
Kelly Preston was an actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Born on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she starred in numerous films and TV shows, captivating audiences with her charm and talent. Did you know she was fluent in Hawaiian? Her career spanned over three decades, featuring roles in hits like "Jerry Maguire" and "Twins." Beyond acting, she was a devoted mother and wife to John Travolta. What else made her life so fascinating? From her early days in Hawaii to her final years, Kelly's journey was filled with intriguing moments and achievements. Let's dive into 34 facts that celebrate her remarkable life and career.
Early Life and Background
Kelly Preston's life was filled with interesting moments and achievements. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about her early years and background.
- 01Kelly Kamalelehua Smith was born on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- 02Her middle name, Kamalelehua, means "garden of lehuas" in Hawaiian.
- 03She spent part of her childhood in Iraq, where her father worked for an agricultural firm.
- 04After her father's death, her mother remarried, and Kelly took her stepfather's surname, Palzis.
- 05Kelly attended Pembroke School in Adelaide, Australia, before moving back to the United States.
- 06She graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu, the same school Barack Obama attended.
Career Beginnings
Kelly Preston's career in Hollywood began with small roles, but she quickly made a name for herself. Here are some key moments from her early career.
- 07Her first notable role was in the 1983 film "10 to Midnight" alongside Charles Bronson.
- 08She appeared in the music video for Maroon 5's song "She Will Be Loved" in 2004.
- 09Kelly starred in the 1985 teen comedy "Mischief," which helped her gain recognition.
- 10She played a memorable role in the 1988 film "Twins" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
- 11Kelly guest-starred in popular TV shows like "CHiPs" and "Tales from the Crypt."
Major Film Roles
Kelly Preston's filmography includes a variety of roles that showcased her versatility as an actress. Here are some of her most significant film roles.
- 12She starred in the 1996 romantic comedy "Jerry Maguire" alongside Tom Cruise.
- 13Kelly played the role of Jane Aubrey in the 1999 sports drama "For Love of the Game" with Kevin Costner.
- 14She appeared in the 2000 sci-fi film "Battlefield Earth," which was based on a novel by L. Ron Hubbard.
- 15Kelly starred in the 2003 comedy "What a Girl Wants" with Amanda Bynes.
- 16She played Victoria Gotti in the 2018 biographical crime film "Gotti," opposite her husband, John Travolta.
Personal Life
Kelly Preston's personal life was as intriguing as her professional career. Here are some interesting facts about her relationships and family.
- 17Kelly was briefly married to actor Kevin Gage from 1985 to 1987.
- 18She had a high-profile relationship with George Clooney in the late 1980s.
- 19Kelly was engaged to actor Charlie Sheen in 1990, but they never married.
- 20She met John Travolta while filming "The Experts" in 1987, and they married in 1991.
- 21Kelly and John had three children: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin.
- 22Tragically, their eldest son, Jett, passed away in 2009 at the age of 16.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Kelly Preston was known for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work. Here are some notable contributions she made.
- 23Kelly and John Travolta were active supporters of the Church of Scientology.
- 24She was an advocate for children's health and worked with organizations like the Children's Health Environmental Coalition.
- 25Kelly supported various charities, including the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Dream Foundation.
- 26She was involved in raising awareness about autism and other developmental disorders.
Later Career and Legacy
Kelly Preston continued to work in the entertainment industry until her untimely death. Here are some highlights from her later career and her lasting legacy.
- 27She appeared in the 2010 film "The Last Song" with Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth.
- 28Kelly starred in the 2016 film "The Life and Death of John Gotti," which was later retitled "Gotti."
- 29Her final film role was in the 2020 comedy-drama "Off the Rails," released posthumously.
- 30Kelly was known for her warm and friendly demeanor on set, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues.
- 31She left a lasting impact on the film industry with her diverse roles and memorable performances.
- 32Kelly's legacy continues through her work, her family, and the charitable causes she supported.
Interesting Tidbits
Here are some lesser-known facts and interesting tidbits about Kelly Preston that you might find surprising.
- 33Kelly was fluent in both English and Hawaiian.
- 34She was a licensed pilot, just like her husband, John Travolta.
Kelly Preston's Legacy
Kelly Preston's life was filled with fascinating moments and achievements. From her early days in Hawaii to her successful acting career, she left a mark on Hollywood. Her roles in movies like "Jerry Maguire" and "Twins" showcased her talent and versatility. Beyond acting, Kelly was a devoted mother and wife, supporting her family through thick and thin.
Her philanthropic efforts, especially in children's health and education, highlighted her compassionate nature. Kelly's battle with breast cancer was a testament to her strength and resilience. Though she passed away in 2020, her legacy lives on through her work and the memories she created with loved ones.
Remembering Kelly Preston means celebrating a life well-lived, full of passion, love, and dedication. Her story continues to inspire many, reminding us of the impact one person can have on the world.
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