John Travolta breaks down in tears during first TV interview since son Jett's tragic death
John Travolta broke down in tears on a chat show in his first television interview since the death of his son Jett.
The actor was overcome as he thanked fans for their support in the wake of the tragedy.
Jett, 16, died in January after suffering a fatal seizure at the family holiday home in the Bahamas.
Travolta wiped away the tears as he told chat show host Ellen DeGeneres how the family had been strengthened by countless messages of support.
Accompanied by his nine-year-old daughter Ella Bleu, he said: 'I just want to take one moment to thank each and every one of you throughout this country, throughout the world, for all your support and all your love for our family. Thank you very much.'
His emotions were also close to the surface as Travolta introduced his daughter, who stars with him in the upcoming Disney film Old Dogs, for her first talk show appearance.
Telling the audience of his pride in Ella, he said: 'I'm holding back the tears.
'No, really you're not,' quipped host Miss DeGeneres, offering him a box of tissues.
Travolta's actress wife Kelly Preston also appears in the film, which also stars Robin Williams.
Travolta, known for his classic movie performances in Grease, Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction, pulled out of a publicity tour for his last film, The Taking of Pelham 123, in the wake of his son's death.
Speaking of how he dealt with the tragedy, Travolta, a Scientologist, said grief counselling through his church had been a help.
He said that he had also taken up tennis, admitting that he even plays in the dead of n ight. 'I play every day,' he said.
'I play at midnight, kind of vampire-style with members of our staff.
'The house manager and the house maintenance person. At midnight, we go to the local tennis court.'
