Kelly Preston dies from breast cancer

Twins star was 57

by Jennie Kermode

Kelly Preston in Jerry Maguire
Kelly Preston in Jerry Maguire

Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, better known as Kelly Preston, has died at the age of 57 as a result of breast cancer, according to a statement from her family.

Smith, who was known for her work alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in Twins and for starring with Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, had been ill for two years but chose not to make her diagnosis public as she continued to work. She has been remembered with great affection by fellow actors including Josh Gad and Russell Crowe, who described her as a "sparkly eyed gem."

Born in Honolulu, Smith initially worked as a model before moving into acting. Following a series of television roles, she first made her presence flt on the big screen in John Carpenter's Christine, and went on to appear in the likes of From Dusk Till Dawn, For The Love Of The Game and Battlefield Earth.

She is survived by her husband, John Travolta, who said "Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered," and also be children Ella and Benjamin. The couple lost another son, Jett, in 2009.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film