Driveway Moment^SM

John Travolta
An interview with actor John Travolta.
Fresh Air - April 10, 2003
Expanded Coverage

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Suggested by Elaine, who listens to KUHF in Houston:

"Listening to an interview with John Travolta re: his parents' encouragement of his dramatic ability, singing & dancing; his discussion with Saturday Night Fever director concerning whether to use "Staying Alive" for the walking scene or the dance solo; Travolta opted for the walking scene because the slower beat of "Staying Alive" was more suitable for walking than dancing. And that's how his now famous walk for the opening scene was decided!

I was enthralled by his "Everyman" tone and intrigued by his educational experiences. He "didn't do so well" in 4th grade Catholic school, so the only way for him to advance to 5th was to attend a public school. He said it was the best thing that could have happened because he was in the "real" world -- a black athlete on his right, an Indian boy behind him, a beautiful Jewish girl on his left, and a Chinese girl in front of him. He learned movements, demeanor, etc. which fed his innate sense of drama and found its way into his on-camera skills. The walk for Saturday Night Fever came from his memory of the "cool" black athletes' walk in public school.

I found I was listening to an American success story based on the touch points we idealize -- talent, family support, public education's strength, and hard work. Wow! He's not just another pretty face gone Hollywood."

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