Olivia Newton-John: Where is She Now?

Olivia Newton-John is household name in many countries around the world. She has done so many things in her career, perhaps having one of the most versatile careers of any popular entertainer. Olivia was born on September 26, 1948 in England. She was the daughter of Irene and Brin Newton-John, a college professor. They moved to Australia when Olivia was a small child, and she spent her formative year in Australia, the country she is most often associated with and whose accent she still proudly possesses.

The Early Years

Show business seemed to be Olivia Newton-John's destiny early on. From starting a small band with classmates called the Sol Four to winning a talent contest that earned her a trip to London before she had completed high school, Olivia's undeniable talent was obvious and recognized. In London, Olivia and her friend, Pat Farrar, performed in local clubs. She got her first break on Cliff Richard's TV show and with a short-lived band and ill-fated movie of the same name, called "Toomorrow" (yes, with two "o's").

Career Glory for Olivia Newton-John

Olivia released her first solo single, "If Not For You," in 1971, and it rose to #25 on the United States charts. Olivia Newton-John continued to record and release popular and well-received albums throughout the decade, achieving great success with timeless singles such as "I Honestly Love You" and "Have You Never Been Mellow."

Olivia Newton-John would find even greater success when she starred in the timeless movie musical "Grease" in 1978. The movie has such universal appeal, and it catapulted her to an even greater level of fame than she had experienced from her solo singing career. She also released "Totally Hot" that year, and it was a great success.

Olivia continued her musical winning streak with "Physical" in the early 1980's and the soundtrack to "Two of a Kind," a movie that also had her starring with John Travolta.

Slow Down in Career

Olivia purposely slowed down her career in 1986, with the birth of her daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi. She has done an amazing body of work since then as well, though. Olivia Newton-John's two best albums, according to many fans including myself, are "The Rumour" (from 1988) and "Gaia" (from 1994). While Olivia stayed out of the spotlight for a while, she has soared personally.

When Olivia overcame breast cancer in the early 1990s, she reorganized priorities. She put her energies into healing and raising her daughter, yet she wrote the brilliant album "Gaia," which is mentioned above, while she was recovering from cancer. However, the album is one of the most undeniably positive record albums ever produced. Her exuberant songs on the album includes "No Matter What You Do," the first single off the album and a joyful song about unconditional love.

Olivia returned to country music with "Back with a Heart" in 1998, and she promoted the re-release of "Grease" to theaters on its 20th anniversary. She also was on the list of People's 50 Most Beautiful People. In 1999, Olivia Newton-John returned to touring for the first time in well over a decade, and it was a huge success.

Awards for Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John received a lot of critical recognition for her work as well. She won four Grammy Awards, numerous American Music Awards, The National Jukebox Award for best female artist in 1980, seven Billboard awards, four People's Choice awards, and the accolades go and on on. In 1981, Olivia Newton-John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Olivia received recognition and the devotion of many fans, who followed her career through the decades.

Where Is Olivia Now?

Olivia Newton-John is actually experiencing a career resurgence. This past season, she was a guest star on two episodes of one of the biggest shows on television, "Glee." She played a more diva-like version of herself, who fans know to be consistently warm, kind and humble. Her "Glee" character was the opposite of those endearing qualities Olivia herself possesses, and it made for great comedy. Olivia even recreated her "Physical" music video with the gym teacher character of Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch.

Also, in 2010, Olivia gave her first full-album concert without doing her hits, when she performed "Grace and Gratitude" at a benefit concert for cancer awareness. She has more traditional concerts planned for later in 2010.

Olivia Newton-John re-married two years ago, and she helps husband John Easterling promote the Amazon Herb Company and its drink Zamu. Also, Olivia has long been a supporter for several causes, including Healthy Child Healthy World and breast cancer prevention, treatment and cure.

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre is under construction in Australia, a project that Olivia has tirelessly worked to fund raise for years. Olivia also owns the Gaia Health Spa Retreat in Australia.

"Grease" is being re-released in select cities nationwide in July of 2010 as a sing-a-long version. "Grease" is also being released as a video game for both the Wii and the Nintendo DS systems in late summer 2010.

Olivia Newton-John's career seems to be about as red hot as it was over 30 years ago, when "Grease" first hit theaters. She has a busy schedule, and she handles it all with grace.

Sources cited:

http://www.olivianewton-john.com
http://www.oliviappeal.com
http://www.olivianewton-john.info
http://www.onlyolivia.com