by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: May 31, 2009   Last Updated: February 23, 2011

When you see John Travolta flash across the big screen in movies such as Face Off, Phenomenon and Grease, it is hard to imagine him in such roles as that of Vinny Barbarino. Welcome Back Kotter was a sitcom that began in 1975. It had a huge following of fans that tuned in every week to see the antics of Mr. Kotter and his Sweathogs. In fact, many of you may not have been born at the time.

Vinny Barbarino is the reason that many young women loved to watch the show. John Travolta soon became a teen idol as girls swooned over his beautiful eyes and the thick, dark hair, which at the time became one of his trademarks. His smile wasn't bad either.

John Travolta has come a long way from the days of teen idol status. He has earned his way to the big time since those early days. He played a teenager in Welcome Back Kotter although he was 21 in real life. He turned to the big screen around 1976 but not as the star of the movie. He played a small role in the movie Carrie as a not so nice high school student who paid a big price in the end. He went on from there to play in the movie Grease which was a box office smash hit. It is still alive and kicking as a classic favorite of many of his fans. He still remained a teen idol during that time but was hitting it big without realizing it. How could anyone know how big he would eventually get.

Welcome Back Kotter was the role that got John Travolta noticed more than ever before. The smart mouthed Barbarino who was always trying to look cool put John Travolta on the rise to stardom beyond his wildest dreams. Vinnie remains a part of who many of us associate with John Travolta. Travolta eventually broke out of the stereotypical role that was Vinnie Barbarino. Although the stereotyping sort of role went on through movies such as Saturday Night Fever, these were all just stepping stones to the serious actor that we know today.

If you have only seen movies such as Face Off or Phenomenon and later watched just one episode of Welcome Back Kotter, you would be in shock to even realize that he played what you might think of as a menial role in a sitcom such as this. Just remember when you are watching Welcome Back Kotter, you are watching a future master in action. John Travolta wasn't very well known until this sitcom came to life. Travolta made an excellent choice when deciding to play the part. Had it not been for Vinny Barbarino, we would have missed out on one of the greatest actors of our time.

What a shame it would be if we were never graced with the amazing levels that this actor has climbed to. John Travolta didn't let himself stay in a stereotype. He pulled out from under Vinny Barbarino with great success. That isn't something that many actors and actresses can pull off. We must give John a standing ovation for his ability to do so. We must also thank Vinny Barbarino for bringing this actor to life.

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