John Travolta's First Interview Since Jett's Death

John Travolta was on “Ellen” Wednesday with his nine-year-old daughter Ella for an emotional interview.

Ellen didn’t ask him about the death of his son Jett last January or even really get the chance to ask John how he was doing. He started off right away with a heartfelt thanks to everyone for all the love and support that’s been sent his way, which was very sweet. He said it with such enthusiasm that you can tell it really has meant something and been helpful for John and his family.

The entire interview on “Ellen” was pretty emotional – John teared up when talking about how proud he was of Ella on her first acting role.

John Travolta says he is grateful for all of the support he has received since his son Jett died at age 16 following a seizure this past January.

“I just want to take one moment to thank each and every one of you throughout this country, through out the world for all your support and all your love for our family,” he says on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wednesday. “Thank you very much.”

His 9-year-old daughter Ella, who makes her film debut with her dad in their upcoming comedy Old Dogs (out on November 25th), also appeared with him for her first talk show interview.

“You are so proud of her, aren’t you?” DeGeneres asks Travolta, 45, of his daughter.

“I’m holding back the tears…” he says as DeGeneres hands him a tissue.

Travolta also reveals his new hobby: tennis. “I play everyday,” he says. “I play at midnight, kind of vampire-style.” Who does he play with? His housing staff. “The house manager and the house maintenance person,” he says. “At midnight, we go to the local tennis court.”

John told a funny story about the first time he flew on an airplane at eight years old. While he’s always been a big aviation buff and had already been collecting everything plane-related that he could get his then-little hands on, he didn’t know that planes had bathrooms. He hadn’t gone, and was so excited that he wet his pants. It’s a funny story the way he tells it. Funnier still that he’d admit to it.

In the interview, John seemed to be doing fine after staying away from the public eye since Jett's death.