OSCARS
Who wasn’t included in the ‘In Memoriam’ tribute introduced by John Travolta?
The ‘Grease’ actor got emotional while giving a memorial tribute to former co-star Olivia Newton John on Sunday night, while many names were absent.
John Travolta honored his late co-star and long-time friend, Olivia Newton John, at the 2023 Oscars Sunday night in Hollywood, California. The actor teared up as he remembered his old friend, and gave a heartfelt speech in her memory.
Though the speech was moving, there were some notable gaps in the list honoring celebrities who have died in the last year.
‘Goodfellas’ actors missing from the tribute
‘Goodfellas’ actors Paul Sorvino and Tony Sirico, South African actor Charlbi Dean, American actor Robert Blake, and Anne Heche were missing from the list.
Mira Sorvino commented on the absence of her father’s face in the photo montage of those late Hollywood entertainers commemorated for their work in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment of the Oscars.
“It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out,” Mira Sorvino wrote on Twitter. “The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!!”
In memoriam of Olivia Newton John
At the 95th Academy Awards Sunday evening, John Travolta introduced the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, a moment to honor those in the industry who have died in the past year with a photo montage, where Olivia Newton John was the first celebrity to be honored in the tribute.
“In this industry, we have the rare luxury of getting to do what we love for a living,” Travolta said in his speech. “And sometimes, getting to do it with people that we’ve come to love.”
“And since tonight is a celebration of the work and the accomplishments of our community in this past year, it is only fitting then that we celebrate those we’ve lost who dedicated their lives to their craft both in front of and behind the camera,” the 60-year-old actor continued. “Through the immeasurable contributions each of them left an individual and indubitable mark that shared and informed us.”
Travolta started to get emotional as he remembered Olivia Newton John, his ‘Grease’ co-star.
“They’ve touched our hearts, they’ve made us smile and became dear friends who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to,” the ‘Pulp Fiction’ star said, tearing up.
The crowd groaned a collective, “awww,” before Travolta finally moved on to introduce the “incomparable” Lenny Kravitz, who played during the memorial.
At the time of Olivia’s death
When he first learned of his friend’s death in August, John Travolta posted a heartfelt message to his late friend on Instagram to commemorate their friendship, her work, and her life, alongside a photo of his former co-star.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” Travolta wrote. “Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.”
“We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”
Travolta played the role of Danny Zuko in 1978′s film, ‘Grease’, alongside Newton John’s character, Sandy Olsson. After the movie, the two remained close friends, and even made another movie together. the 1983 film, ‘Two of a Kind’.
The ‘Hopelessly Devoted’ singer battled breast cancer for 30 years. After being diagnosed in 1992, Olivia Newton John passed away in August 2022 at the age of 73.