What's crazy about Travolta is that those were his first starring movie roles. Dude went from being one of the sweat hogs on Welcome Back Kotter to the biggest movie star in an instant.

Back then it wasn't very common for actors to transition between stage, TV or screen. You were kind of pigeonholed. And you had to pay your dues before becoming a star.

Apart from that, other actors have definitely had a better three year run. They just didn't do it right after walking off an ensemble sitcom. I guess you could maybe put Will Smith in that category but he was a known rapper in the 80s and had a strong run headlining Fresh Price for over five years before he exploded on the scene.

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Posted by ned nederlander

Member since Dec 2012

4326 posts

Posted on 2/4/24 at 3:26 pm to AUFANATL

Not the greatest run, but Robin Williams from 87-97 left a lasting mark on the culture with:

Good morning Vietnam
Dead Poets Society
Aladdin
Mrs. Doubtfire
Jumanji
Birdcage
Goodwill Hunting

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Posted by Wulfgar

Member since Jan 2013

1217 posts

Posted on 2/4/24 at 5:43 pm to AUFANATL

quote:
They just didn't do it right after walking off an ensemble sitcom

Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Chris Farley, and Adam Sandler all did.

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Posted by ATLtigeaux

Da A-T-L Playa!

Member since Mar 2004

395 posts

Posted on 2/5/24 at 4:53 am to AUFANATL

If you are going to include will smith, you have to include Bruce Willis and Michael j fox. However, Travolta was before them all. He was definitely a co-lead with ONJ though . She was the bigger star at the time and they advertised it that way. The story slightly follows Sandy more than Danny. I remember seeing it at the drive in.

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