Diana Hyland: Her Impactful Career In Old Hollywood – And What Makes Her Relationship With John Travolta So Significant Almost 50 Years After Her Death

As I put all my efforts into my previous blog entry and heavily discussed Hilary Duff’s inappropriate age-gap relationship with Joel Madden, which started when she was 16 and he was 25, I was reminded of another age-gap relationship, and it’s one between John Travolta and Sarah Hyland, who was 18 years his senior and played his mother in 1976’s The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.

As most of us know, Travolta’s wife of 29 years, fellow actress Kelly Preston, passed away in 2020 following a 2 year battle with breast cancer. Together they had 3 children. Their oldest, Jett, passed away in 2009 after suffering a seizure. But before all that, Travolta experienced a tragedy in the 70’s, when Hyland passed away in 1977 at the age of 41. She, too, was ill with breast cancer and died in Travolta’s arms.

Following Hyland’s passing, Travolta opened up to People about that time in his life. He said, ‘I have never been more in love with anyone in my life. I thought I was in love before, but I wasn’t. From the moment I met her I was attracted. We were like two maniacs talking all the time on the set of Bubble. After a month it became romantic. I had more fun with Diana than I ever had in my life. And the odd thing is just before we met I thought I would never have a successful relationship. She told me that she too had thought the same thing. Then, bam. Diana didn’t know she was going to die for sure until two weeks before. And when I first knew her [from Boy in the Plastic Bubble] there was a possibility it would never happen. I picked out a house, and Diana and I were planning on moving in right after this movie. If she was alive, it is very possible I would have married her. I gave her great joy the last months of her life. I always feel she is with me — I mean her intentions are. Diana always wanted the world for me in every possible way.’

Following Hyland’s passing, Travolta went on to have his own inappropriate relationship with Brooke Shields when he was 27 and she was 16. It was a relationship that set up by her own mother. In her book, There Was a Little Girl: The Real Story of My Mother and Me, Shields wrote of the relationship, ‘Basically my ‘relationships’ had always been orchestrated by my mother in one way or another. She directed my romantic life sometimes subtly and sometimes not. She didn’t focus on romance (never mind love), but instead wanted to associate me with names that connoted fame, money, and power. These were relationships she supported, also because they were less attainable. She loved that I had briefly dated John Travolta, Jimmy McNichol, Leif Garrett, Scott Baio, and John Kennedy. They were all on Teen Beat magazines and stars in their own right. She trusted I’d keep my vow of chastity and like the attention paid to me in these couplings.’

I honestly can’t believe that a mother – the one person in your life who’s supposed to protect you and guide you – wouldn’t just allow such a thing to have happened to her own daughter, but would orchestrate it. To continue my point from my previous post on Hilary Duff’s inappropriate age-gap relationship with Joel Madden, however, it was her mother who happily told media outlets that Duff was in a relationship with the much older Good Charlotte frontman, so she obviously allowed it to happen; maybe even MADE it happen.

It seems like Duff’s mother had a lot of control and manipulative tactics when it comes down to her daughter’s life and career. Frankie Muniz recently shared that he hadn’t spoken to his Agent Cody Banks co-star in 22 years, and her mother was to blame for it. He said on episode of The Joe Vulpis Podcast, ‘Hilary Duff was probably one of my first friends when I moved to LA to film Malcolm [in the Middle]. We became really, really good friends. We had a really great relationship for a long time. I don’t know if I want to tell it, but maybe I will. It’s been a long time. I was on the set of Lizzie McGuire, and I was in Hilary’s dressing room and her mom was there. She was intense. Hilary was so cool, we had an awesome relationship, but her mom was super intense. I’ve actually never told this story, and I might get in trouble for it, but I don’t care. I’m 40. So her mom was like, ‘Do you know what you’re doing this summer? What are you doing this summer?’ And I go, ‘Oh, I’m filming this movie where I’m playing like a junior James Bond. It’s called Agent Cody Banks.’

The next day, Duff was cast as the lead character in Muniz’s movie without his knowledge. He continued, ‘Needless to say, I wasn’t thrilled about it. And not because I didn’t want it to be Hilary. I don’t know how much I want to say. I’m trying to think about it because I’ve already said way too much. And I was very sad when Hilary’s mom would come on set. And if I told you I’ve never talked to Hilary since the last day of filming. I’ve not said one word to her since then. So that’s the truth of that. No one knows about my Hilary Duff story. I regret not just continuing to be friends with her because we had a great friendship for such a long time, and her mom… it pissed me off. I would love to catch up with her. I would love to even talk about that because I’m sure she doesn’t know any of that happened.’

Duff herself hasn’t responded to her former friend’s claims, but now that we know how controlling and enabling her mother was, it’s no wonder that she was involved with a man much older than her when she was just a teenager. The only thing that was surprising about the entire relationship was how normal it seemed at the time. The 2000’s was most certainly a reflection of the crazy times we were in, and I’m so glad the creepiness of Duff and Madden’s relationship is being called out now 20 years later. The former couple are now friends, alongside their respective spouses – Matthew Koma and Nicole Richie. Richie even shouted out Duff’s new single, ‘Mature’ on Instagram.

But we’re not here to talk about Duff and her previous relationship with Joel Madden. If you want to know more about it, you can read my previous post, but only after you read THIS one. We’re here to talk about Diana Hyland. Though her relationship with the much younger Travolta was brief, she made a lasting impression on him. Just as recently as 2023, he referenced her as one of the five most important women in his life. Their union wasn’t inappropriate, unlike Duff and Madden. Weird, maybe. But not inappropriate. Travolta was already in his 20’s when they met and got together. His brain was already well-equipped to make decisions for himself, and if he was okay with potentially not having children of his own, it would’ve worked out between them in the long run had she not passed. Her son Zachary, who was only 3 years old when she died, previously said that Travolta loved her unconditionally.

Speaking of Hyland’s son, on the 48th anniversary of her death back in March, he posted a beautiful tribute to her on Instagram. He wrote, ‘Today marks the anniversary of my mom, Diana’s passing. I was just 3 1/2 years old when we lost her, and while I don’t have memories of her, I feel incredibly grateful to have so many pictures and moments captured in time. These snapshots allow me to keep her close, and I can revisit her presence anytime I want. Mom, not a day goes by that I don’t think about you—wondering what life would’ve been like with you by my side. Your kindness, grace, and warmth touched everyone you met. Even though you’re not physically here, your spirit lives on in my heart every day. I miss you more than words can express, Mom. You are forever with me, in every step I take. #dianahyland.’

Hyland’s impact on cinema was primarily defined by her significant work as a versatile character actress in television and stage, rather than as a major film star, though she did appear in several notable films. Her legacy is also tied to her posthumous Emmy win and her influential relationship with Travolta. To break it down more thoroughly:

Career & Key Roles

Hyland’s career spanned from the mid-1950s until her death in 1977, encompassing Broadway, television, and film. 

• Stage Work: She was an acclaimed stage actress, notably appearing opposite Paul Newman in the original 1959 Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’s Sweet Bird of Youth.
• Television Presence: Hyland was a prolific presence on the small screen, with a career built on numerous guest appearances and recurring roles in popular shows such as The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, Peyton Place, and Eight Is Enough. Her role as the mother in Eight Is Enough was cut short by her death, a situation addressed in the show.
• Notable Films: While her filmography was less extensive than her TV work, she co-starred with Marlon Brando in the 1966 film The Chaseand appeared in Smoky (1966) alongside Fess Parker. 

Posthumous Recognition

A significant part of her lasting recognition comes from her award-winning performance in the 1976 television movie The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, where she played the mother of the character portrayed by John Travolta. For this role, she posthumously received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special in 1977. 

While Hyland’s career was undoubtedly groundbreaking, it’s her relationship with Travolta that’s notably talked about, even almost 50 years following her passing. I know I previously mentioned that even though their relationship might’ve been weird due to their drastic age difference, a relationship such as the one they had COULD, in fact, work. It requires communication, mutual respect, and awareness of potential differences in life experience or social perceptions. Key considerations include focusing on shared values, navigating life stage differences, being prepared for potential judgment from others, and ensuring clear boundaries and expectations are established. Ultimately, the success of the relationship depends on the genuine connection and effort from both partners. To break it down more thoroughly:

Key considerations

• Communication and respect: Like any relationship, this one needs strong communication and mutual respect. It is crucial to avoid using age as a weapon or being condescending, and to genuinely respect the younger partner as an individual.

• Life stages and experiences: Be prepared for potential differences in priorities, such as career focus, and life experience. A significant age gap can mean partners are in different life stages, which can impact daily routines or long-term goals.

• Social perceptions: It is important to be confident in your choice if the relationship makes both partners happy, even if there is pushback from friends or family. External judgment is common in age-gap relationships, but it doesn’t have to define the relationship’s success.

• Potential future differences: Think about how the age gap might affect the relationship in the future. For example, different energy levels or physical abilities might become more noticeable over time.

• Establishing boundaries: Be explicit and clear about boundaries and expectations to mitigate potential power dynamics or cross-generational miscommunication. 

Why it can work

• Fresh perspectives: A younger partner can bring enthusiasm, new experiences, and different ways of thinking to the relationship.

• Maturity and experience: An older partner brings a wealth of life experience that can be beneficial to the relationship.

• Stronger connection: If the relationship is based on a genuine connection, the age difference may become irrelevant over time. 

After Hyland passed, Travolta went straight to his work. He made two movies back-to-back. One of them was Grease, the musical movie co-starring Olivia Newton-John, who passed away in 2022 – also following a battle with the big C. Travolta played Danny Zuko. It was actually Hyland herself who encouraged him to take the part. She passed just a few short months before principle photography for the film had begun. The film’s director, Randal Kleiser, had previously directed Travolta and Hyland in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, where Hyland played Travolta’s mother. Kleiser helped Travolta cope with Hyland’s death on the set of Grease.

In her Don’t Stop Believin’ memoir, Newton-John wrote about what it was like working with Travolta so so soon after Hyland’s passing. She wrote, ‘He was a triple threat — acting, dancing, and singing — plus all that charism and incredible sexy movie-star looks. His sexiness was innocent, but the truth was those gorgeous baby-blue eyes had so much behind them, including great pain. Tragically, he had just lost his beloved girlfriend, actress Diana Hyland, to breast cancer. He remained sweet, open, very sincere, and vulnerable.’

Travolta and Newton-John had one of, if not the best, chemistry on-screen in the classic movie. They shared a lifelong, platonic friendship that began during the making of their 1978 film. They remained close for decades, supporting each other through major life events and reuniting for Grease anniversaries and other events. Newton-John often spoke of Travolta as a constant friend who reached out to her during difficult times, and they both acknowledged the unique bond they formed from their shared experience of the film’s success. To break the duo’s friendship down more thoroughly:

• Initial connection: Their friendship started on the set of Grease in 1978, where they developed a strong chemistry both on and off-screen. Despite an undeniable attraction, they kept the friendship platonic, which they both felt was key to the longevity of their relationship.

• Mutual support: They were a constant source of support for one another, navigating each other’s personal milestones like having children and experiencing loss. Travolta was particularly supportive of Newton-John during her battle with cancer, with her stating he would always reach out to her during tough times.

• Enduring bond: Their friendship was described by Newton-John as lifelong and like family. They continued to appear together at events, including Grease anniversary screenings and G’Day USA events, which celebrated their connection.

• Lasting impact: Their shared experience of making Grease created a powerful and unique bond that lasted a lifetime. Their relationship became an enduring example of a lasting friendship forged in Hollywood. 

Newton-John almost rejected the role of Sandy. It’s hard to imagine anyone else BUT her playing the role. I don’t think Grease would’ve been the same without either her or Travolta as the leads. Their chemistry was absolutely perfect. But she hesitated. She thought she was too old to play lead opposite Travolta. At the time, she was 29 and he was 23. She demanded a screen test for them both. They did just that. The test was history. The test was described as “magic” and “sensational,” with their chemistry being undeniable to the producers, leading to Newton-John being cast as Sandy. It was Travolta himself who suggested that Newton-John be cast in the film. Newton-John won a Golden Globe for her role as Sandy.

I literally hate it that I’m talking about a hardworking woman who made such an endless impact in her career, and yet I’m still putting an emphasis on her relationship with a man as if she’s less than. Even now, almost 50 years following her untimely death, Diana Hyland deserves more. In 1959, Hyland originated a role in the Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth. She appeared in numerous guest roles on popular series and had recurring roles on Young Doctor Malone and Peyton Place. Her film work included roles in Smoky and The Chase. For her role in The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, she was posthumously awarded an Emmy in 1977, which Travolta accepted on her behalf. She worked until practically her very last breath. Hyland was cast in the series Eight Is Enough in 1977, but appeared in only four episodes. Her character was written out following her death.

And yet, no matter how impactful Hyland’s career as an actress in Hollywood might’ve been, the love she shared with Travolta was even more profound, and the impact it made on Travolta and Hollywood itself is still significant today. Never mind that she was 18 years older than him. She made him feel like no one else did before her. She made him feel understood. When they first got together, he didn’t know that she was ill. She was determined to live a full life, not to be defined by her illness. And when he did find out, he stayed and helped her through it until the very end. He was just 23 at the time, and he took time off to care for her. That’s something that not every man (or even woman) does; especially at that age. The mere definition of love is staying through the hardest of times, and that was EXACTLY what Travolta did. Real love is not about finding perfection; it’s about staying when it’s uncomfortable, forgiving when it’s hard, and choosing the same person over and over and over again.

The loss of Hyland deeply affected Travolta, but Hyland’s memory continued to influence him. He achieved superstardom with Saturday Night Fever later that year, a success he credited partly to the emotional depth she helped him discover. He continued to speak of her with reverence for the rest of his life, carrying on her memory and the lessons she taught him about resilience and the importance of cherishing love. In hindsight, Hyland was the one that made Travolta what he is today; the actor that we know him to be.

Time and time again, it’s men that are given credit for women’s success. But not here. Not when it comes down to Diana Hyland and John Travolta.

That’s exactly why…