Travolta Family Talks Making ‘Old Dogs’ A Family Affair

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John Travolta,Kelly Preston,‘Old Dogs’,Robin Williams,Parenthood,Nancy O’Dell,Movies,Celebrities

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Kelly Preston, Ella Bleu Travolta and John Travolta
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John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston
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John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston arrive at the Academy Awards in February 2008

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FIRST PUBLISHED: November 8, 2009 8:22 PM EST
LAST UPDATED: November 9, 2009 2:23 PM EST

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Making “Old Dogs” was a family affair for the Travoltas.

John was joined on the movie by actress wife Kelly Preston and their daughter, Ella Bleu, who made her Hollywood debut.

“When Ella was 5, I told her that she could do a movie when she was ready, and at 7, she came to me and said, ‘I’m ready,’” John explained to Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell at the film’s junket in Los Angeles on Saturday. “Literally a week after that, Disney had sent a script.”

Even at age 7, John said their daughter was a pro on the set.

“I never worried about giving her directions,” John said. “When I read the script, it was so Ella.”

“She was amazing,” Kelly added. “She loved it. [Then] afterwards she said, ‘You know, I think I’m gonna take a year off, have a little break.’”

For young Ella’s part, she said that entertaining came naturally.

“It looked fun and I like to act and be in front of the camera and stuff,” she told Nancy.

With parents like hers, it makes sense – including a show-stopping dance scene that recalls her dad’s famous moves.

“Have you seen ‘Grease?’” Nancy asked Ella.

“Yeah, a lot of times,” she said, adding that she sometimes makes her dad bust a move.

“You know, often she doesn’t have to ask me,” John said.

The family also joked about Ella’s parental resemblance – according to John and Kelly, she looked more like her dad when she was born.

“He basically was taking credit for giving birth,” Kelly laughed. “For a while there.”

“As she gets older I think she can completely take her mom’s looks, that’s fine. As long as I get credit in the beginning,” John said, giving Ella a kiss.

Joining the family on the set of “Old Dogs” was longtime friend Robin Williams, who plays Ella’s dad – and gets to kiss Kelly.

“I trust Robin, let’s put it that way,” John said of his friend of 32 years. “If I could’ve chosen anyone, I would have chosen Robin.”

“It’s a Disney smooch,” Kelly added.

“Old Dogs” is due in theaters on November 25.

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