| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Helen Cecilia Burke Travolta |
| Birth | January 18, 1912, New Jersey, USA |
| Death | December 3, 1978, Los Angeles, California |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Educator |
| Children | Ellen, Margaret, Ann, Sam, Joey, John |
| Heritage | Irish American |
Early Life
Helen Cecilia Burke Travolta was born in New Jersey to a colorful Irish American household. Her parents, Mary Ellen (Murphy) and Charles Fredrick Burke, instilled rich cultural traditions in her from an early age. Her marriage to Salvatore Joseph Travolta Jr. helped create a Hollywood dynasty.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Parents | Mary Ellen (Murphy) & Charles Fredrick Burke |
| Birth Date | January 18, 1912 |
| Birth Place | Englewood, New Jersey |
| Marriage | Salvatore Joseph Travolta Jr. |
| Children Count | 6 |
| Cultural Roots | Irish American |
Career
Helen, a brilliant performer, sang with “The Sunshine Sisters” radio vocal ensemble, acted and directed in local theater, and then pursued schooling. She taught high school drama and English, inspiring many students, including her own children, to be confident onstage.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Performing Arts | Member of “The Sunshine Sisters” radio vocal group |
| Acting & Directing | Local theater productions |
| Educational Role | High school drama and English teacher |
| Notable Appearance | Brief role in Saturday Night Fever (1977) |
Net Worth
Helen Travolta’s wages were never disclosed despite her influence. Teaching and local performance were her career priorities, not movies. Thus, official records do not accurately estimate her wealth.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | Undocumented |
| Primary Income Source | Teaching and local performance |
| Financial Records | Not publicly available |
| Media Coverage | Focused on children’s careers, not her finances |
Family Legacy
Helen’s six children, all entertainers, are her greatest legacy. Their successes reflect her loving mentoring and passion of storytelling. Hollywood now associates Travolta with adaptability and persistence.
| Name | Notable Roles/Career Highlights | Prominence |
|---|---|---|
| John Travolta | Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Pulp Fiction; multiple award nominations | International icon |
| Ellen Travolta | Happy Days, Joanie Loves Chachi, Charles in Charge | Television star |
| Joey Travolta | Beverly Hills Cop III actor; director of Carol of the Bells | Actor/Director |
| Ann Travolta | Saturday Night Fever, Swordfish, The Taking of Pelham 123 | Film & TV performer |
| Margaret Travolta | Various minor film/TV roles | Emerging talent |
| Sam Travolta | Select acting appearances | Emerging talent |
FAQ
Who was Helen Travolta?
Helen Travolta, an Irish American performer and educator, made her family a Hollywood powerhouse via her love of the arts.
When and where was she born?
She was born in Englewood, NJ, on January 18, 1912.
What did she do professionally?
Helen sang with a radio vocal group, directed and acted in local theater, and taught high school drama and English.
Is there any record of her net worth?
No trustworthy public records exist; her professional earnings were never reported.
Who was her most famous child?
Her son John Travolta achieved the greatest fame, starring in iconic films like Grease and Pulp Fiction.
