Olivia Newton-John's Incredible Post-Grease Transformation

The late Olivia Newton-John grabbed the world's attention as the iconic bombshell Sandy Olsson in "Grease." But did you know the superstar (who was born in England in 1948 and moved to Australia aged 5 for her dad's work) was a famous singer before that? She was part of a band called Toomorrow as a teenager before releasing multiple solo albums in the '70s. By 1974, she'd made major waves across the world and had even won her first of four Grammys.

In 1978, though, she did what many celebrities fail to do — cement her place as a successful singer and actor. The 28-year-old, who was all about once-popular fashion trends from the '70s, teamed up with John Travolta for "Grease," and her world was never the same again. The movie musical became one of the most successful of all time and cemented her place as one of the era's biggest stars. "'Grease' was a life-changing experience that I'm reminded of constantly," she told The Guardian in 2012 of the project that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. "I got lucky. The success I've had still surprises me," she added.

But perhaps what was most impressive about Newton-John wasn't her stratospheric career, but her ability to see the good in even the darkest situations. The talented actor and singer didn't have the easiest life (her decades in the spotlight were plagued by cancer, the disappearance of her boyfriend, and a divorce), but she repeatedly used the hard times to renew her positive attitude and give back to those who needed it. And that's what makes her post-"Grease" transformation so incredible.

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John starred in "Xanadu," her first movie since "Grease." The movie didn't see the same commercial success as the former, but helped bolster her career as a multi-hyphenate. She released the track "Magic" from the soundtrack, which spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite being one of the most in-demand stars of the decade, she also found time for love. Newton-John started dating Matthew Lattanzi after they met on the movie's set, and the couple married in 1984.

There was a noticeable shift in Newton-John's career trajectory as she entered her early 30s. She dropped the suggestive single and album "Physical" in 1981, and the world saw her spicier, more mature side. Newton-John told "Today" she had an anxiety attack shortly after releasing the raunchy song, which was far more pop than her previous country releases, because she was worried about how it would be perceived. "If these new songs were offered to me a couple of years ago, maybe I wouldn't have attempted them [...] It's a matter of taste and changing," she told Billboard at the time. "I still know my limitations and wouldn't attempt songs I couldn't do. I'm not deliberately going after any audience. I'm doing what I like to do," she added. 

But despite her reservations, the single became her biggest hit and spent 10 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Despite being released decades before streaming existed, the iconic music video has over 44 million YouTube views at the time of writing. SiriusXM even crowned it the best song of the '80s.

Olivia Newton-John got the world talking again in 1983 when she re-teamed up with John Travolta for the movie "Two of a Kind." Though the movie didn't reach the dizzying heights of their previous effort, Newton-John contributed several songs to the soundtrack, which was certified platinum. But she was ready for a new challenge in her mid-30s: fashion. In 1983, the star established a fashion and lifestyle brand called Koala Blue. Newton-John launched it via a boutique in Los Angeles, which included an Australian milk bar.

But her main focus was on her family. The then 37-year-old welcomed her first and only child, a daughter named Chloe Lattanzi, in 1986 and took around two years away from the spotlight to be with her newborn. The star also got candid with The Guardian about how motherhood changed her for the better. "Suddenly there was a being there that was more important than me, and that person was my responsibility. It's difficult to articulate the unconditional love that you have for your baby," she said. The Grammy winner returned to work with the album "The Rumour" in 1988.

In the early '90s, Olivia Newton-John turned her attention to festive movies. She appeared in the 1990's Disney movie "A Mom for Christmas" and 1994's "A Christmas Romance." Amid her new festive career ventures, she also took a nostalgic look back on her career via the greatest hits album "Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992." But just as she was looking to celebrate her decades-long career with the album and a tour, she got devastating news.

Koala Blue folded amid financial controversy in 1991. The following year, Newton-John's father died of liver cancer, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer that weekend, which forced her to cancel her tour. Even more tragically, he died on her brother's birthday. Newton-John underwent a partial mastectomy on one breast. "It was all at once. Everything just came at me. You can't help but feel despair at some point. It's overwhelming," she told People about the difficult period. 

But the tough times changed her outlook on life for the better, and she now joins celebs who have inspired us with their powerful cancer journey. "All this has made me realise the value of simplicity, the value of nature and of relationships, much more than that of money and position. That's not what makes you happy it's people, and animals for me, too. I think I've always had these values but they have been reinforced for me now," she told Hello! (via Only Olivia). Newton-John also told the outlet she was positive about her future and felt strong.

Though Newton-John recovered well from her first cancer diagnosis, the sad times continued into 1995 when she announced she and Matt Lattanzi were divorcing. People claimed her cancer diagnosis and recovery had highlighted their differences. "The people she chooses to mix with now are very spiritual. She needs to find her equal," Tottie Goldsmith, Newton-John's niece, told the outlet.

The 2026 biography "A Little More Love: The Life and Legacy of Olivia Newton-John" claimed the "It's My Party" star always felt a split could be on the cards, partially because of their significant age gap. She was 31, and he was 20 when they met, putting them several years over the age gap science suggests is best for a successful relationship. Though a 10-year age gap doesn't always have to be bad, she said (via People), "I think I always had a, maybe a slight knowing that it may not last forever because he was going to get to his manhood and, you know, it's kind of normal that he might want to explore life or [that] it may not work." 

A People source claimed the two remained friendly after their split and co-parented their daughter together. Newton-John's sunny outlook on life meant she wasn't closed off to new love, though. Following the end of her marriage, she began dating cameraman Patrick McDermott.

Olivia Newton-John's life took yet another sad turn in 2005 when Patrick McDermott, whom she'd been dating on and off for nine years, mysteriously went missing during a fishing trip. He was never found, despite Newton-John hiring a security expert to find him. "I've been through cancer and divorce. Nothing compares to this," Newton-John told People in 2006. There was speculation McDermott may have faked his own death, but she made it clear during a "Good Morning America" interview that she wasn't paying attention to the chatter.

Instead, she put her feelings into music. In 2005, Newton-John released the album "Stronger Than Before," which touched on her breast cancer experience through its inspiring lyrics. "I thought this was my opportunity to give something back and write songs that will give other women inspiration and hope," she said.

Following her latest heartache and with McDermott still missing, Newton-John had to move on. In 2007, she started dating John Easterling, whom she'd first met in the '90s. The two secretly tied the knot in 2008, but Newton-John made no secret of their love in the years that followed. "I'm very lucky I have a wonderful, beautiful husband who is just so loving and fantastic. I always tell my friends you're never too old to find love. I found the love of my life at 59 going on 60! I'm grateful," she told People.

By 2010, Olivia Newton-John had entered her 60s — and she was as busy as ever. She starred in the movie "Score: A Hockey Musical" and also popped up in TV series like "Glee," Ned and Stacey," and "Murphy Brown." Her appearance in two episodes of "Glee" created renewed interest in the track "Physical." She performed it with the cast on the musical show, which resulted in the feisty song entering Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. "It was a laugh. We had such a good time," Newton-John told OK! (via Digital Spy) of recreating the iconic video for the Fox series.

Newton-John told The Sault Star she'd reached a stage in her career where she could afford to be more selective about her projects. "I just do things that are fun now," she said. Among the other projects fun enough for her to take on? The movies "A Few Best Men" and "Sharknado 5: Global Swarming."

Olivia Newton-John showed her dedication to helping others affected by cancer when she opened the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in 2012. Newton-John had worked seriously hard to raise funds, including doing a sponsored walk of the Great Wall of China in 2008. She also teamed up with her old friend John Travolta to record a holiday album in 2012, with proceeds going to the center and his nonprofit, the Jett Travolta Foundation. "To have a place that supports the people that are going through it and their families is my dream. It's here. And I'm so thrilled," she told "Today." That same year, she released a recipe book to promote healthier eating, "Livwise: Easy Recipes For A Healthy, Happy Life."

In a tragic twist of fate, though, Newton-John was one of those who needed support from the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute. In 2013, the same year Newton-John lost her sister to a brain tumor, she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. The news wasn't made public until Newton-John shared it with "7 News" in 2018. Fortunately, by 2014, she was well enough to return to the stage and embark on a Las Vegas residency. And she was thriving. 

The talented star looked so good in her '60s, despite the trials she had endured, that she sparked plastic surgery allegations. But she shut down the chatter to Stellar. "I've had points in my life when I've gone to see plastic surgeons, when I was down and depressed or after a break-up or something, but I couldn't ever do anything," she said (via Daily Mail), sharing she had no plans to go under the knife.

Olivia Newton-John was forced to postpone tour dates in 2017 when she confirmed via Facebook that she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer for a third time. The heartbreaking statement confirmed she'd experienced back pain, which turned out to be metastatic cancer. It also confirmed she'd be undergoing photon radiation therapy and trying more natural therapies, but noted she was optimistic about beating the disease.

Two years later, Newton-John told "ET" that she went undercover as a patient at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center for treatment. "I was learning how to walk again. I was using a walker, so I'd wear a beanie and glasses and masks, so no one would know who I was," she said. The cancer caused the actor to have a fractured pelvis, but she remained optimistic about life and her prognosis. "Every day's a gift anyway. We don't really know how long our life is, so every day is an extra bonus for me and I'm very grateful and I intend to be here for a long time. I have much to do, still, and I'm enjoying my life," she said. That same year, she shut down rumors she didn't have long to live in an X video, but, sadly, her life was affected by a cancer tragedy once again. Also in 2019, Newton-John's brother died from cancer.

Olivia Newton-John's 2020 began with exciting news. It was announced she'd receive a damehood for her services to charity, cancer research, and entertainment and would be given the honor by the late Queen Elizabeth II. But, like much of the world, she was forced to slow down when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold later in the year. "I feel guilty for saying it, but I've actually enjoyed not being able to go anywhere. My life has always been about being on planes and travelling and staying in hotels, so to be in one place for almost a year has been blissful," Newton-John told Reader's Digest New Zealand.

She also told People the pandemic allowed her to spend more time with her daughter. She and Chloe Lattanzi joined forces musically amid the unprecedented time and duetted on the song "Window in the Wall" in 2021 at Newton-John's request. "It moved me to tears. It's a very healing song. I thought, 'This is very special, and I want to sing it with Chloe,'" Newton-John said. Lattanzi admitted she didn't have to think hard about her mom's request. "That meant the world to me. It's my dream job — I get to spend time with my favorite person," she gushed.

Newton-John also gave an update on her cancer journey in an October 2021 interview with "Extra," the same year she released her memoir, "Don't Stop Believin'." The star, who looked stunning after seemingly embracing her naturally graying hair color, didn't define herself as cancer-free but shared, "I am stable and feeling well. So I feel very fortunate."

Sadly, just 10 months after Newton-John's health update, John Easterling announced her tragic death at 73 in a statement posted to Newton-John's Instagram. Touching messages immediately poured in from across the world, with her long-time friend and co-star John Travolta amongst the mourners. "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again," he wrote in part on Instagram. 

The world also remembered Newton-John's huge heart and unwavering philanthropic efforts. "Olivia was a pioneer in the cancer field and her work provided inspiration for many," The Cancer Council Victoria chief executive, Todd Harper, said in a statement (via The Guardian). "Her advocacy enabled the work of dedicated scientists advancing scientific discoveries and offered hope to many affected by a cancer diagnosis."

The heartbreaking impact of Newton-John's death was felt long after her passing, though. In 2023, Chloe Lattanzi opened up in an Instagram video about how much she'd struggled without her mom by her side. Lattanzi vowed to take better care of her health and shared that she was setting time aside to deal with her grief. "One of my mom's biggest messages was 'Take care of you. If you don't take care of you, you cannot give your full capacity of love, wisdom, kindness, and power to everyone else,'" she said. And that's certainly important advice to follow in Newton-John's memory.