Brief Introduction of Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston was a versatile American actress and model who graced the screen for over three decades. Known for her captivating beauty and charismatic performances, she appeared in more than 60 television and film productions. Preston gained widespread recognition for her memorable roles in films like “Mischief,” “Twins,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “For Love of the Game.” Her life and career were often intertwined with her high-profile marriage to fellow actor John Travolta, with whom she also shared the screen. Beyond her acting career, she was a dedicated mother and a passionate advocate for various causes.
Kelly Preston Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Kamalelehua Smith |
| Professional Name | Kelly Preston |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Date of Death | July 12, 2020 |
| Place of Death | Clearwater, Florida, U.S. |
| Age at Death | 57 |
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Spouse(s) | Kevin Gage (m. 1985; div. 1987), John Travolta (m. 1991) |
| Children | Jett Travolta (deceased), Ella Bleu Travolta, Benjamin Travolta |
| Net Worth (at time of death) | Approximately $180 million (combined with John Travolta) |
Early Life and Education of Kelly Preston
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith was born on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her middle name, Kamalelehua, means “garden of lehuas” in Hawaiian, a nod to her island heritage. Her mother, Linda, was an administrator of a mental health center. Tragedy struck early in her life when her father, who worked for an agricultural firm, drowned when she was just three years old. Her mother later married Peter Palzis, a personnel director, who adopted Kelly. For a time, she used her stepfather’s name, Kelly Palzis, at the beginning of her acting career.
Preston’s childhood was marked by international experiences. At the age of five, she lived in Iraq for a period due to her stepfather’s work. The family also spent several years in Australia, where she attended Pembroke School in Adelaide. It was in Australia, at the age of 16, that a fashion photographer discovered her, leading to work in commercials and the initial spark of a career in the entertainment industry. She returned to Hawaii for her high school education, graduating from the prestigious Punahou School in 1980, which also counts President Barack Obama among its alumni. Following her passion for the performing arts, she moved to California and studied drama and theater at the University of Southern California.
Kelly Preston’s Career
The Path to Stardom
Kelly Preston’s journey into acting began with an audition for the lead role in the 1980 film “The Blue Lagoon,” a part that ultimately went to Brooke Shields. Undeterred, she adopted the surname “Preston” and began to build her career. She landed early roles in television shows like “Hawaii Five-O” and “CHiPs.” Her film debut came in 1983 with a role in the action movie “10 to Midnight,” followed by appearances in “Christine” and “Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn” in the same year.
Breakthrough and Major Works
Preston’s career gained significant momentum in the mid-1980s. Her roles as the desirable Marilyn McCauley in the teen comedy “Mischief” (1985) and the popular but shallow Deborah Ann Fimple in “Secret Admirer” (1985) established her as a rising star. She continued to appear in a variety of films, including the science-fiction adventure “SpaceCamp” (1986).
A major turning point in her career came in 1988 when she starred opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the blockbuster comedy “Twins.” Her portrayal of Marnie Mason, the love interest of Schwarzenegger’s character, brought her international attention. This role solidified her status as a leading lady capable of holding her own alongside Hollywood’s biggest names.
Throughout the 1990s, Preston delivered a series of memorable performances. One of her most critically acclaimed roles was as Avery Bishop, the assertive and formidable fiancée of Tom Cruise‘s character in the 1996 hit “Jerry Maguire.” Her performance was praised for its strength and comedic timing. That same year, she appeared in the dark comedy “Citizen Ruth,” showcasing her versatility. She also starred in “From Dusk Till Dawn” (1996) and “Nothing to Lose” (1997).
Later Career and Final Role
In the later stages of her career, Kelly Preston continued to work in both film and television. She appeared in “For Love of the Game” (1999) with Kevin Costner and “Jack Frost” (1998) with Michael Keaton. She also co-starred with her husband, John Travolta, in several films, including the science fiction film “Battlefield Earth” (2000) and the biographical film “Gotti” (2018), where she played Victoria Gotti.
Preston also had roles in family-friendly films such as “What a Girl Wants” (2003), “The Cat in the Hat” (2003), and “Sky High” (2005), where she played a superhero mother. She also appeared in the Maroon 5 music video for their hit song “She Will Be Loved” in 2004. Her final film role was in the comedy-drama “Off the Rails,” which was released posthumously in 2021. John Travolta shared that she was very proud of this film and her work with the talented cast.
Kelly Preston Personal Life & Family
Kelly Preston’s personal life was often in the public eye, largely due to her enduring marriage to John Travolta. Before Travolta, she was married to actor Kevin Gage from 1985 to 1987. She was also briefly engaged to actor Charlie Sheen in 1990.
Preston met John Travolta in 1987 during a screen test for their 1989 comedy, “The Experts.” They married in 1991 in a ceremony in Paris. The couple had three children together: a son, Jett, born in 1992; a daughter, Ella Bleu, born in 2000; and another son, Benjamin, born in 2010. Preston was a devoted mother and often spoke of the joy she found in her family.
Tragically, their eldest son, Jett, died at the age of 16 in 2009 from a seizure while the family was on vacation in the Bahamas. This devastating loss had a profound impact on the family. Both Preston and Travolta were devout Scientologists, a faith they shared throughout their marriage.
In 2018, Preston was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to keep her two-year battle with the disease private. Kelly Preston passed away on July 12, 2020, at the age of 57, at her home in Clearwater, Florida. Her death was announced by her husband, John Travolta, in a heartfelt social media post.
Awards and Achievements of Kelly Preston
While Kelly Preston did not receive major industry awards like an Oscar or a Golden Globe, her career was filled with memorable performances that were recognized in other ways. For her role in “Battlefield Earth,” she was a recipient of a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress. She also received nominations for the same award for her roles in “The Cat in the Hat” and “Old Dogs.” Despite these nominations, her performances in films like “Jerry Maguire” and “Twins” were widely praised and contributed to the success of those films, cementing her place as a respected actress in Hollywood.
Kelly Preston Net Worth and Income
At the time of her death in 2020, Kelly Preston and her husband John Travolta had a combined net worth estimated to be around $180 million. This substantial wealth was accumulated through their successful and long-standing careers in the film industry. Their assets included a significant real estate portfolio, with properties in California, Maine, and Florida, including a home in the Jumbolair Aviation Estates, a private airport community.
Legacy and Influence
Kelly Preston left behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actress who could seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles. She was often praised for her ability to bring warmth and charisma to the screen. Her role in “Jerry Maguire” is often cited as a standout performance, demonstrating her skill as a character actress. Beyond her filmography, Preston is remembered for her devotion to her family and her quiet strength in the face of personal tragedy and illness. She was also actively involved in various charitable organizations, focusing on education and drug reform.
Interesting Facts about Kelly Preston
- She was an avid yoga practitioner, which she credited for maintaining a healthy and holistic lifestyle.
- Preston was a spokeswoman for Neutrogena, appearing in their print and television advertisements.
- She was briefly engaged to actor George Clooney in the late 1980s.
- Her final public appearance was on the red carpet for the premiere of her husband’s film “Gotti” in 2018.
- In her final Instagram post, she shared a family selfie to celebrate Father’s Day, honoring her husband.
Controversies
Kelly Preston’s life was largely free of major public controversies. However, she and her family did face a difficult situation following the death of their son, Jett. In 2009, three individuals were arrested in connection with a multi-million dollar extortion plot against the Travolta family regarding the circumstances of Jett’s death. One of the accused was a former Bahamian senator who had been considered a friend of the family.
Earlier in her life, during her engagement to Charlie Sheen, there was an incident where a gun accidentally discharged, resulting in Preston being hit by shrapnel. She later clarified in an interview that Sheen did not shoot her and that it was an accident.
Social Media Presence
Kelly Preston was not a prolific social media user, but she did maintain an Instagram account. Her final post was a tribute to her husband, John Travolta, on Father’s Day, shortly before her passing. It was through John Travolta’s Instagram account that the world learned of her private battle with cancer and her subsequent death, a testament to the power of social media in sharing personal news in the modern era.
Final Words about Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston’s life was one of grace, talent, and resilience. From her international upbringing to her successful career in Hollywood, she captivated audiences with her performances and her radiant presence. Though her life was cut short, her legacy lives on through her memorable roles in a wide range of films and through her beautiful family. Her final film, “Off the Rails,” serves as a poignant farewell to a beloved actress who was, by all accounts, as kind and loving in her personal life as she was charismatic on screen. Her memory continues to be cherished by her family, friends, and fans around the world.
