Olivia questions and answers
Translation from German
Olivia Newton-John interviewed by POP/Rocky in London
After the massive success of “Grease,” Olivia Newton-John was on top all over the world!
But then fate struck cruelly: A serious illness and heartbreak turned the slender blonde into a miserable heap!
But now Olivia is celebrating a sensational comeback: With “Xanadu,” the ‘78 POP Award winner is shining brightly in both the cinemas and the international charts! POP/Rocky spoke with Olivia in London about love, sex, money, and career!
POP/Rocky: Your new film, Xanadu, shows a completely different Olivia, more seductive and sexy than ever before. How come you’ve changed so much?
I'm tired of being seen as the good girl next door
Olivia Newton-John: I’ve obviously developed and grown up over the past few years. Above all, I was tired of being seen as the good girl next door. Fans always had the impression that I was too good to be true. That particularly annoyed me because I’m just a human being like everyone else, with all my faults and weaknesses.
When I sang on my first record, I was just 19 years old, and therefore probably a bit too nice and naive.
To this day, people have seen me as an innocent who can’t hurt anyone’s feelings. But now, at 31, I’ve finally put that past behind me. If I want to appear sexy, it’s because I like it.
POP/Rocky: Although you fully embraced your role, the film wasn’t entirely well-received. One London critic even said that “Xanadu” was so boring that you could watch it with your eyes closed. What do you say to such criticisms?
Olivia Newton-John: “When you’re in the spotlight like I am, there are always people who disagree with a film or a song. I can only strive to be the best I can, with the thought that I’m not performing for the critics, but for my fans. And it seems they like ‘Xanadu.’ The viewing figures certainly prove it… “
POP/Rocky: During the production of the soundtrack, you recorded the title song “Xanadu” with ELO boss Jeff Lynne. How was it working with him?
Olivia Newton-John: Jeff is certainly one of the best musicians I know. He’s a textbook perfectionist. He’s constantly coming up with new ideas and writes simply great songs. The studio wasn’t as stressful as usual because Jeff is a very balanced guy who doesn’t like to be rushed. I would love to work with him again. But given our many commitments, that’s probably not something we can juggle anytime soon.
POP/Rocky: Your breakthrough in Hollywood came as John Travolta’s partner in “Grease.” You were celebrated as a dream couple. Do you want to make another film together?
Olivia Newton-John: Yes, that’s been under discussion for a long time. It’s supposed to be a musical. But it’s very difficult to find a good script that’s tailor-made for John and me. John has already read three hundred proposals, but there was nothing interesting. That’s why we kept postponing the idea.
POP/Rocky: Whatever you touch— every note, every step— will sooner or later turn to pure gold. It’s estimated that you’ve earned a good 40 million Deutschmarks by now, 12 million from “Grease” alone. What does all that money mean to you?
Olivia Newton-John: Oh, I find it vulgar to talk about money. My manager takes care of the financial matters. I always find out about it from the press that I was supposedly paid gigantic sums of money, and then I’m always amazed at how much I’m supposed to be worth.
However, I believe that I have enough money in my account now that I don’t have to chase success if someone no longer wants me.
I'm far too busy to be able to seriously fall in love with a man
POP/Rocky: Is it true that after your private split from your long-time boyfriend Lee Kramer, who now only cares about business, you had affairs with Andy Gibb, John Travolta, and Cliff Richard?
Olivia Newton-John: I’ve heard of it, but that’s really complete nonsense. Someone made up these romances. I have a good relationship with all of them - after all, we’ve worked together occasionally - but outside of the studio we’re just nice acquaintances.
We’ve gone out a few times, to parties or to dinner. But that doesn’t have to be the start of a great love affair!
"I don't want to get married for the time being; I've experienced too many divorces in my family. Although I often long for children and the security of a family."
POP/Rocky: Two years ago you canceled a Japanese tour in protest against Japanese Fishermen who cruelly killed dolphins. What else do you do for animals?
Olivia Newton-John: On my farm in Malibu, California, I have two Great Danes, a dachshund, a setter, two Siamese cats, and five horses. I rescued the Great Danes, half-starved, from a shelter where they had just arrived. When I see an animal in need, I just have to help. I love all of my animals, they’re very loyal and affectionate and don’t disappoint like humans do.
POP/Rocky: What are your next plans?
Olivia Newton-John: As soon as my promotional tour for ‘Xanadu’ is over, I’m going to retreat to my farm for two months and really relax.
After the vacation, I’m planning a new album, which won’t be released until the middle of next year. I’ll probably also shoot a new film, but I haven’t decided on any of the offers yet.