Let me tell you a story about a woman who became an icon, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing for her. Olivia Newton-John almost said no to the role of Sandy in the 1978 blockbuster Grease. Why? Well, at 29 years old, she worried she’d look out of place playing a high school student. But let’s rewind for a moment. Olivia wasn’t just concerned about her age; she was also hesitant to risk her flourishing music career on a film that might not live up to expectations. Imagine that—turning down what would become one of the most beloved musicals of all time!
Thankfully, Olivia took the leap, and the rest is history. The cast, some of whom were even older than Olivia, pulled off their roles with charm and authenticity. Grease didn’t just become a hit; it became a cultural phenomenon. Olivia transformed from a Grammy-winning singer into a household name. But her journey didn’t stop there. In recent years, she’s also become an inspiration to millions, especially those battling cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, she’s faced this challenge head-on not once, but three times. And guess what? She calls herself a “thriver.” Olivia’s commitment to finding kinder cancer treatments is evident through her work at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
Stick around to dive deeper into Closer’s exclusive Q&A with Olivia Newton-John!
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What Did Olivia Newton-John Do Over the Last Year?
Life slowed down for Olivia Newton-John over the past year, and she couldn’t be happier about it. “I’ve spent most of my time at home in California,” she shares with a smile. “We’re technically Florida residents, but we ended up staying in California during the pandemic. You know, if you can call being stuck in such a beautiful place ‘stuck.’” For someone who’s spent most of her life traveling—whether by plane or car—this period of stillness was a gift. “It’s been incredible to have this time to pause and reflect. My whole life, I’ve been living out of a suitcase, so having a moment to just breathe has been wonderful.”
Olivia Newton-John’s Love for Nature and Animals
If you’ve ever met Olivia, you know she’s a nature enthusiast at heart. “There’s nothing quite like watching birds or spending time with animals,” she gushes. Olivia’s sanctuary includes a delightful menagerie of miniature horses, chickens, dogs, and even a cat. “Being surrounded by these creatures and immersed in nature keeps me grounded. It’s incredibly healing.” Her quiet retreat offers her peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing her to recharge and connect with what truly matters.
Who Were Olivia’s Role Models in Show Business?
Olivia’s career didn’t happen in a vacuum. Like all of us, she looked up to incredible women who paved the way. One of those women was the late Helen Reddy. “Helen was such an inspiration to me,” Olivia recalls fondly. “I saw her in concert in Florida when she was at the peak of her career, and she encouraged me to move to America if I wanted to make it big. I took her advice, and we stayed friends until the end.” Helen didn’t just inspire Olivia; she introduced her to key figures in the industry, including film producer Allan Carr. “That’s how Grease happened,” Olivia laughs. “It was all because of Helen!”
Meeting Doris Day: A Dream Come True
Another legend Olivia crossed paths with was Doris Day. “I met her backstage at an Elvis concert in Las Vegas,” Olivia reminisces. “We were waiting for him in the dressing room, but he got called away. Doris was absolutely delightful. I admired her not only for her incredible career but also for her work with animal charities. She was just a wonderful person.” Olivia’s admiration for Doris runs deep, and it’s clear she cherishes that meeting as one of the highlights of her life.
Olivia Newton-John’s Favorite Grease Memories
Filming Grease was a blast for Olivia. “It felt like going to a school I never had the chance to attend,” she says with a laugh. Growing up, Olivia attended a strict school where boys and girls were kept apart. “It was nothing like Rydell High! Filming Grease allowed me to experience something completely different—a fun, carefree environment where everyone was creative and supportive.”
The Enduring Legacy of Grease
Olivia still marvels at the lasting impact of Grease. “Who would have thought that over 40 years later, people would still love this movie?” she muses. “I’m so grateful to be part of something that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.”
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Staying Connected with the Cast
Despite the passage of time, Olivia remains close to her Grease co-stars. “We have an email chain where a bunch of us stay in touch,” she reveals. “John Travolta and I even do meet-and-greets together. And Didi Conn—I’m really close to her. We all share a special bond because we created something truly magical together.”
Singing with Her Daughter: A Special Moment
This year, Olivia released a duet with her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, titled “Window in the Wall.” “It was such a beautiful experience,” she says. “Because of the pandemic, I’ve been able to spend more time with Chloe, who lives in Portland, Oregon. Having the chance to collaborate with her and create something together was incredibly meaningful.”
Evolution of a Mother-Daughter Relationship
As Chloe has grown into adulthood, their relationship has deepened. “We’ve gone through all the typical ups and downs that parents and children experience,” Olivia reflects. “Now that she’s an adult, we can discuss things as equals. It’s a wonderful dynamic.”
Chloe Following in Olivia’s Footsteps
Olivia couldn’t be prouder of Chloe’s decision to pursue music. “She’s had a gorgeous voice since she was a little girl,” Olivia beams. “Given how much joy my career has brought me, it would feel strange to discourage her from following her dreams.”
