Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, known professionally as Kelly Preston, was a beloved actress whose career spanned decades and touched the hearts of many. Born on October 13, 1962, Preston’s journey from a teenage discovery in Australia to a successful Hollywood career is one of perseverance, talent, and undeniable charm.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Preston was discovered at just 16 years old while living in Australia. A fashion photographer noticed her and helped her land work in commercials and small acting roles. Her breakthrough moment came when she auditioned for the role of Emmeline in The Blue Lagoon (1980). Though she lost the role to Brooke Shields, it marked the beginning of her rise in the entertainment industry. It was at this point that she changed her last name to Preston to further her career.
Breakthrough Roles and Iconic Films
Kelly Preston appeared in more than sixty television and film productions during her career. She is best remembered for her roles in Mischief (1985), where she played the role of a girl caught up in a love triangle, and Twins (1988), where she starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the classic comedy. Preston’s role in Jerry Maguire (1996), where she played the supportive wife of Tom Cruise’s character, remains one of her most notable performances.
Beyond these iconic roles, Preston’s career included appearances in a wide range of films, including The Cat in the Hat (2003), What a Girl Wants (2003), Broken Bridges (2006), and Old Dogs (2009). She also starred in Battlefield Earth (2000) alongside her husband, John Travolta, and the biographical film Gotti (2018), further cementing her status in Hollywood.
Personal Life and Family
Kelly Preston’s personal life was just as public as her career. She was married to actor John Travolta, and the two collaborated professionally on several films, most notably Battlefield Earth and Gotti. Together, they had three children: Benjamin, Ella Beau, and Jett, who tragically passed away in 2009.
Despite the immense loss of their son, Preston and Travolta continued to share a deep bond, with Preston often speaking about her devotion to her family and her love for her children. Her marriage to Travolta was one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships, filled with both personal and professional success.
Battle with Breast Cancer and Passing
In 2020, after a two-year battle with breast cancer, Kelly Preston passed away at the age of 57 on July 12. Her death came as a shock to her fans and colleagues alike, and tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Preston had kept her diagnosis private, choosing to focus on her family and career in her final years.
Legacy and Impact
Kelly Preston’s legacy lives on through her many memorable roles and the lasting impact she had on the film industry. Known for her beauty, warmth, and authenticity, Preston captivated audiences with her charm both on and off the screen. She will always be remembered for her remarkable talent, her unwavering dedication to her family, and her contributions to Hollywood.
Her death leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her work continues to inspire new generations of actors and fans. Kelly Preston’s life, though tragically cut short, was one filled with love, creativity, and a deep commitment to her craft.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Remembering Kelly Preston: A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of the Actress first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
