John Travolta was Overcome with Emotion at the Oscars While Reflecting on his Beloved ‘Grease’ Co-Star, Creating a Truly Memorable Moment

Every year, the In Memoriam section of the Oscars brings both industry professionals and audiences to tears. It is an emotional tribute that celebrates all those who have left a lasting mark in Hollywood, with their innovative minds and remarkable creativity.

John Travolta’s memorable role in the classic musical Grease alongside Olivia Newton-John gave him star power that remains even after her passing last August.

As Travolta addressed the audience, he became increasingly emotional while failing to utter his scene partner’s name; however, it was visible and audible in his choked-up delivery of the speech.

 

John Travolta gets emotional as he introduces the “In Memoriam” segment at the #Oscars: “They’ve made us smile, and became dear friends who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to.” https://t.co/ndiKiHfmID pic.twitter.com/67NZN8e11d

— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023

“In this industry we have the rare luxury of getting to do what we love for a living, and sometimes getting to do it with people that we come to love. And since tonight is a celebration of the work and the accomplishments of our community in this past year, it is only fitting then that we celebrate those we’ve lost.

Who’ve dedicated their lives to their craft, both in front of and behind the camera. Through their immeasurable contributions, each of them left an individual and indelible mark that shared and informed us. They’ve touched our hearts, they’ve made us smile, and became dear friends who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to.”

It is a testament to John Travolta’s strength of character that he managed to remain composed while on stage introducing Lenny Kravitz, considering his recent loss of Olivia Newton-John and the other artists featured in In Memoriam.

The 2023 Oscars was filled with remarkable acceptance speeches and moments to remember (Ke Huy Quan’s Best Supporting Actor win is certainly one of them), however, it surely had its fair share of tearjerker moment as Travolta spoke lovingly about his late co-star.