If you’ve seen John Travolta on Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed a tall, athletic teenager who looks exactly like a younger version of Danny Zuko. That's Ben Travolta. He isn't the little kid from the red carpet photos anymore. Honestly, it’s wild how much he’s grown. As of early 2026, Benjamin is 15 years old, and he’s quietly becoming one of the most interesting "celebrity kids" to watch—mostly because he seems completely uninterested in being a celebrity.
Most people know the broad strokes. He was born after the tragic loss of his older brother, Jett. He lost his mom, Kelly Preston, when he was just nine. But there’s a lot more to Ben than just the family’s public heartbreaks. He’s carved out a very specific, high-adrenaline life in Florida that has almost nothing to do with Hollywood movie sets.
Who is Ben Travolta?
Benjamin Hunter Kaleo Travolta was born in Florida on November 23, 2010. His birth was famously described by John and Kelly as a "miracle." They had been trying for another child for quite some time, and his arrival brought a sense of healing to a house that had been very quiet after 2009.
While his sister, Ella Bleu, has jumped into acting and music (following the family business), Ben seems to prefer gravity-defying stunts. If you look at the videos his dad posts, the kid is basically a professional-grade athlete. He doesn't do "normal" teen hobbies. He’s into parkour, high-level skiing, and "ninja" training.
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In fact, John recently shared that Ben achieved a "Level 3 Ninja" status. This isn't just playing on a jungle gym. It’s the kind of intense, indoor obstacle course training you see on American Ninja Warrior. He’s got this lean, muscular build and incredible grip strength. You can see him on social media swinging between bars and scaling "warped walls" with a speed that’s actually kind of terrifying to watch if you're a parent.
The Relationship Between John and Ben
The bond here is tight. Like, really tight. After Kelly Preston passed away in 2020, John basically centered his entire world around his two kids. But the conversations he has with Ben are surprisingly heavy and honest for a kid his age.
John actually went on Kevin Hart’s talk show, Hart to Heart, and talked about a conversation he had with Ben after Kelly died. Ben apparently told his dad, "Because Mom passed away, I'm afraid you're going to."
Instead of giving him some sugar-coated "I’ll be here forever" lie, John was blunt. He told Ben that nobody knows when they are going to go. He explained that Jett left at 16 and Kelly at 57. It was a "truth about life" talk. That level of transparency seems to have created a kid who is very grounded. You don't see Ben Travolta getting into trouble or acting out. He’s usually just in Norway or the Alps with his dad, skiing off massive jumps.
Recent Rumors and Lawsuits (The Riley Keough Allegation)
It’s worth addressing the weird internet rumors that popped up recently. In late 2025 and heading into 2026, Ben’s name was strangely dragged into a lawsuit involving Priscilla Presley’s former business associates.
The lawsuit made a pretty wild and unverified claim that Riley Keough (Elvis’s granddaughter) was Ben’s biological mother via egg donation. Most industry insiders and family friends have rolled their eyes at this. There is zero evidence to support it, and it feels more like a legal tactic to stir up drama than a factual biological revelation. Ben is, by all reputable accounts, the biological son of John and Kelly.
Why Ben Travolta is the "Spitting Image" of John
If you put a photo of John from Grease next to a photo of Ben today, the resemblance is actually spooky. He has the same jawline and that very specific Travolta sparkle in his eyes.
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However, his style is way more low-key.
- The Hair: He usually sports a casual, slightly messy teen cut, unlike his dad’s legendary coifs.
- The Clothes: Ben is almost always in athletic gear—think navy T-shirts, hoodies, and snow gear.
- The Vibe: He seems much more "at home" on a snowy mountain in Norway than at a gala in Los Angeles.
What's Next for Ben?
Right now, the focus is clearly on school and sports. He’s 15, which means he’s likely navigating high school life while traveling the world with a dad who can fly his own private jets.
Will he ever act? John has said Ben hasn’t really shown the "itch" for it yet. He seems more interested in the technical side of his stunts. But in Hollywood, you never say never. For now, he’s just a kid who’s survived a lot of loss and come out the other side looking like a very capable, very athletic young man.
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Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Travolta family's journey, here’s how to keep up with Ben's progress without falling for tabloid traps:
- Follow the Source: John Travolta's official Instagram is the only place you'll get real, verified updates on Ben. He’s very protective of his son’s privacy outside of those occasional "proud dad" posts.
- Ignore the "Donor" Headlines: Until a member of the family actually speaks on it, the legal filings regarding biological parents are largely considered noise in the celebrity news world.
- Watch for the Olympics? Honestly, with the way Ben skis and handles parkour, don't be surprised if he ends up in the world of extreme sports rather than the world of cinema.
The best way to support the family is to appreciate the "proud dad" moments and respect the fact that Ben is still a minor trying to have a somewhat normal life in a very abnormal situation. He’s a kid who has shown a lot of resilience, and that’s worth more than any movie credit.