Kelly Preston was a radiant and bubbly actress whose charm lit up the screen from the very beginning of her career. Starting out as a teen ingénue, she first stepped into the world of show business in 1982 under her birth name, Kelly Palzis. That same year, Kelly Preston landed her first major role as a troubled teenager on the CBS daytime soap opera “Capitol,” which aired from 1982 to 1987. Not long after, she made her film debut in the 1983 Charles Bronson action thriller “10 to Midnight,” marking the early signs of a promising career.
By 1983, Kelly Preston had officially adopted her now-famous stage name and transitioned into primetime television with a memorable role as a flirtatious young vixen in the short-lived NBC series “For Love and Honor” (1983–84). Throughout the 1980s, Kelly Preston’s rising star attracted attention both on and off the screen—she was romantically linked to several high-profile Hollywood bachelors, including Charlie Sheen and a young George Clooney. But it was in 1991 when her personal life took a defining turn: Kelly Preston married legendary actor John Travolta, a union that would become one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships.
The couple first met on the set of their 1989 comedy “The Experts,” and over time, Kelly Preston and John Travolta built not only a lasting marriage but also a family together. They shared a deep commitment to the Church of Scientology, a belief system that both embraced, further strengthening their bond. Though Kelly Preston often played supporting roles, she proved her comedic brilliance in unexpected ways—most notably in Cameron Crowe’s 1996 romantic sports comedy “Jerry Maguire.” In the film, she portrayed the self-absorbed, ambitious girlfriend of Tom Cruise’s character—a real-life Scientologist himself—and delivered a performance that showcased a sharp, previously underappreciated talent for comedy. It was a standout moment in Kelly Preston’s career, reminding audiences everywhere of her versatility and spark.
When it comes to Kelly Preston’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical reception is Daddy and Them from 2001, which happens to be her highest rated movie. Over the years, fans and critics alike have noted that Kelly Preston brought a unique depth to her roles, and that certainly shone through in this particular film. On the other end of the spectrum, her lowest rated movie is Run, released back in 1991. While Kelly Preston’s performance was solid, the film itself didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. Still, it’s clear that throughout her career, Kelly Preston consistently delivered memorable performances, even across projects with varying levels of success. Whether in her most acclaimed role or her least favored project, Kelly Preston always left a mark.