Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston – Life, Career, and Memorable Legacy

Kelly Preston (1962–2020), American actress and model, starred in beloved films such as Twins, Jerry Maguire, SpaceCamp, and Sky High. This comprehensive biography explores her early life, acting journey, personal challenges, and lasting influence.

Introduction

Kelly Preston, born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith on October 13, 1962, was an American actress whose career spanned four decades and more than 60 film and television credits. Jerry Maguire remains one of her most recognized roles. She passed away on July 12, 2020, after a private battle with breast cancer.

In this article, we delve into her upbringing, rise to stardom, personal life, challenges, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Early Life and Family

Kelly Kamalelehua Smith was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Her father worked for an agricultural firm, while her mother, Linda, was an administrator at a mental health center.

Afterward, her mother married Peter Palzis, who adopted Kelly and gave her the surname Palzis in her early credits.

Because of her father’s work and her stepfather’s assignment, Kelly lived abroad during parts of her childhood. She spent time in Iraq and Australia, attending school in Adelaide, Australia (Pembroke School).

From a young age she was drawn to performance, appearing in local commercials and modeling.

Education & Early Ambitions

Preston studied drama and theater at the University of Southern California (USC).

As a teenager (around 16), she was discovered by a fashion photographer, which helped her get commercial modeling and small acting jobs. The Blue Lagoon (1980), though she did not land the part (which went to Brooke Shields).

Those experiences helped her build confidence and connections in the entertainment industry.

Acting Career & Breakthroughs

Early Roles & 1980s Work

Preston’s first on-screen roles included guest appearances on television shows such as Hawaii Five-O, Quincy, M.E., CHiPs, and Capitol. 10 to Midnight, Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn, and Christine.

Her breakout lead roles began in the mid-1980s. In Mischief (1985), she played Marilyn McCauley—a romantic youthful film that gained attention. Secret Admirer (1985) and SpaceCamp (1986).

In 1988, she co-starred in Twins alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, which further raised her profile.

1990s & Major Recognition

Through the 1990s, Preston continued to appear in both comedies and dramas. One of her best-known roles came in Jerry Maguire (1996), where she played Avery Bishop, the girlfriend of Tom Cruise’s character.

She also acted in films including For Love of the Game (1999) opposite Kevin Costner, Jack Frost (1998), Addicted to Love (1997), Holy Man (1998), and Nothing to Lose (1997).

2000s to Later Years

In the 2000s, she took on a mix of mainstream and genre roles: The Cat in the Hat (2003), What a Girl Wants (2003), Sky High (2005), Death Sentence (2007), and Old Dogs (2009). Medium.

She also appeared in the Maroon 5 music video “She Will Be Loved” (2004).

Her later films included Gotti (2018), in which she performed alongside her husband John Travolta, and Off the Rails, which was released posthumously in 2021.

In Battlefield Earth (2000), she appeared as well—though that role was controversial and earned her a Golden Raspberry Award (Worst Supporting Actress).

Throughout her career, she also served as a spokesperson for Neutrogena in print and television advertising.

Personal Life, Challenges & Tragedies

Marriage & Family

Preston first married actor Kevin Gage in 1985; they divorced in 1987.

She met John Travolta in 1987 on the set of The Experts. The two married in 1991. Their first wedding ceremony in Paris was invalid in the U.S., so a second ceremony was held in Daytona Beach, Florida.

They had three children:

• Jett Travolta (born April 13, 1992; died January 2, 2009)

• Ella Bleu Travolta (born April 3, 2000)

• Benjamin Travolta (born November 23, 2010)

Their son Jett struggled with seizures and was diagnosed in childhood with Kawasaki disease.

Preston and Travolta were both adherents of the Church of Scientology.

Health & Private Struggle

Kelly Preston was privately diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis was not publicly known for about two years.

On July 12, 2020, Preston died at her home in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 57.

Personality, Strengths & Reputation

Kelly Preston was often praised for her professionalism, dedication, and supportive nature in work relationships. Colleagues remember her as warm, approachable, and someone who carried herself with quiet strength. She handled both success and setbacks with grace. Her decision to keep her health struggles private reflected a protective, family-centered approach.

She balanced the demands of a Hollywood career with deep devotion to her family, maintaining a relatively private personal life despite being married to a major star.

Her persistence through career ups and downs and her continued work even in later years testify to her commitment to her craft.

Selected Filmography & Notable Roles

Here is a selection of key works in Kelly Preston’s career: