6 Forgotten Olivia Newton-John Movies Every Fan Should See
Most fans remember the beautiful Olivia Newton-John as Sandy in Grease or the roller-skating Kira in Xanadu. However, her acting career also included science fiction, holiday romances, and some surprisingly dramatic roles.
Born in England and raised in Melbourne, Olivia Newton-John became one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers. The four-time Grammy-winning recording artist sold more than 100 million records worldwide, with hits including “I Honestly Love You,” “Physical,” and “Magic.”
Outside of entertainment, Newton-John was a longtime advocate for cancer research and wellness after experiencing breast cancer herself. She helped establish the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne and spent decades raising awareness and funds for treatment and research. At the end of 2019, Queen Elizabeth II named her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her work in entertainment, charity and cancer research.
Sadly, Newton-John died on Aug. 8, 2022, at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer, and the date held an interesting connection to her career: Xanadu opened in theaters on Aug. 8, 1980, exactly 42 years earlier.
In honor of the anniversary of Xanadu and her death, here are six Olivia Newton-John movies that you may have forgotten.
Toomorrow (1970)
Eight years before Grease, Newton-John appeared in this unusual British science-fiction musical directed by Val Guest. She played Olivia, a member of a pop group called Toomorrow. The band’s distinctive sound attracts the attention of aliens, who believe its music could help their civilization. They eventually abduct the group and take the musicians to their home planet. Newton-John was also a member of the real-life group Toomorrow, which was assembled for a short time for the project and recorded a soundtrack album.
Two of a Kind (1983)
Everett Collection
Five years after Grease, Newton-John reunited with John Travolta for this romantic fantasy comedy. Travolta plays Zack Melon, a struggling inventor who attempts to rob a bank, while Newton-John is Debbie Wylder, the clever teller who secretly keeps the money for herself. Their troubles become part of a much bigger story when four angels try to convince God that humanity deserves another chance. Zack and Debbie must prove that people are still capable of changing for the better. The movie’s soundtrack included “Twist of Fate,” which became one of Newton-John’s biggest hits of the 1980s. Newton-John and Travolta also recorded the duet “Take a Chance” for the film.
A Mom for Christmas (1990)
Chris Haston/NBC/Everett Collection
Newton-John played a department-store mannequin brought to life in this Walt Disney Television movie, which originally aired on NBC. When 11-year-old Jessica Slocum (Juliet Sorci) wishes for a mother for Christmas, her wish is granted with a little help from Philomena, played by Doris Roberts. The mannequin, named Amy Miller, comes to life and becomes part of Jessica’s family, but the magic is meant to last only until Christmas Eve. The movie also starred Doug Sheehan as Jessica’s widowed father, Jim. It was Newton-John’s first movie role since Two of a Kind seven years earlier.
A Christmas Romance (1994)
Monty Brinton/CBS/courtesy Everett Collection
Newton-John returned to holiday television movies with A Christmas Romance. She played Julia Stonecypher, a widowed mother of two who loses her job shortly before Christmas and is in danger of losing her home. Gregory Harrison played Brian Harding, the banker who arrives with the bad news. After Brian’s car slides into a ditch during a snowstorm, he is forced to stay with Julia and her daughters while he recovers. Newton-John’s real-life daughter, Chloe Lattanzi (pictured), played Julia’s daughter Deenie. It was the first time the mother and daughter appeared together onscreen. Newton-John also performed “The Way of Love” during the movie’s opening and closing credits.
It’s My Party (1996)
United Artists/Everett Collection
Newton-John took on a more dramatic role in It’s My Party, which reunited her with Grease director Randal Kleiser. Eric Roberts stars as Nick Stark, an architect living with AIDS who learns that he has only a short period of mental clarity remaining. He invites his friends and family to his home for a final two-day gathering. Newton-John played Lina Bingham, one of the people who attends Nick’s farewell party. She was part of a large ensemble cast that also included Gregory Harrison, Lee Grant, George Segal, Marlee Matlin, Roddy McDowall, Bruce Davison and Sally Kellerman.
Sordid Lives (2000)
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
Newton-John showed a very different side of herself in Del Shores’ comedy Sordid Lives. She played Bitsy Mae Harling, an openly gay country singer who performs at a bar in a small Texas town. The movie follows three generations of a dysfunctional family as they prepare for the funeral of their matriarch. Newton-John appeared alongside Bonnie Bedelia, Beau Bridges, Delta Burke, Beth Grant and Leslie Jordan. She also performed several songs for the soundtrack, including the movie’s title song. Sordid Lives premiered at a film festival in 2000 before receiving a limited U.S. theatrical release in 2001. It eventually developed a cult following, and Newton-John reprised the role of Bitsy Mae in the 2008 prequel, Sordid Lives: The Series.
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