Travolta seeks recruits

Herald-Sun (Australia)/June 24, 2001
By Claire Sutherland

John Travolta is out to win recruits to Scientology during his promotional tour of Australia.

The star of Grease and Saturday Night Fever said he would like to share his religion with anyone who was in need of spiritual help. "I'm so proud of what it does and how it helps people, I don't really mind when Scientology is brought up," he said. "I feel like it's a perfect invitation for me to maybe help someone with their life."

He said he was happy for the media to harp on the controversial religion to which he was one of several celebrity recruits. "I think your average fellow would be offended by that, but in my case I'm actually pleased when it comes up because maybe it gives me an opportunity to share it with someone and maybe help them," he said.

Despite publicists' fears that Travolta would not react well to being asked about Scientology, the actor was happy to discuss the controversial religion. Travolta flew in to Melbourne this week piloting his own former-Qantas Boeing 707 to promote his new film, Swordfish.

Based on the sci-fi writings of self-professed guru L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology hinges on the assumption human beings can "clear" themselves of past hurts and experiences and achieve optimal performance as humans. But it has attracted criticism that it can brainwash its devotees and strip them of much of their material wealth.

The full interview with John Travolta appears in the Herald Sun's Hit entertainment section on Thursday.