John Travolta wept on stage at the 95th Academy Awards when introducing the In Memoriam segment and paying respect to his former co-star Olivia Newton-John.
John's reference to the tune Hopelessly Devoted To You, which Olivia's character Sandy sang in the 1978 picture Grease, caused the audience to weep along with the actor. Before continuing to introduce the In Memoriam tribute, his voice cracked.
John Travolta Introduces Oscars 'In Memoriam'
Lenny Kravitz performed on stage while the names of individuals who had died in the industry in the past year were shown on a screen.
Per LADBible, Newton-John died in August of last year at 73, with her husband, John Easterling describing her as a "symbol of achievements and optimism." During the part, the names Irene Papas, Robbie Coltrane, Kirstie Alley, Dame Angela Lansbury, Irene Cara, Ray Liotta, Nichelle Nichols, Burt Bacharach, Vangelis, James Caan, and Raquel Welch are displayed on the screen.
John Travolta's remark, which was met with cheers from the crowd, was as follows: "They've touched our hearts, they've made us smile, and became dear friends, whom we will always remain hopelessly devoted to."
Lenny performed on the piano and sang as photographs of the honorees appeared on a screen in front of the crowd. Olivia was the first recipient of recognition. When the renowned actress died in August 2022, Hollywood was in mourning.
John Travolta commemorated what would have been Olivia's 74th birthday one month after her passing by uploading a photo of them performing 'You're the One That I Want' after the 1978 film. John Travolta penned "Happy Birthday, My Olivia."
Hollywood Life reported that this was Lenny's first time performing at the Oscars. Being selected to head the 'In Memoriam' section is a tremendous honor for any industry professional.
John Travolta was overwhelmed by feelings, becoming teary-eyed and distressed. There was an audible response from the audience. Online fans reacted with sympathy to his emotional time.
Fans went to Twitter to comment on the poignant moment, with one user writing, "Moving and emotional intro by John Travolta to the In Memoriam segment with #Oscars #AcademyAwards."
One fan tweeted, "Not John Travolta quoting hopelessly devoted to you by Olivia newton john in his introduction to the #Oscars tribute performance."
Not John Travolta quoting hopelessly devoted to you by Olivia newton john in his introduction to the #Oscars tribute performance pic.twitter.com/pJATpFMbaD
— 😤 (@barchiebaby) March 13, 2023
Find yourself a friend in life who clearly loves you like John Travolta loved Olivia Newton-John. #Oscar #Oscars pic.twitter.com/XICYs708bR
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 13, 2023
Aaaaawwww John Travolta is so touched by Olivia's passing. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/9Vqkdn72cH
— D.Mind@G. (@dmg1588) March 13, 2023
Olivia Newton-John's Death
Before her legendary part in Grease, the vivacious British-Australian had a tremendous singing career with five number-one songs on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 1970s. 'Have You Never Been Mellow' was nominated for a Grammy and followed her last two chart-topping singles.
In the days following her death, her Grease co-stars expressed their grief. Didi Conn spoke on Good Morning America to discuss the dying days of Olivia. She became teary-eyed during the conversation due to her sensitivity. The actress described to the presenter what working with the Grease actor was like.
According to The Sun, Didi stated that she had communicated with Olivia just weeks before her death. The two women met on the set of Grease and were close friends for many years after the film's completion. Didi recalled the initial encounter with her co-star.
