John Travolta welcomes 'Old Dogs' into his family

John Travolta

John Travolta’s comedy "Old Dogs" is a family film in more ways than one. Not only is the movie geared to families and is about a family, but "Old Dogs" also co-stars Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, and their daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta. To promote "Old Dogs," the Travolta family has re-emerged in the public eye after the tragic seizure death of 16-year-old son Jett in January 2009.

In "Old Dogs," John Travolta plays a womanizing bachelor named Charlie, who finds himself helping his best friend and business partner, Dan (played by Robin Williams), look after Dan’s 7-year-old twins (played by Ella Bleu Travolta and Conner Rayburn) after Dan’s ex-wife Vicki (played by Preston) temporarily leaves the children in the men’s care. The two middle-aged pals are then forced to be parental figures for the first time in their lives, and the rest of the story is easy to predict. Here’s what John Travolta had to say about "Old Dogs" in an interview he did while making the film.

In your own words, can you describe the story of "Old Dogs"?

Basically, it’s a story about two best friends who run into mutual crises. One friend, unbeknownst to him, has a set of twins that are actually his; they belong to him. It’s a boy and a girl. And Ella, my daughter, plays one of the twins. And they are sprung on him seven years after they were born. He’s devastated and doesn’t know what to do. The mother of the twins — his old flame, let’s call it — presented these two [kids] basically on his doorstep. So now he and his best friend — and he is Robin Williams and I’m the best friend — we have to collectively take care of these children for what seems to be a three-week period, but it ends up a little longer, while [the kids’] mom is away.

Ella Bleu Travolta, John Travolta and Conner Rayburn in "Old Dogs"

What is your "Old Dogs" Charlie character like?

My character is, in essence, a confirmed bachelor who likes his privacy and likes life. He has lots of nice things, nice car, nice apartment. He’s the guy you find reading Esquire magazine and buying the best of everything. He didn’t really plan on family.

How was it working with Robin Williams?

I decided to be very physical with Robin. I had no problem beating him up when I felt mad at him. And I had no problem loving him up if I felt affection toward him. I just decided that I would not allow that typical barrier that two male friends have to be anything offensive. I thought, "If he’s willing to let me express myself freely with him, then that will automatically allow the illusion of a bond for those two characters." On top of it, I’ve known Robin for 30 years, so we are old friends.

Seth Green, John Travolta and Robin Williams in "Old Dogs"

You worked with "Old Dogs" director Walt Becker on 2007’s "Wild Hogs." How is it collaborating with him?

I put Walt as an equal with me, in that we as a team will make a funny movie together. And I protect him and he protects me. I get him through rough spots and he gets me through rough spots. And we’re like buddies doing a movie, and we’re obligated to each other as friends first, almost. And as performers, we do this product together. I’m really, really fond of Walt. He’s a tremendous human being. We cut through any of the facades of show business.

Kelly Preston, Ella Bleu Travolta and John Travolta at the Los Angeles premiere of "Old Dogs," November 2009

How would you describe Seth Green, who plays a co-worker of Charlie and Dan?

Seth is delightful. Seth is again a revelation. He’s like having another child on the set, because he’s continuously positive. He’s got an endless ability to improvise, more than Robin and I. He’s got this plethora and library of ideas and choices. He’s game. Seth Green is just up for fun and for having a blast.