Kelly Preston: A Look Back At Her Best Movies & TV Roles

By Nova HaagMay 21, 2025

Was Kelly Preston merely a pretty face in Hollywood, or was she a truly gifted actress capable of inhabiting a wide range of roles? The answer, emphatically, is the latter. Preston, with her captivating screen presence and undeniable talent, carved out a successful career spanning decades, leaving an indelible mark on the film and television landscape. Her ability to transition seamlessly from comedic roles to intense dramatic performances solidified her status as a versatile and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Kelly Preston wasn't just another starlet; she was a chameleon. She effortlessly shared the screen with some of the biggest names, proving her adaptability across genres. Whether she was portraying a charming romantic lead or a complex, emotionally charged character, Preston brought a depth and authenticity to her roles that resonated with audiences. This comprehensive exploration of her career highlights her most memorable performances, significant collaborations, and lasting impact on both film and television.

Personal Information	Details
Name	Kelly Preston
Date of Birth	October 13, 1962
Birthplace	Honolulu, Hawaii
Occupation	Actress, Producer
Years Active	1980-2020
Spouse	John Travolta (1991-2020)
Children	Jett Travolta (deceased), Ella Bleu Travolta, Benjamin Travolta
Education	Punahou School (Honolulu), University of Southern California
Other Names	Kelly Kamalelehua Smith (birth name)
Height	5' 5" (1.65 m)
Website	Kelly Preston - IMDb

Born Kelly Kamalelehua Smith on October 13, 1962, in the vibrant city of Honolulu, Hawaii, Kelly Preston's journey into the world of entertainment began at a surprisingly young age. The allure of the stage and screen beckoned early, and she quickly found herself drawn to the world of acting. Her initial steps were tentative, but her innate talent and captivating presence were undeniable, hinting at the remarkable career that lay ahead. Preston's rise was not meteoric, but rather a steady climb, fueled by her dedication and a willingness to embrace diverse roles that tested her abilities and expanded her range.

The early 1980s marked the genesis of Kelly Preston's professional career, a period characterized by a series of appearances in various television shows and films. While these early roles might have been relatively minor, they provided her with invaluable experience and exposure, allowing her to hone her craft and develop a strong foundation for future success. It was during this time that she began to cultivate the versatility that would become a hallmark of her career, demonstrating an ability to navigate different genres and character types with ease. One of her first notable appearances was in the television series "Hawaii Five-O," a fitting start given her Hawaiian roots. She also took on roles in shows like "CHiPs" and "Quincy, M.E.," steadily building her resume and gaining recognition within the industry.

The year 1985 proved to be a pivotal one for Preston, as it marked her breakthrough role in the romantic comedy "Secret Admirer." This film offered her the opportunity to showcase her natural talent for comedy and her ability to portray romance with genuine warmth and charm. In "Secret Admirer," Preston played the object of affection, captivating audiences with her beauty and her ability to convey vulnerability and sweetness. The film was a commercial success, and Preston's performance was widely praised, catapulting her into the spotlight and opening doors to more significant and challenging roles. This performance marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood and signaling the beginning of a long and fruitful journey in the entertainment industry. It solidified her image as a charismatic and talented actress capable of handling both comedic and romantic material, setting the stage for her future successes.

Following the success of "Secret Admirer," Preston continued to build her career with a series of diverse and memorable roles. She demonstrated her versatility by taking on projects that spanned various genres, from comedies to dramas, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and adaptable actress. In 1986, she starred in the horror film "SpaceCamp", showcasing her ability to handle suspenseful and action-oriented roles. The following year, she appeared in the comedy "Amazon Women on the Moon," demonstrating her willingness to embrace quirky and offbeat projects. These early roles allowed her to experiment with different character types and further refine her acting skills, preparing her for the more demanding roles that would come later in her career.

One of the most memorable early appearances of Preston was in the 1988 comedy "Twins," where she co-starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. This film was a massive commercial success, exposing Preston to a wider audience and further enhancing her reputation as a talented and bankable actress. Although her role in "Twins" was relatively small, she made a significant impact, holding her own against the comedic giants Schwarzenegger and DeVito. The film's success helped to solidify her position in Hollywood and opened doors to more prominent roles in the years that followed. It was during this period that Preston began to attract the attention of some of the industry's top directors and producers, setting the stage for the next phase of her career.

The 1990s brought even greater opportunities for Preston, as she continued to showcase her versatility and talent in a variety of films. She took on more challenging and complex roles, demonstrating her ability to handle both comedic and dramatic material with equal skill. One of the most significant roles of this period was in the 1996 film "Jerry Maguire," where she played Avery Bishop, the fiancee of Jerry Maguire and mother of Tyson. This role was a turning point in her career, earning her critical acclaim and further solidifying her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

Kelly Preston's filmography is a testament to her versatility and enduring talent. Throughout her career, she delivered compelling performances in a wide range of genres, captivating audiences with her charm and skill. While it is impossible to list every film in which she appeared, some of her most notable works stand out as shining examples of her acting prowess. "Jerry Maguire" (1996), directed by Cameron Crowe, remains one of her most iconic roles. As Avery Bishop, the complex and often volatile girlfriend of Tom Cruise's Jerry Maguire, Preston delivered a nuanced and unforgettable performance. She perfectly captured Avery's strength, ambition, and vulnerability, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal. The film itself was a massive success, solidifying Preston's status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

Another notable film in Preston's career is "The Cat in the Hat" (2003), a family-friendly adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss book. In this film, Preston starred alongside Mike Myers and Dakota Fanning, bringing the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life. While the film received mixed reviews, Preston's performance was generally praised for its warmth and charm. She seamlessly embraced the lighthearted tone of the film, demonstrating her ability to connect with audiences of all ages. "The Cat in the Hat" showcased her versatility as an actress and her willingness to take on diverse roles.

In "For Love of the Game" (1999), Preston took on a more romantic role, playing Jane Aubrey, the love interest of Kevin Costner's aging baseball pitcher. This film allowed her to showcase her ability to portray genuine emotion and vulnerability. She brought a quiet strength to the role, perfectly complementing Costner's performance. "For Love of the Game" is a poignant and moving film, and Preston's contribution added depth and heart to the story. The movie highlights her ability to blend romance with sports themes, creating a memorable and heartfelt performance that resonated with viewers.

Demonstrating her range even further, Preston starred in the gritty action-thriller "Death Sentence" (2007). This film featured her in a dramatic role as Helen Hume, the wife of Kevin Bacon's character, Nick Hume, who seeks revenge after their son is murdered. In this role, Preston showcased her ability to tackle darker and more intense themes. She delivered a powerful and emotional performance, portraying a mother's grief and determination with authenticity and conviction. "Death Sentence" allowed her to explore the depths of human emotion, highlighting her range as an actress and her ability to handle challenging material.

Beyond these prominent roles, Preston also appeared in a variety of other notable films, including "Christine" (1983), "Mischief" (1985), "SpaceCamp" (1986), "Amazon Women on the Moon" (1987), "A Tiger's Tale" (1988), "Run" (1991), "Only You" (1992), "Double Cross" (1994), "From Dusk Till Dawn" (1996), "Addicted to Love" (1997), "Jack Frost" (1998), "Holy Man" (1998), "Battlefield Earth" (2000), "Daddy and Them" (2001), "Sky High" (2005), "Broken Bridges" (2006), "Old Dogs" (2009), and "Gotti" (2018). Each of these films showcased different aspects of her talent, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and respected actress.

While Kelly Preston is perhaps best known for her work in film, she also made notable appearances on television throughout her career. These television roles allowed her to showcase her versatility and comedic timing, reaching a broader audience and further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry. One of her most memorable television appearances was a guest role on the iconic sitcom "Friends" in 1996. In the episode "The One With Joey's New Brain," Preston played Suzanne, a colleague of Phoebe Buffay who becomes romantically involved with Joey Tribbiani. Her comedic timing and charm shone brightly in this role, perfectly complementing the established dynamics of the show.

Earlier in her career, Preston appeared in an episode of the classic anthology series "The Twilight Zone" in 1985. This role demonstrated her ability to handle suspenseful and thought-provoking material, showcasing her versatility as an actress. "The Twilight Zone" was a significant platform, and her appearance further enhanced her credibility and broadened her exposure within the industry. It was a testament to her ability to transition seamlessly between different genres and character types.

Later in her career, Preston took on a more substantial television role in the supernatural drama "Medium" (2005-2011). Although she only appeared in one episode titled "Drowned World", her portrayal of a grieving mother was deeply moving and earned her praise for her emotional performance. "Medium" was a popular and critically acclaimed series, and her appearance allowed her to showcase her dramatic abilities and connect with audiences on a deeper level. It demonstrated her commitment to taking on challenging roles that explored the complexities of human emotion.

In addition to these prominent roles, Preston also made appearances in other television shows, including "Hawaii Five-O," "CHiPs," "Quincy, M.E.," "Blue Thunder," "Capitol," "For Love and Honor," "Tales from the Crypt," and "Suburban Shootout." These television appearances provided her with valuable experience and exposure, allowing her to hone her craft and build a strong foundation for her career. They also demonstrated her willingness to take on diverse roles and her ability to adapt to different formats and styles of acting.

Throughout her career, Kelly Preston had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. These collaborations not only enhanced her own performances but also demonstrated her ability to work effectively with a wide range of talented actors and directors. Her on-screen chemistry and professionalism made her a sought-after collaborator, contributing to the success of numerous films and television shows. One of her most memorable collaborations was with Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire." Their on-screen dynamic was electric, and their performances were both critically acclaimed. Preston's portrayal of Avery Bishop perfectly complemented Cruise's portrayal of Jerry Maguire, creating a complex and compelling relationship that drove the narrative of the film. Their collaboration was a testament to their individual talents and their ability to work together to create something truly special.

Another significant collaboration was with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the comedy "Twins." Although her role in the film was relatively small, she held her own against these comedic giants, contributing to the film's overall success. Her ability to work alongside such established stars demonstrated her confidence and her ability to adapt to different comedic styles. The experience undoubtedly broadened her exposure and enhanced her reputation within the industry.

Preston also collaborated with Kevin Costner in the romantic sports drama "For Love of the Game." Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and their performances were both heartfelt and moving. Preston brought a quiet strength to her role, perfectly complementing Costner's portrayal of an aging baseball pitcher. Their collaboration created a memorable and poignant love story that resonated with audiences.

In "The Cat in the Hat," Preston worked alongside Mike Myers and Dakota Fanning, bringing the beloved Dr. Seuss characters to life. Her ability to embrace the whimsical tone of the film and connect with audiences of all ages made her a valuable addition to the cast. This collaboration demonstrated her versatility as an actress and her willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles.

These collaborations, along with numerous others throughout her career, highlight Kelly Preston's talent, professionalism, and ability to work effectively with a wide range of talented actors and directors. Her contributions to these projects were invaluable, and her presence on screen consistently elevated the quality of the films and television shows in which she appeared. Her ability to build strong relationships with her co-stars and contribute to a positive and collaborative working environment made her a respected and admired figure within the entertainment industry.

Kelly Preston's impact on Hollywood extends beyond her individual performances. She was a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry, known not only for her talent but also for her dedication to her craft. Her performances continue to resonate with audiences, and her influence can be seen in the work of many aspiring actors and actresses. She left an indelible mark on the film and television landscape, and her legacy will be remembered for years to come. Preston's dedication to her craft was evident in every role she took on. She approached each project with a commitment to excellence, immersing herself in her characters and delivering performances that were both authentic and compelling. Her professionalism and work ethic earned her the respect of her colleagues, and she was known for her ability to bring out the best in those around her.

Beyond her talent and dedication, Preston was also admired for her grace, poise, and kindness. She was a role model for many, both on and off screen. She used her platform to support various charitable causes and to advocate for issues that were important to her. She was a strong and compassionate woman who made a positive impact on the world around her. Her influence can be seen in the way she conducted herself both professionally and personally. She was a true professional who always treated others with respect and kindness. She was a role model for aspiring actors and actresses, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success in Hollywood while maintaining integrity and grace.

Kelly Preston's legacy extends to her influence on future generations of actors and actresses. Her performances serve as an inspiration to those who aspire to a career in the entertainment industry. Her versatility, dedication, and professionalism set a high standard for others to follow. She demonstrated that it is possible to achieve success in Hollywood while remaining true to oneself and maintaining a strong sense of integrity. Her impact on the industry will continue to be felt for years to come, as her performances are studied and admired by aspiring actors and actresses. She is remembered not only for her talent but also for her kindness, grace, and dedication to her craft. She was a true inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and actresses.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly Preston's personal life was also a subject of public interest. Her marriage to actor John Travolta was one of the most enduring and high-profile relationships in Hollywood. Together, they built a family and faced both joys and challenges with unwavering love and support. They were a constant presence at industry events and were admired for their commitment to each other and their children. Their relationship was characterized by a deep and abiding love that was evident to all who knew them.

Kelly Preston and John Travolta were married in 1991, and their relationship spanned nearly three decades. Together, they had three children: Jett, Ella Bleu, and Benjamin. Their family was the center of their lives, and they often spoke of the importance of spending quality time together. They faced challenges together, including the tragic loss of their son, Jett, in 2009. Their ability to navigate this difficult time with grace and resilience was a testament to their strength and commitment to each other. The couple was known for their devotion to their family and their unwavering support for each other's careers. They often appeared together in public, radiating warmth and affection. Their relationship was an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of love and commitment in the face of adversity.

The loss of their son, Jett, was a devastating blow to the family. Jett had autism and suffered from seizures. His death was a tragedy that deeply affected Kelly and John, as well as their other children. They spoke openly about their grief and used their experience to raise awareness about autism and seizure disorders. Their willingness to share their personal struggles helped to connect with others who had experienced similar losses and provided comfort and support to those in need. They became advocates for autism awareness, using their platform to raise funds for research and to promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism.

Despite the challenges they faced, Kelly Preston and John Travolta remained deeply committed to each other and to their family. They were a source of strength and inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity. Their legacy extends beyond their professional achievements, encompassing their personal lives and their contributions to charitable causes. They will be remembered for their talent, their kindness, and their unwavering love for each other and their family.

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