Remembering Olivia Newton-John's Life in Photos on What Would've Been Her 75th Birthday (2024)

Olivia Newton-John's Early Years

Olivia Newton-John was born in Cambridge in 1948 and moved to Australia with her parents and two siblings when she was 5. She was first noticed on a television talent contest; the attention led to local TV work and an eventual trip to London that kick-started her early '70s music career.

She toured with Pat Farrar — the other half of her act, Pat & Olivia — and joined the group Toomorrow (pictured), even starring in a 1970 movie about the band.

By 1971 her solo career was rolling, and by 1973 she'd won her first Grammy for "Let Me Be There."

Olivia Newton-John's Grammys

Newton-John Performing in London in 1974, not long after winning two more Grammys for "I Honestly Love You." She scored one more, video of the year, in 1982 for "Physical," giving her four awards and 12 nominations in her lifetime.

Olivia Newton-John and Bruce Welch

With her onetime fiancé, producer Bruce Welch, in 1975. The two never wed.

Olivia Newton-John in 'Grease'

With Grease costar John Travolta in a promo photo for the film in 1978. The movie truly cemented Newton-John's status as a household name and kicked off a decades-long friendship for the two leads.

"We did something life-changing, making that film," Newton-John told PEOPLE in 2018. "[At the premiere] you got the feeling from the energy that something was happening. It was a huge response. I feel grateful to be a part of that."

Newton-John's work as Sandy Olsson also earned her a Golden Globe nomination, as well as an Oscar nomination for the song "Hopelessly Devoted to You."

Olivia Newton-John in 'Xanadu'

Two years later, Newton-John (here with costars Michael Beck and Gene Kelly in 1979) returned to the big screen in the cult hit Xanadu, a musical centered on a Greek muse and a roller disco. When it was turned into a Broadway musical in 2007, Newton-John was front and center in the crowd on opening night.

Olivia Newton-John Receives Her OBE

In 1979, Newton-John received her Officer of the Order of the British Empire medal from Queen Elizabeth.

Olivia Newton-John in 'Physical'

In her Grammy-winning video for "Physical" in 1981. The song has since been sampled by countless artists, more recently Doja Cat, Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus.

Olivia Newton-John with Husband Matt Lattanzi

In 1991 with first husband Matt Lattanzi and their daughter Chloe, whom they welcomed in 1986. The two wed in 1984 but divorced in 1995.

Olivia Newton-John's Work with the United Nations

In 1990, Newton-John was made a U.N. ambassador on the environment. In 1997 (pictured), she was honored for her work.

Olivia Newton-John's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In 1992, Newton-John revealed her breast cancer diagnosis.

"I draw strength from the millions of women who have faced this challenge successfully," she said in her statement at the time. "This has been detected early because I've had regular examinations, so I encourage other women to do the same."

Her treatment – which included a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction – ultimately lead to the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne. In the decades since, Newton-John become an advocate for cancer awareness and research.

Olivia Newton-John and Boyfriend Patrick McDermott

With then-boyfriend Patrick McDermott, who went missing in 2005, in 2001.

"One of the hardest things is not knowing," Newton-John once told PEOPLE of the mystery surrounding McDermott's disappearance.

Olivia Newton-John at the Great Wall of China

Newton-John led a trek along the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in 2008.

Olivia Newton-John on 'Glee'

The star famously revisited "Physical" during a guest spot on Glee in 2010.

Olivia Newton-John and Husband John Easterling

Newton-John married Easterling in 2008.

"I dated a little bit, but I wasn't expecting to fall in love with him and then bam!" she told PEOPLE years later. The singer also said Easterling helped her move on from the "traumatic" ordeal of reports claiming McDermott had faked his death and was living in Mexico.

"I'm very lucky I have a wonderful, beautiful husband who is just so loving and fantastic," she added. "I always tell my friends you're never too old to find love."

Olivia Newton-John and Daughter Chloe Lattanzi

With daughter Chloe Lattanzi, now 36, in 2016. Lattanzi often posted photos and updates about her mom, though also faced her own struggles: in 2016, she went on The Doctors to talk about body dysmorphia.

Olivia Newton-John Performing in 2017

Despite the ups and downs of her ongoing breast cancer battle, Newton-John beamed at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey, on April 11, 2017.

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

Posing with Grease costar John Travolta at the G'Day USA Black Tie Gala, held in Los Angeles on Jan. 27, 2018. The two reunited countless times through the years, to the delight of fans.

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Grease with costar John Travolta on Aug. 15, 2018 in Beverly Hills.

"When you share that kind of meteoric success—and nothing has been able to exceed it—you share a bond," Travolta told PEOPLE. "I've been through her having a child, getting divorced, losing her sister. She's been through my getting married, having children. It's wonderful and full of shared memories."

Olivia Newton-John in 2018

Raising money during the annual Wellness Walk and Research Run on Sept. 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. The annual event raises vital funds to support cancer research and wellness programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.

Olivia Newton-John in 2019

One of the star's final appearances before COVID was at an October 2019 reception in Beverly Hills for an auction of items from her personal collection.

On Aug. 8, 2022, her husband John Easterling announced the actess had died at home that morning. She was 73.