John Travolta: 'I Know Where Every Cent I've Ever Spent Has Gone' The well-known actor discusses philanthropy, success and the importance of being fiscally responsible.

By Amy Osmond Cook Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Jon Kopaloff | FilmMagic | Getty Images

LOS ANGELES—John Travolta is perhaps one of the most beloved actors of our time. From singing show tunes in Grease to playing a ruthless hitman in Pulp Fiction, Travolta's talent has transcended many decades as he continues to take on A-list roles in blockbuster films.

How does someone like Travolta keep his drive and stamina going after all these years? While he says there's no one real reason, he attributes a lot of his success to being persistent, charitable and fiscally responsible. I was recently able to interview Travolta on the red carpet of the City Gala, an Entrepreneur-sponsored event that's all about entrepreneurship and creating a brighter future through charity. I asked him about taking risk, his success and charitable giving.

Here's what he had to say:

Entrepreneur: When it comes to business, what would you tell entrepreneurs about taking risks?
Travolta:
I don't take much risk. This is my own personal vulnerability, but it's also a strength in itself. I work hard for my money; I don't like to waste it, and I don't like to lose it. I am not a very good example of clever business ventures.

Related: Actress Halle Berry's Lessons for Succeeding-No Matter the Odds

I am a good example of conservative ones, though. Something in my DNA will not let me take the risk. I am not a gambler type. I don't get the jaunt out of it. I know where every cent I've ever spent has gone. It's hard when you're not risking things, but that's the way I like it.

Entrepreneur: At what point in your acting career did you start to have such a passion for philanthropy?
Travolta:
It was organic. When hurricane Katrina hit, I thought, "well, why wouldn't you do that?" It's simple. It's always been a natural feeling for me to help others.

Entrepreneur: In working with the press for your charitable interests, are there any words of advice or mistakes you would tell businesses to avoid?
Travolta:
Whatever the structure of your charity or business, make it clear exactly where the money is going so that no one can ever or will ever question it. You need to exercise a lot of integrity in displaying where these funds are going. If you are to participate in charitable giving, it should not be from the perspective of spinning the press, but from a natural, effortless, and organic origin.

Entrepreneur: Yours is an amazingly sustained career. What are characteristics of someone who can go the distance?
Travolta:
Stick-to-it-iveness. My personal success can be attributed to a conservative sense on money, but utilizing a riskier approach with creative ideas.

You can take risks with your imagination, but I don't think it's smart to risk your money. There are really two things to consider: You are free to think up any new idea, but the bottom line is ascertaining the most valuable product for someone to have. It is imperative to define that.

Related: Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy to Take Center Stage at Star-Studded Gala

In my case, the valuable product would be to participate in an entertaining film that delivers to an audience at a high level. If you can define what that thing is, you have half the job done. But just going in for the money is the hardest thing to convince people of.

Amy Osmond Cook

VP, Marketing & Creative Services, Simplus; Founder, Osmond Marketing

Amy Osmond Cook, Ph.D., is the VP of marketing at Simplus, director of Simplus Creative Services, and founder of Osmond Marketing. She enjoys reading business books, playing the violin and trying new restaurants with her husband and five children. Follow her at @amyocook.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This 30-Year-Old's $6,000-a-Month Side Hustle Started Making Money 'Immediately' — But He's Not Quitting His Day Job

Derrick Mathy works in orthopedic surgical device sales and is on a mission to bring people together in real life.

Employee Experience & Recruiting

Newsflash: Barbara Corcoran Doesn't Fly First-Class, and Neither Should Your Executive Team

Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran doesn't fly first class, and for a good reason. Business decision-makers, take notes!

Growing a Business

The Training (and Business) Philosophy That Sets This Self-Defense Studio Apart

At Nomad Krav Maga, Shane Langwell teaches more than self-defense by helping students strengthen their confidence, resilience and a sense of community that extends beyond the gym.

Business Solutions

ChatGPT Isn't Cutting It for Busy Professionals Anymore

Find out where they're turning instead.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'Unprecedented in Our 53-Year History': Southwest Airlines Announces Its First Mass Layoffs Ever

The airline is eliminating 15% of its corporate workforce, including many in senior leadership positions.