Englewood Makes History

Travolta, Joey

Item

Title

Travolta, Joey

Description

Joseph “Joey” Travolta is an American actor, filmmaker, director, and advocate for people with disabilities. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, on October 14, 1950, he grew up in a family deeply involved in the performing arts. He attended Dwight Morrow High School and later earned a degree in special education from Paterson State College, combining his interests in education and the arts.

Travolta began his entertainment career as a singer and actor before expanding into directing and producing. Over the years, he worked on a variety of film, television, and stage projects, building a career that extended beyond acting into filmmaking and production. His credits include directing feature films, television programs, and music videos, as well as producing independent films.

In addition to his work in entertainment, Travolta has become a leading advocate for the inclusion of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the film industry. Drawing on his background as a special education teacher, he founded Inclusion Films, an organization that provides hands-on filmmaking training and employment opportunities for aspiring filmmakers with disabilities. Through this work, he has helped create pathways into the entertainment industry for individuals who have often been excluded from traditional opportunities.

Travolta’s career reflects both his Englewood roots and his family's long-standing commitment to the arts, while his advocacy has made him an important voice for accessibility and inclusion in filmmaking.

Creator

TaurusEmerald

Date

October 15, 2018

Contributor

Rights

Public Domain

Collection

Citation

TaurusEmerald, “Travolta, Joey,” Englewood Makes History, accessed October 1, 2026, https://archive.englewoodmakeshistory.org/items/show/1168.

Item Relations

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