My Pap Pics
I had to be sewn into my tight, black Grease trousers
Grease is the word
There’s no way myself and John Travolta could have predicted how huge Grease would become. I guess the chemistry was right. I only agreed to do the movie if we could have a screen test, and it was clear from it that we went well together.
I remember filming this scene. I had to be stitched into those famous tight trousers at the end of the film. When I first walked out on the set all the crew turned and started wolf-whistling. I was like ‘Wow, what have I been doing wrong?’
Two 70s heroes
Wow, this must have been taken a long time ago back in the 70s. I imagine, judging by my hair. I’d run into Elton John at various showbiz events. He was a lot of fun I guess those were his wild days. I’ve never been wild myself, I’ve never done drugs and I don’t drink heavily One glass of wine sets me off, which is a shame. I like it, but I just can’t handle it
Mariah loves me...
Mariah Carey is lovely. I went to her concert in Australia in 1998 and she got me on stage to sing, because, as she told the audience, she sang Hopelessly Devoted To You in a talent contest when she was a girl. She’s an incredible singer but the music business is all about looks now, I’m glad I didn’t have to deal with that.
Do I worry about ageing? No. I’m 56 and hope I’m going well. I haven’t had any cosmetic surgery. Having had surgery for something serious, cancer I nave a different take on it - but if I looked in the mirror one day and thought, ‘Ugh!’, I’d consider it.
Just being a mum
I never understand why the paparazzi would be interested in pictures of me with my shopping, but there you go. This was snapped in LA when I was out with my daughter Chloe. She’s 19 now and is making her first album I’m so proud of her. Me and her father (actor Matt Lattanzi) were divorced in 1995. He has remarried, but we’ve remained friends, so Chloe sees a lot of him.
Let's get Physical
When I recorded Physical in 1981 went into a bit of a panic. Back then the lyrics were so risqué, although now of course they wouldn’t raise an eyebrow. I called my manager and said, ‘We need to pull this record’ but it had already been sent to radio stations so it was too late. That’s why we decided to do a video and play up the exercise part of it and play down the sexual stuff I wish I’d cashed in and done an exercise video, Jane Fonda made mint out of that.
With Rod Stewart
I’ve known Rod Stewart for years. We had the same doctor in London and would run into each other there. He invited me to parties at his house with his various wives, but these days I’m not one for partying. Because I travel so much for work, I like to spend my spare time at home with my daughter, my dogs and my boyfriend Patrick. We’ve lived together for eight years now.
Every year, I say I’m going to retire and stay home, but then something happens to stop me. This year it’s my new album, called Indigo. It’s a tribute to the girl singers who’ve been influential to me - people like Karen Carpenter and Doris Day - and I’m really proud of it.
Famous Faces
Hugh Grant, Elizabeth Hurley and I at an environmental awards event. I don’t get starstruck when I meet celebrities, except for the first time I met Robert Redford. Growing up I had such a crush on him, so when we did meet I was lost for words. Anyway, the environment is something I’m very concerned about. I support the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC), which was started by a friend after her daughter died of cancer linked to environmental toxins.
I’ve had my own experience of cancer. Thirteen years ago I had a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy. That’s why I’m backing the Liv Breast Self-Exam Kit - it’s so important for women to self-examine their breasts. If you catch it early enough the chances of recovery are so much greater.
My mate, Sir Cliff
Cliff Richard and I never dated, despite all the rumours. He’s a great friend, an amazing person and such a sweet man. In this business you get romantically linked to so many people and most of the time it isn’t true. At one point I was apparently having Burt Reynolds’ baby, even though we’d only met once. Andy Gibb was just a friend, despite what you may have read. It happens to me all the time.
Olivia’s new album, Indigo: Women Of Song, is out now. For more info about the Liv Breast Self-Exam Kit go to www.goodforhealth.com