In his newly released memoir, Barry Diller, a giant in entertainment, spills some unexpected tea about why John Travolta walked away from a role in 1980's film, *American Gigolo*. Travolta, who was on a high from hits like *Saturday Night Fever* and *Grease*, reportedly felt uneasy about what Diller describes as a "somewhat gay subtext" in Paul Schrader's movie.
Originally set and ready as Julian Kay, a smooth-talking male escort in Schrader's film, Travolta pulled out just as shooting was about start, setting off a wave in media circles.
Behind The Scenes: Doubts And Decisions
Barry Diller, who you might know as a co-founder in Fox Broadcasting and a past Paramount Pictures bigwig, was right in thick during this Hollywood saga. In *Who Knew*, his memoir, Diller talks about a pivotal meeting between Travolta and Michael Eisner, then-president at Paramount. Over a cup coffee, Travolta, weighed down by grief after losing his girlfriend Diana Hyland and his mother, told Eisner he just couldn't go on with project.
Diller writes, "Michael walked over my office, saying John felt he just couldn't do film." Diller had a hunch Travolta was leaning on personal tragedies as a shield, perhaps wanting dodge because film's underlying gay themes made him uneasy.
Despite Diller's attempts, Travolta's manager played a key role in nudged him away from movie, and Travolta remained unmoved in his choice.
Richard Gere Steps In
With Travolta's exit, Richard Gere stepped up, embracing Julian Kay's complex character with all its challenges. Recalling in a 2012 chat, Gere mentioned, "Julian intrigued me. The subtle gay elements were part what pulled me in. I wanted explore parts life and culture I wasn't familiar with."
Backing up Diller's account, director Paul Schrader noted that while Travolta's hesitation over themes was a big factor, it wasn't only one. Travolta was juggling major personal losses and career pressures as well.
Unfolding Rumors And Personal Insights
Media's long speculated about Travolta's sexuality, often as juicy gossip. Schrader said, "I'm not sure if those rumors about John were true, but they sure were buzzing back then." Travolta, married Kelly Preston from 1991 until her passing in 2020, has always denied such rumors.
Intriguingly, Barry Diller's faced similar whispers. In *Who Knew*, he opens up about being attracted men before his lasting bond with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. "Before Diane, I couldn't picture being with a woman," Diller reveals. "But our connection? It was undeniable."
Exploring Personal Choices And Identity
In his book, Diller addresses his personal life, saying his relationship with von Furstenberg doesn't erase his attraction men. "I've lived authentically, never feeling need fit within labels," he shares.
His journey offers a peek human relationships and identity's fluidity, reflecting a time when such talks weren't as common.
As entertainment evolves, discussions about representation and identity become vital, with stories from folks like Diller and Travolta playing key roles in pushing a narrative that's more inclusive.
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