Ellen Travolta (born October 6, 1940) is an American actress.

Biography

Ellen Travolta was born on October 6, 1940 in Englewood, New Jersey. to Salvatore ("Sam") Travolta (1913-1995) and Helen Cecilia (née Burke) Travolta (1912-1978). Her father was a semi-professional football player before becoming a tire salesman and a partner in a Firestone franchise called Travolta Tires.

Helen Travolta was an actress and singer who appeared with "The Sunshine Sisters", a radio vocal group. She later became a drama coach, actress and director of student productions. Ellen Travolta's siblings are Joey Travolta, Ann Travolta, Margaret Travolta, Sam Travolta and John Travolta.

Ms. Travolta attended Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, New Jersey and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She is probably best known for her portrayal of Louisa Arcola Delvecchio, the aunt of Fonzie (Henry Winkler) and mother of Chachi Arcola (Scott Baio) in the 1950s-based sitcom Happy Days, and the spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi. She also played the mother of Baio's character on the syndicated comedy series Charles in Charge from 1987-90.

She played Mrs. Horshack-O'Hara in three episodes of Welcome Back, Kotter, on which her brother, actor John Travolta, starred as Vinnie Barbarino in the series. Later in the 1970s, she played Dorothy Manucci in the short-lived television series Makin' It. She played Marion Keisker in John Carpenter's renowned 1979 television film Elvis.