Fans of Olivia Newton-John will soon get an in-depth look at the life and career of the late star in an upcoming documentary on Netflix. The documentary, directed by Nicole Newnham, will highlight Newton-John’s journey from her rise to global fame to the many challenges she faced later in life.
Netflix confirmed the project on Tuesday, June 24. The documentary will be led by Newnham, whose 2020 Netflix documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution received an Oscar nomination.
According to a release, the film will explore the life, music, and magic of Olivia Newton-John, with a focus on her inspiring journey and the obstacles she overcame.
What Will the Documentary Cover?
The untitled film will feature Newton-John’s story through vivid archival footage and interviews with close friends and collaborators. It will reveal how the world fell in love with her and how she reached the peak of fame, only to face monumental personal challenges.
The documentary will dive into Newton-John’s ability to push through immense loss and pain, all while maintaining grace and gratitude.
As described in the release, “This is the story of a woman who was perpetually underestimated despite her mesmerizing talent, ultimately silencing her detractors.” The film will also showcase how she changed culture through kindness, inclusivity, and love—values that became central to her legacy.
Newnham shared her personal connection to Newton-John, saying, “As a young girl, I fell in love with her, listening to Grease on the record player on repeat. This filmmaking journey has revealed a complex and extraordinary woman whose impact on the world is still rippling outwards.”
Production Team and Legacy
The documentary will be produced by R.J. Cutler, the producer behind notable projects like Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry and Elton John: Never Too Late.
Olivia Newton-John passed away in August 2022 at the age of 73 after a long battle with breast cancer. She had been diagnosed in 1992 and continued to advocate for cancer research and awareness until her passing. She was known for founding the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne.
A Look at Olivia’s Life and Career
Olivia Newton-John was born in the U.K. in 1948 before moving to Australia at the age of five. Her career took off after winning an Australian TV talent contest, and by 1971, she had launched her solo music career with albums like If Not For You and Olivia.
Her acting career skyrocketed in 1978 when she starred in Grease opposite John Travolta. After Grease, she went on to star in Xanadu (1980) and Two of a Kind (1983) with Travolta. While she had other film roles, she eventually returned to her music career, releasing multiple albums and earning 12 Grammy nominations.
Olivia Newton-John’s Legacy
Beyond her entertainment career, Newton-John is remembered for her dedication to cancer awareness. Her fight with cancer included a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy, and breast reconstruction, which inspired her to help others facing similar battles.
This documentary will provide a powerful and heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John, a woman who left an unforgettable impact on both the entertainment world and the fight against cancer.
