The first red carpet appearance of John Travolta and his family since the tragic passing of his son Jett proved to be particularly poignant this week. Hollywood great John and his wife Kelly Preston took a very special walk down the red carpet to mark the big screen debut of daughter Ella at the premiere of Old Dogs in LA.
Very much a family affair – both parents star alongside their nine-year-old in the movie – the doting couple's enormous pride in their daughter was evident as they showered her with hugs and kisses. "We decided it was OK to come out and promote, to introduce her (Ella) to the world and to give her a beautiful future in film," John said.
While Ella says she was excited by the prospect of working with her parents, dad John found it harder to adjust, admitting he found it difficult at first because he felt so protective.
That didn't stop there being plenty of laughs on set – particularly with comedian Robin Williams around. "There was one time where I got the giggles so bad that it almost delayed shooting," revealed Kelly.
Robin himself has nothing but praise for his young co-star. "She grew up around it – she comes from great stock," he said, adding that landing her first role was "almost the cinematic equivalent of a debutante ball."
Old Dogs stars Ella as one of two twins cared for by two men played by John and Robin. The upcoming comedy also stars Matt Dillon, Seth Green, Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson and the late Bernie Mac.
