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About
"Basic" & more!
Jet Setting With John Travolta!
Entertainment Tonight Online
February 19, 2002
ET sat down with an extra svelte JOHN TRAVOLTA on the set of
'Basic,' his latest military thriller. From the Oscar-nominated role he turned down to
singing on the set with HARRY CONNICK JR., ET has the smokin' story hot off the
set.
ET: So Oscar
nominations just came in. (Co-star) HALLE BERRY got a nomination. What was your
reaction?
JOHN TRAVOLTA: I was thrilled for Halle, she deserved a nomination. I was
thrilled for my friend SEAN PENN. I was offered that movie, and many times I've
been offered films that people have won Oscars or been nominated for ... there has always
a bit of like, "Gee, I wonder if I had taken that ..." I'm happy for him because
I love his acting. I think he deserves it.
ET: So, what is it like to be back in a military movie after 'General's
Daughter'?
JOHN: For some reason, I'm very comfortable with the military atmosphere in
movies. Even with 'Broken Arrow' and 'General's Daughter,' it seems comfortable to me. It
feels good.
ET: What kind of research have you done for this role?
JOHN: Mostly I do research for these kinds of characters over the Internet. I
get facts about the position that my character is in. I actually spent a day with this
group of soldiers out near North Carolina.
There is a base where I spent time with Rangers. I threw grenades and fired shotguns. It
was very helpful, because what I realize about these guys on the frontlines is that they
are very naturally macho, because they are really doing heavy duty things. They are
confronting life and death every day and the deaths of others every day.
ET: How have your prepared physically for the role?
JOHN: Well, I've been working out six days a week for a long time. It's been
about a year and half, and probably for this part six months. I felt the character needed
to be in top form. So here I am!
ET: You look great.
JOHN: Thank you.
ET: How are your kids doing?
JOHN: They're doing great. ELLA's talking up a storm and JETT is
adorable as ever.
ET: So has Jett seen any of your old movies, and does he have a favorite?
JOHN: I would say 'Grease' and 'Look Who's Talking.' Ella, I'm going to
introduce her to 'Grease' pretty soon, because she's getting to the age where I think
she'll get a kick out of that.
ET: I had a chance to interview Harry (Connick Jr.) before you, and he said
you two were practicing your singing talent.
JOHN: Yes! Harry Connick Jr. is a wonderful singer and writer. I just think
whenever I see another singer, I just have to start singing!
ET: So what's next for you?
JOHN: I'm working on something that has nothing to do with show business. I'm
hoping that I will see you soon to announce this! It's another venture in my life that
I've been looking forward to since I was 5. It's pretty nice news, and I'm waiting to tell
everybody that.
ET: So we don't get a hint?
JOHN: Oh you will -- you'll get an exclusive, I'm sure. I want to make sure that
the deal is all squared away, but it's fun!