Olivia Newton-John Reportedly Didn't Pursue Romance With John Travolta Over Scientology Concerns

Ever since appearing as the leads in the musical film Grease, fans have always adoredJohn Travolta and Olivia Newton-John's chemistry on and off screen. According to claims in a new biography, Newton-John turned her back on a possible romance with the actor over Scientology.

In the new biography by Matthew Hild titled A Little More Love: The Life and Legacy of Olivia Newton-John, he claims that the late actor asked around about Travolta's involvement with Scientology after filming Grease. Travolta is one of many A-list Hollywood actors a part of the religious movement, with him having openly talked about his involvement since the mid-1970's. He was introduced to Scientology by fellow actors and got more involved while filming The Devil's Rain.

For years, Grease castmates believed that Newton-John and Travolta had chemistry that went beyond their characters. Twenty years after filming the iconic movie, the two were still closer than ever, with Hild writing in his book about a conversation she had with a bandmate.

The book reveals that a musician who had been married to a Scientologist joined her band and became good friends with the actor. It led to a conversation about the dynamics of marriage within the religion. Newton-John wanted to ask a personal question, to which he agreed and said that if he knew that Travolta was a Scientologist. The musician was well aware of Travolta's status.

"I know the Church of Scientology really reveres him as a very valuable follower. If I had married John, would he have expected me to become a Scientologist?" asked Newton-John.

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The reason for her question was undeniable, with the musician having told the actor that he wasn't required to convert to Scientology. He did express that "it would have been encouraged, put it that way." His response ended the conversation, with Newton-John saying that it's all she needed to know. According to Hild, that conversation is what likely led the actor to continue her friendship with Travolta instead of a romantic relationship.

While remaining close friends, Newton-John would end up marrying Matt Lattanzi in 1984 and would later divorce in 1996. The actor/singer would then marry John Esterling in 2008, and they were together until her death from breast cancer in 2022. Travolta, on the other hand, would go on to marry Kelly Preston in 1991, and they were together until she died in 2020. Preston was introduced to Scientology in the 1990s and was a supporter alongside her husband.

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM.