John Travolta's Departure from "American Gigolo": The Untold Story

In a candid look back at a pivotal moment in Hollywood, billionaire and former Paramount executive Barry Diller, who also co-founded Fox Broadcasting Company, sheds some light on John Travolta's surprising decision not take on a leading role in "American Gigolo." According Diller, Travolta's choice was largely driven by his concerns over what he saw as a "somewhat gay subtext" in in movie.

John Travolta's meteoric rise

By late 70s and early 80s, John Travolta was riding high, captivating audiences with his performances in "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease." He was one Hollywood's hottest stars, and had initially been cast as Julian Kay in "American Gigolo," directed by Paul Schrader. The film was poised be a major hit, focusing on life a male escort. Richard Gere, who eventually took on role, would go on make it a defining moment in his career. Travolta stepping away from project reshaped its path significantly.

Personal struggles behind scenes

In Barry Diller's memoir, "Who Knew," he recounts a meeting between Travolta and then-President Paramount Pictures, Michael Eisner, that revealed how Travolta was dealing with personal turmoil. Having recently lost both his mother and girlfriend, Diana Hyland, Travolta told Eisner he couldn't move forward with film.

"He slumped down a chair in Michael's office, started cry, and said: 'I can't do American Gigolo. I'm too sad, I'm still in mourning. It's wrong thing me do, you have let me out it,'" Diller recalled. Eisner, moved by Travolta's honesty, released him from his contract.

Concerns over film's themes

Besides personal grief, Diller believed there was another reason behind Travolta's exit. He thought Travolta was uneasy about film's "somewhat gay subtext" and worried about what it might do his rising career. Diller felt Travolta "acted his through his meeting with Michael," using his grief as a credible reason bow out.

Diller tried change Travolta's mind, inviting him over a heart-to-heart about role's importance. "Right now, you're biggest star in India, and you worry you might blow it," Diller supposedly told him. "This a critical time you, and when you've got great script and great part, don't let anything scare you off." Unfortunately, their talk only added strain their relationship.

The lasting impact on Hollywood

With Travolta out, Richard Gere took on role Julian Kay, marking a turning point in his career. "American Gigolo" went on earn nearly $53 million worldwide from modest $5 million budget.

Years later, director Paul Schrader confirmed Diller's recollection, acknowledging Travolta's apprehensions about film's themes and his personal issues. Despite initial hiccup, film became classic, with Gere's performance still earning praise.

Travolta's choice step away from "American Gigolo" remains compelling chapter in Hollywood history, illustrating delicate interplay between private struggles and career decisions.

We've reached out John Travolta hear his take on this intriguing story.

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