Kelly Preston.

Kelly Kamalelehua Smith

Born 13 Oct 1962 Honolulu, United States

Died 12 Jul 2020 Clearwater, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 64 yr If Living

11 min read

Reading time

2,197

Words

Oct 22, 2026

Published

TL;DR

Kelly Preston, who starred in the 1988 hit Twins alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, died of breast cancer in 2020 at age 57. She was married to John Travolta from 1991 until her death and appeared in Jerry Maguire 1996, The Cat in the Hat 2003, and other films.

Identity & family.

KIN · 5

Names, aliases, and relatives of Kelly Preston — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Kelly Kamalelehua Smith

Aliases Kelly, Kelly Palzis

Parents: Linda Kamalalehua Reynolds
Spouses: John Travolta Kevin Gage
Children: Ella Bleu Travolta Jett Travolta

At a glance.

STATS

Kelly Preston by the numbers — life, work, and family.

57 Years lived

2 Marriages

2 Children

Who was Kelly Preston?

BIOGRAPHY

Kelly Preston — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Kelly Preston, born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith on October 13, 1962 in Honolulu, Hawaii, spent parts of her childhood abroad. At age five, she lived in Iraq for 15 months when her stepfather worked with the Ministry of Agriculture, and later resided in Australia as a teenager from 1976 to 1978. She attended Pembroke School in Adelaide and graduated from Punahou School in Hawaii.

Her biological father, Kenneth Michael Smith, died in a drowning accident when she was four. Her mother, Linda Kamalalehua Reynolds, later married Peter Palzis, whose surname Preston used for her acting career.

Career

Preston first gained international attention in Ivan Reitman’s 1988 comedy Twins, playing Marnie Mason opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. She continued building a diverse filmography with roles in Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire 1996, Alexander Payne’s Citizen Ruth 1996, and Sam Raimi’s For Love of the Game 1999.

Earlier, she worked with John Frankenheimer on 52 Pick-Up 1986 alongside Roy Scheider and Ann-Margret. She later appeared in Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk Till Dawn 1996, Addicted to Love 1997, The Cat in the Hat 2003, and Casino Jack 2010.

Personal life

Preston married actor Kevin Gage in 1985, but they divorced in 1987. She later lived with Charlie Sheen from 1989 to 1990, and was accidentally shot in their apartment in 1990. She married John Travolta on September 12, 1991, after an unofficial ceremony the week prior. The couple had three children: son Jett born 1992, died 2009 from a seizure due to Kawasaki syndrome, daughter Ella Bleu born 2000, and son Benjamin born 2010.

The family were members of the Church of Scientology. After Jett’s diagnosis, Preston became active with the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition CHEC.

Legacy

Preston’s versatile performances across comedy and drama, including Twins and Jerry Maguire, define her legacy. Her advocacy for children’s health through CHEC, inspired by her son Jett, had a lasting impact. Cult films like The Cat in the Hat and Sky High also showcased her range.

At her death in 2020, she had been married to John Travolta for nearly 30 years. Her children Ella Bleu and Benjamin continue her family legacy. Her warm screen presence and dedication to family and causes remain her lasting legacy.

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 6

A wall of memorable lines from Kelly Preston — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

When I Married John, I Put My Career on Hold to Be a Wife and to Have a Child. Before That I Didn’t Have a Fabulous Career, but I Was Working. When I Decided to Resume Acting, I Had Become Mrs. Travolta in Many People’s Eyes so I Had to Prove Myself All Over Again.
People Have Generally Been Very Respectful and We’ve Not Been Tabloid Fodder.
There’s the Jiggle Factor in Hollywood. Once I Was at an Audition and They Told Me You Must Show Your Breasts! and I Was Like Get Outta Town. I Just Laughed and Slammed the Door on My Way Out.
I’ve Wanted to Have Babies Since I Was 11. I Always Babysat. I Was Making Thousands and Thousands of Dollars Doing Commercials and Still Babysitting for $2.50 an Hour. Children Are Our Future – Literally. It’s Such a Cliche, but It’s so True.
But We Ride Bikes, We Go Swimming, You Do Art Projects, You Do Things as a Family. We Go to Denny’s, My Big Places to Shop Are Wal-Mart and Target. Seriously, That’s Where Half of My Stuff Comes from Now. I Don’t Get to Go to the Super-fancy Stores Unless I’m Out Here Now. You Sort of Stay Pretty Real That Way.
I Prioritize, I’m a Great Listmaker And, to Try to Keep Everything Organized, I Have People Who Help Me Out with Different Things. and Just Making My Kids and My Husband Come First, Keeping Us Together, Is My First Priority. and Then I Fit Films into My Life.

Did you know?

FACTS · 28

Little-known facts about Kelly Preston — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Preston grew up in Hawaii, but also lived in Iraq for 15 months at age five and in Australia for two years as a teenager 1976–78. Her stepfather worked with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture, and after his marriage to her mother ended, she moved to South Australia and attended Pembroke College.
Kelly gave birth to Jett Travolta, her first child with John Travolta, on April 13, 1992. He died from a seizure due to Kawasaki syndrome on January 2, 2009, after hitting his head in the bathtub at their Bahamas home.
After Jett’s diagnosis with Kawasaki syndrome, which caused severe allergies and asthma, Preston became an advocate for the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition CHEC, a nonprofit educating parents about environmental toxins. Olivia Newton-John also served on CHEC’s board.
Preston lived with Charlie Sheen from 1989 to 1990. She suffered an accidental gunshot wound in their apartment in 1990.
She gave George Clooney his pet pig Max, which lived with Clooney for 18 years until its death on December 1, 2006.
Although they never married, Charlie Sheen proposed to Preston in 1989 with a 2.5 karat pink diamond engagement ring.
She died on July 12, 2020, three months shy of her 58th birthday. She was cremated and her ashes were returned to her family.
A fashion photographer discovered her at age 15. She auditioned for The Blue Lagoon 1980 but producers deemed her too sultry, and the role went to Brooke Shields.
She played a lovelorn socialite in the 2004 Maroon 5 music video for She Will Be Loved.
Preston did most of her own singing in the 2003 film What a Girl Wants.
She attended Pembroke School in Adelaide, South Australia, and graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Kirstie Alley was the first celebrity to visit their newborn son Benjamin. She had been caring for daughter Ella Bleu during the birth.
Preston and John Travolta had two marriage ceremonies a week apart: an unofficial one on September 5, 1991, and the official ceremony on September 12, 1991. They met in 1987.
She gave birth to son Benjamin Hunter Kaleo Travolta on November 23, 2010, three days early via cesarean section in a Florida hospital; he weighed 8 lb 3 oz.
Peter Palzis adopted her, and she used his surname Palzis early in her acting career.
Ella Bleu Travolta, Preston’s daughter, was born on April 3, 2000, weighing 9 lb.
Her middle name Kamalelehua means garden of lehuas in Hawaiian; the Ohi’a Lehua is a Hawaiian flower.
Preston struggled to conceive for three years before becoming pregnant with son Benjamin.
Her ancestry included English, Irish, German, Scottish, Scots-Irish, and 1.5/32 Hawaiian; her Hawaiian roots came from maternal grandmother Lucille Ackerman.
On September 23, 2009, Preston and Travolta testified in court that their son Jett had autism and frequent seizures, during an extortion trial related to his death.
She studied drama at the University of Southern California and the University of California.
Preston appeared with Ann-Margret in three films: 52 Pick-Up 1986, A Tiger’s Tale 1987, and Old Dogs 2009.
Her biological father, Kenneth Michael Smith, died by drowning in a construction accident when she was four. Her stepfathers were Peter Palzis and Lee Carlson.
She returned to work eight months after giving birth to Ella Bleu to film View from the Top 2003, and two years five months after Benjamin to start Adopted 2013.
Preston attended Tom Cruise’s and Katie Holmes’ wedding in Italy.
She and John Travolta both appeared in Stephen King adaptations with titles starting with C: Preston in Christine 1983 and Travolta in Carrie 1976.
She had a half-brother, Chris Palzis.
Preston and her husband followed the Church of Scientology.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 36

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Kelly Preston.

When was Kelly Preston born?

Kelly Preston was born on October 13, 1962 as Kelly Kamalelehua Smith in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Where was Kelly Preston born?

Kelly Preston was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.
When did Kelly Preston die?

Kelly Preston died on July 12, 2020. She was 57 years old at the time of her death.
How old was Kelly Preston when she died?

Kelly Preston was 57 years old when she died on July 12, 2020. She would have turned 58 three months later.
Where did Kelly Preston die?

Kelly Preston died in Clearwater, Florida. She had been living there with her family.
How did Kelly Preston die?

Kelly Preston died from breast cancer. She had been battling the disease for two years prior to her death.
What was Kelly Preston's real name?

Kelly Preston’s birth name was Kelly Kamalelehua Smith. She later used the surname Palzis from her adoptive father before settling on Preston.
What did Kelly Preston do for a living?

Kelly Preston worked as an actress and soundtrack artist. She appeared in numerous films and TV shows from the 1980s through the 2010s.
What nationality was Kelly Preston?

Kelly Preston was American. She grew up in the United States, with ancestral roots in Hawaii and Europe.
What language did Kelly Preston speak?

English was Kelly Preston’s native language. She grew up in an English-speaking environment.
Who were Kelly Preston's parents?

Kelly Preston’s mother was Linda Kamalalehua Reynolds. Her biological father, Kenneth Michael Smith, died when she was four. She later lived with stepfathers Peter Palzis and Lee Carlson.
Who was Kelly Preston married to?

Kelly Preston was married twice: first to actor Kevin Gage from 1985 to 1987, then to John Travolta from September 12, 1991 until her death in 2020.
Did Kelly Preston have children?

Yes, Kelly Preston had three children with John Travolta: son Jett born 1992, died 2009, daughter Ella Bleu born 2000, and son Benjamin born 2010.
Where did Kelly Preston go to school?

Kelly Preston studied drama at the University of Southern California and the USC School of Dramatic Arts. She also attended Pembroke School in Adelaide, Australia, and graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu.
What was Kelly Preston best known for?

Kelly Preston gained recognition for her roles in films like Twins 1988, Jerry Maguire 1996, The Cat in the Hat 2003, and Sky High 2005. She also appeared frequently on television.
What was Kelly Preston's Instagram handle?

Kelly Preston’s Instagram handle was @therealkellypreston. She shared personal and professional updates with her followers.
How tall was Kelly Preston?

Kelly Preston was 5 feet 6 inches 1.68 m tall. Her height appeared in her film roles and public appearances.
What other names did Kelly Preston use?

Kelly Preston used the name Kelly Palzis early in her career and sometimes went by just Kelly.
How many awards and nominations did Kelly Preston receive?

Kelly Preston won one award and received six nominations during her career. Her performances earned recognition from various industry bodies.
What are Kelly Preston's most famous movies?

Her most famous roles include Twins 1988, Jerry Maguire 1996, The Cat in the Hat 2003, and Sky High 2005. She also starred in Battlefield Earth 2000 and For Love of the Game 1999.
Did Kelly Preston have a relationship with Charlie Sheen?

Yes, Kelly Preston dated Charlie Sheen from 1989 to 1990. He proposed with a 2.5 karat pink diamond ring, and she received an accidental gunshot wound in their apartment in 1990.
What happened to Kelly Preston's son Jett?

Jett Travolta, Kelly’s son with John Travolta, was diagnosed with Kawasaki syndrome and autism. He died on January 2, 2009 from a seizure at age 16.
Did Kelly Preston give George Clooney a pig?

Yes, Kelly Preston gave George Clooney his pet pig Max. Max lived with Clooney for 18 years until his death in 2006.
Was Kelly Preston a Scientologist?

Yes, Kelly Preston and her husband John Travolta belonged to the Church of Scientology. She participated actively in the church and its related causes.
What was Kelly Preston's role in the Maroon 5 video 'She Will Be Loved'?

She played a lovelorn socialite in the 2004 Maroon 5 music video for She Will Be Loved.
What was Kelly Preston's connection to the film The Blue Lagoon?

At age 15, Kelly Preston auditioned for the role of Emmeline in The Blue Lagoon 1980 but studio executives deemed her too sultry. The role ultimately went to Brooke Shields.
How many children did Kelly Preston have with John Travolta?

Kelly Preston had three children with John Travolta: Jett born 1992, died 2009, Ella Bleu born 2000, and Benjamin born 2010.
Did Kelly Preston attend the University of Southern California?

Yes, Kelly Preston studied drama at the University of Southern California and also attended the USC School of Dramatic Arts. She later pursued an acting career.
What was the cause of Kelly Preston's son Jett's death?

Jett Travolta died from a seizure as a result of Kawasaki syndrome. He also had autism and had suffered from frequent seizures.
Where did Kelly Preston live as a child?

Kelly Preston grew up in Hawaii except for time spent in Iraq at age five and in Australia from 1976 to 1978. She lived in South Australia with her mother after her parents’ marriage ended.
What was Kelly Preston's ancestry?

Kelly Preston had English, Irish, German, Scottish, Scots-Irish, and Hawaiian ancestry. Her Hawaiian heritage came from her maternal grandmother, Lucille Ackerman.
Did Kelly Preston do her own singing in films?

Yes, Kelly Preston did most of her own singing in the 2003 comedy-drama What a Girl Wants, showcasing her vocal talents.
Was Kelly Preston married twice?

Yes, she married twice: first Kevin Gage from 1985 to 1987, and then John Travolta from 1991 until her death.
What was Kelly Preston's middle name?

Kelly Preston’s middle name was Kamalelehua, which means garden of lehuas in Hawaiian. The lehua is a Hawaiian flower.
Did Kelly Preston have any siblings?

Kelly Preston had a half-brother named Chris Palzis from her mother’s marriage to Peter Palzis.
What charities was Kelly Preston involved with?

She supported the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition CHEC, which educates parents about environmental toxins. She also backed drug reform and other charitable organizations.

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Audited & updated by

Olivia has 6 years of experience writing biographical profiles and still approaches every subject like it's the first one. She covers everyone from debut musicians to Hall of Fame athletes to novelists most people have never heard of. She finds something worth reading in all of them. Her drafts tend to come in already clean, which her editor appreciates. She says good writing is just good thinking written down. Hard to argue with that.

Published on October 22, 2026

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