John Travolta shocks fans with unrecognizable new look alongside daughter: 'Is that him?'


The dad-daughter duo made an appearance on the red carpet in Cannes


John Travolta at the Fourth Annual Academy Museum Gala held at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.© Getty Images
Hannah Hargrave
Hannah HargraveUS Deputy Editor
May 15, 2026
Share this:

John Travolta has a brand new look and fans were so stunned by his fresh-faced appearance that they weren't convinced it wasn't him. 

The Grease star stepped out alongside his daughter, Ella, at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where he received an honourary lifetime achievement Palm d'Or award before the screening of the movie Propeller One-Way Night Coach.

John was all smiles alongside Ella and appeared emotional as he received his award. 

John Travolta and Ella Bleu Travolta on the red racpet© PA Images via Getty Images
John Travolta and Ella Bleu Travolta

However, his achievement was almost overshadowed by his makeover. John donned a white beret and glasses, and his moustache and beard were so neatly manicured, it almost looked as though they had been drawn on. 

'It does not look like him'

John gave a sneak peek at his new look prior to this appearance, when he and Ella shared a video of themselves on Instagram. 

John in white beret with new look as he received his achievement and looked emotional © Anadolu via Getty Images
He received his achievement and looked emotional

Fans were quick to comment on the video — this time he donned a black beret — and were startled by him. 

One wrote: "It does not look like him at all," while others commented that he appeared to have lost weight and one asked: "Is that him?" Many said how lovely it was to see the close bond between him and his daughter, and there were plenty of congratulatory messages too. 

WATCH: John Travolta looks very different in new video with daughter Ella

Family film

John's new film is based on the star's own children's novel from back in 1997 that spotlights his love for aviation. It features him as the narrator, with a cast that includes Ella, Clark Shotwell, Kelly Eviston-Quinnett, Olga Hoffmann.

John Travolta with son Benjamin, wife Kelly and daughter Ella
John with his late wife, Kelly, and their children Benjamin and Ella

A synopsis for the film, per Apple, reads: "Set in the golden age of aviation, a young airplane enthusiast, Jeff (Clark Shotwell), and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) set off on a one-way cross-country odyssey to Hollywood, which transforms a simple flight into the trip of a lifetime."

"Between airline meals, charming flight attendants (Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boy's future."

Media Image

Exciting news, royal fans! The team behind HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast is celebrating the publication of Ingrid Seward's new book, Catherine & Diana, which you'll be able to see before it officially hits shelves!

Join hosts Emily, Andrea and Emmy on 23 September, when they will share anecdotes about the two Princesses of Wales, as well as giving royal fans the chance to meet author Ingrid Seward. Hear untold stories from Ingrid, who knew Diana personally and enjoyed "girly chats" with her at the palace, and HELLO!'s royal experts, who have shadowed and covered Princess Kate's transformation from shy royal girlfriend to confident Queen-in-the-making.

It promises to be a truly special occasion, and you can book your place now by clicking the button below...

More US
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.