Is to allow them to live it and not complicate it with yours."
Last year, he shared a very touching tribute to his late wife on Instagram, which left his followers in tears. "John, this is so beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes," wrote one fan underneath a video he shared.
