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7 Surprising Facts About John Travolta’s Three Sisters: Ellen, Ann, And Margaret’s Own Hollywood Careers

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Few people realize that the legendary John Travolta comes from a sprawling family of six siblings, three of whom are his older sisters who have forged impressive, yet often under-the-radar, acting careers of their own. As of late December 2025, the Travolta name continues to make news, with the eldest sister, Ellen Travolta, recently returning to a major soap opera role and starring in a new holiday film, proving the family’s enduring commitment to the entertainment industry is stronger than ever. This deep dive explores the lives, careers, and the powerful family bond shared by Ellen, Ann, and Margaret Travolta.

The Travolta siblings—Ellen, Ann, Margaret, John, Samuel ("Sam"), and Joseph ("Joey")—were raised in Englewood, New Jersey, in a household steeped in performance and the arts. Their mother, Helen Cecilia Burke, was a drama teacher and actress, while their father, Salvatore Travolta, was a former semi-pro football player and tire company owner. This unique blend of artistic encouragement and working-class grit laid the foundation for one of Hollywood’s most recognizable family dynasties.

The Complete Travolta Sisters Biography and Profile

The three older sisters of John Travolta have each carved out distinct careers in film, television, and theater, often working alongside their famous younger brother and other family members. Their collective filmography spans decades, from Broadway to major network television.

  • Full Name: Ellen M. Travolta
  • Born: October 6, 1939
  • Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actress, Singer
  • Notable Roles: Mrs. Hansel in Welcome Back, Kotter; Scottie McCluskey in Happy Days; Louisa Arcola in Joanie Loves Chachi; Gloria in Charles in Charge.
  • Recent Activity: Starring in Hallmark movies (e.g., Haul Out the Halloween) and a return to General Hospital.
  • Full Name: Ann Travolta
  • Born: c. 1948
  • Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actress, Performer
  • Notable Roles: Pizza Girl in Saturday Night Fever; various roles in Swordfish and on Broadway in Grease.
  • Full Name: Margaret Travolta
  • Born: c. 1946
  • Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actress, Character Performer
  • Notable Roles: Radio Therapist in Enchanted; various roles in film and television since 1993.

Ellen Travolta: The Queen of Hallmark and TV Nostalgia

Of the three sisters, Ellen Travolta has maintained the most visible and consistent public career, and her recent projects ensure she remains a relevant figure in the current entertainment landscape. Ellen is perhaps best known for her recurring roles on iconic 1970s and 1980s sitcoms. She played Scottie McCluskey on the hit series Happy Days and later reprised a similar character, Louisa Arcola, in the spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi.

In a fascinating turn, Ellen has become a beloved fixture in the world of made-for-TV movies, particularly those produced by the Hallmark Channel. Her commitment to the festive spirit was highlighted recently when she starred in the new holiday-themed movie, Haul Out the Halloween. In a surprising transformation, the 86-year-old actress was featured as the Bride of Frankenstein, showcasing her enduring love for the spooky season and her versatility as a character actress. This role is a testament to her continued activity in the industry, far beyond her younger brother's shadow.

Furthermore, soap opera fans were delighted by the news of her recent return to General Hospital. Ellen reprised her role in the long-running soap just in time for the highly anticipated wedding of characters Brook Lynn and Chase, proving she is still a go-to performer for significant television events.

Ann and Margaret: The Character Actors of the Travolta Clan

While Ellen took on major recurring sitcom roles, Ann and Margaret Travolta have quietly built solid careers as respected character actresses, often appearing in films alongside their brothers, John and Joey Travolta, or in classic stage productions. This shared professional life highlights the tight-knit nature of the Travolta family and their collective dedication to acting.

Ann Travolta’s most famous cameo is a piece of cinematic history that many fans miss. She appeared in John's breakout film, Saturday Night Fever (1977), where she played the pizza girl who serves him a slice in the opening sequence. This small but memorable role cemented her place in one of the most iconic films of the disco era. Ann also has a strong connection to the stage, having been a performer in the Broadway production of Grease, the musical that would later define her brother John's career. She also worked on the film Swordfish, another project starring her younger brother.

Margaret Travolta, the most private of the three sisters, has a lengthy resume as a professional actress, with credits dating back to 1993 and encompassing over 30 film and television projects. Her work often involves smaller, yet impactful, character roles. One notable example is her voice work as the Radio Therapist in the Disney live-action/animated musical Enchanted (2007). Like her siblings, Margaret’s career demonstrates the family’s deep roots in the New Jersey and New York acting scene before their collective rise to Hollywood fame.

The Shared Legacy and The Travolta Entertainment Bloodline

The success of the Travolta siblings can be directly traced back to their parents. Their mother, Helen Cecilia Burke, was an accomplished drama teacher who ran an acting workshop, and their father, Salvatore, was a partner in a tire company. It was Helen who instilled the love of performance and the necessary skills into all six children. The entire family, including brothers Joey Travolta and Sam Travolta, often performed together in local productions, building a shared foundation that would propel them all into professional careers.

This shared experience is why John Travolta and his sisters have often collaborated. They view the industry not just as a career but as a family business, a tradition that continues with John’s own children, Ella Travolta and Benjamin Travolta, who are also pursuing creative paths. The sisters, particularly Ellen, have frequently spoken about their close relationship with John, reflecting on their shared journey through the demanding world of entertainment. This enduring bond, forged in the working-class theater workshops of New Jersey, remains a central, stabilizing force in the life of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

The careers of Ellen, Ann, and Margaret Travolta are a powerful reminder that the Travolta name represents more than just one superstar. It signifies a collective of six talented siblings whose passion for acting was nurtured from a young age, creating a powerful and enduring legacy in American film and television that continues to generate fresh news and updates today.

john travolta sister
john travolta sister

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