Travolta Reveals His Top 5 Hollywood Sex Symbol Crushes

Long before his questionable facial hair choices, John Travolta commanded attention as one of Hollywood's most desirable leading men. His romantic appeal shone through countless relationships both in real life and on screen - from his nearly three-decade marriage to Kelly Preston until her passing in 2020, to his unforgettable chemistry with co-stars like Debra Winger, Lily Tomlin, and Olivia Newton-John that made their Grease romance feel absolutely genuine.

The Saturday Night Fever star recently shared his personal list of cinema's most captivating women, and his top pick might surprise some fans. "I loved Liz Taylor," Travolta confessed. "If you think of Liz in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – she's all of that. She's being a great actor and a sex symbol… I thought she had it all."

The Taylor Effect on Hollywood

Elizabeth Taylor pioneered the transformation from child star to sultry screen goddess. After charming audiences as a young performer, she deliberately reinvented herself with a more sophisticated image that catapulted her to superstardom. Her on-screen presence radiated the same mythical appeal as her portrayal of Cleopatra, while her tumultuous personal life became tabloid gold, essentially creating the blueprint for modern celebrity culture.

Taylor's influence extended far beyond her performances, establishing how the media would cover famous personalities and how the public would consume celebrity news for generations to come.

The Complete List of Legends

Travolta didn't stop with Taylor. He also named Katharine Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe among his all-time favorites. These three women represent the gold standard of screen magnetism, combining undeniable talent with the kind of visual appeal that studios heavily promoted throughout their careers.

Each of these performers mastered the delicate balance between serious acting and captivating audiences with their natural charisma, proving that beauty and brains could coexist in Hollywood's golden age.

An Unexpected Italian Gem

Perhaps most intriguingly, Travolta included a lesser-known name on his list. "I loved Fellini's La Strada film when I was very young," he shared. "Giulietta Masina, she broke my heart. She just had this incredible vulnerability I loved."

Masina, often compared to Charlie Chaplin for her expressive performances, starred in both La Strada and Nights of Cabiria. Her unique combination of beauty and emotional depth resonated with audiences who found her more relatable than many of her contemporaries, making her a beloved figure in international cinema.

The concept of being a sex symbol doesn't have to carry negative connotations. Physical appeal represents just another tool in an actor's toolkit, regardless of gender. These five remarkable women demonstrated that sensuality and serious artistry can enhance rather than diminish each other, creating performances that continue to captivate new generations of viewers.