John Travolta was born on February 18, 1954 in Englewood, New Jersey. His father, Salvatore Travolta, was a former semi-professional football player, and later co-owner of a tire shop. John's mother, Helen Travolta, was an actress and drama coach, exposing John to acting early in his life. John has 3 sisters (Ellen, Annie, and Margaret) and two brothers (Joey and Sammy). Both Ellen and Joey act as well, and mother Helen appeared in Grease in the diner scene.