In Memoriam: Olivia Newton-John was rare, an unremarkable star

Following her rise to stardom in the film “Grease,” Olivia Newton-John (September 26, 1948 – August 8, 2022) achieved the status of a soundtrack queen. She captivated audiences with her unique performances in films like “Xanadu” and “A Mom for Christmas,” ensuring that her popularity endured over the decades.

Originally from Australia, Olivia Newton-John rose to fame in Hollywood with her leading role in the 1978 musical “Grease,” starring alongside the charismatic John Travolta. Prior to this breakthrough, she represented the United Kingdom at Eurovision, narrowly missing victory to Abba’s iconic “Waterloo.” Despite this, “Grease” solidified her position among Hollywood’s elite.

Though aged 29, Newton-John played the high school student Sandy with Travolta as Danny, in an optimistic portrayal of the 1950s. Despite the age differences among the cast members, the film’s charm captivated audiences, and Sandy’s character was adjusted from the stage version to match Newton-John’s Australian accent—a precursor to the seamless accents of today’s Australian stars in Hollywood.

Newton-John’s earnest portrayal of Sandy, with its mix of innocence and transformation, captivated viewers and solidified her status as a movie star. Although her subsequent film contributions were sporadic, the impact of her talent was undeniable. Newton-John managed to hold onto her stardom without succumbing to the pressures of being labeled as a fleeting sensation.

Her foray into the quirky fantasy romance “Xanadu” in 1980 was both strange and fascinating. Directed by Robert Greenwald, known for political documentaries, the film was a fusion of disco, classic Hollywood allure, and bizarre virtual reality elements. Starring opposite Gene Kelly in his final role, Newton-John delivered engaging musical performances with Kelly. Her role as the enigmatic muse, Kira, offered a whimsical and memorable cinematic experience.

Following “Xanadu,” Newton-John reunited with Travolta for “Two of a Kind” in 1983. Unfortunately, the pair couldn’t recreate the magic of “Grease.” The film, a mix between comedy and fantasy, featured Newton-John as a sharp bank teller involved in a bank robbery gone wrong—an interesting premise that ultimately fell short of expectations despite a successful soundtrack.

Over the years, her roles diverged into diverse projects. From a heartfelt supporting role in the AIDS drama “It’s My Party” in 1996 to playing the mother of a hockey player in “Score: A Hockey Musical” in 2010, and even a part in “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming” in 2017, Newton-John embraced a variety of characters. She was also part of the breast cancer documentary “1 a Minute” in 2010, highlighting her advocacy through art.

Newton-John’s most tender and enduring role came with her starring turn in the 1990 made-for-TV movie “A Mom for Christmas.” In this poignant Christmas story, a grieving girl makes a Christmas wish for a mannequin to become her mother—a wish that magically brings Newton-John’s character to life. The sentimental fantasy was both uplifting and charming, resonating with viewers and likely a tale to be reimagined in the future.

Later in her career, she proved her acting versatility in Del Shores’ black comedy, “Sordid Lives,” portraying the character of Bitsy Mae Harling, a lesbian country singer with wit and charisma. Through a series of razor-sharp comedic scenes, Newton-John showcased her talent in this cult favorite.

Olivia Newton-John remained an iconic figure throughout her life. Through music, film, and heartfelt performances, she maintained a special place in the hearts of her fans. Her legacy continues to shine brightly, celebrating a career that was both eclectic and enduring.