And on Thursday, his versatility was recognised when he was honoured with the Kirk Douglas Award for excellence in film by the Santa Barbara Film Festival.
The actor, who impressed many with his portrayal of hitman Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 hit Pulp Fiction, collected the award from 90-year-old Douglas at a ceremony held at the Four Seasons.
The festival will take place between January 24 and February 3 next.
In the picture: Kirk Douglas and John Travolta share a moment.
Photograph: Mark Davis/Getty Images