Introduction
Matt Lattanzi is a name that resonates with fans of 1980s cinema and music. Known for his roles in films such as Grease 2 and My Tutor, and remembered worldwide as the first husband of the legendary Olivia Newton-John, his journey is one filled with both triumph and challenges. While his Hollywood career brought him into the spotlight, his personal choices, environmental beliefs, and family connections shaped his legacy in unique ways.
In this biography, we take a closer look at Matt Lattanzi’s full life story—from his early upbringing and acting career to his relationships, legacy, and lasting influence. His journey is not just about stardom, but also about the human struggle to find balance between public recognition and private fulfillment.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Vincent Lattanzi |
| Date of Birth | February 1, 1959 |
| Age | 66 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian (father), Polish (mother) |
| Parents | Charles Paul Lattanzi, Jeanette |
| Education | Benson Polytechnic High School |
| Spouse(s) | Olivia Newton-John (1984–1995), later Cindy Jessup, Michelle Lattanzi |
| Children | Chloe Rose Lattanzi (born 1986) |
| Notable Works | Xanadu, Grease 2, My Tutor, Paradise Beach |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 Million |
Early Life and Background
Family Roots and Childhood
Matt Lattanzi was born on February 1, 1959, in Portland, Oregon. His father, Charles Paul Lattanzi, came from Italian heritage, while his mother, Jeanette, carried Polish ancestry. This multicultural background gave him both diversity in heritage and grounding in family traditions. Growing up in Portland, Matt experienced a typical American childhood but carried a passion for performance and movement that would later propel him toward acting.
He attended Benson Polytechnic High School, graduating in 1977. During his formative years, he developed an interest in dance and acting, which eventually inspired him to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry. For someone from a small city in Oregon, his ambitions were bold, and his journey soon brought him to Hollywood.
Beginning of Career
First Step into Film
Matt Lattanzi’s career began when he appeared as a dancer in the 1980 musical fantasy film Xanadu, which starred Olivia Newton-John. Although his role was small, it was significant because it not only marked his Hollywood debut but also became the moment he met Olivia, who would later become his wife.
From this early entry point, Matt quickly transitioned to acting roles. His charisma, good looks, and dance skills made him a natural fit for the screen, particularly at a time when youth-driven films were popular. This paved the way for what would become the most active decade of his career—the 1980s.
Career Overview
Film Success
The 1980s were the height of Matt Lattanzi’s acting career. After Xanadu, he secured more prominent roles:
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Rich and Famous (1981) showed his ability to adapt to drama.
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Grease 2 (1982), a sequel to the beloved Grease, featured him as Brad, gaining him wider recognition.
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My Tutor (1983) gave him one of his most memorable leading roles, establishing him as a rising young actor.
He later appeared in films such as That’s Life! (1986), Roxanne (1987), Blueberry Hill (1988), Catch Me If You Can (1989), and Diving In (1990). These films collectively demonstrated his versatility across comedy, romance, and drama.
Television and Music Videos
In addition to films, Matt expanded into television, most notably starring in the Australian soap opera Paradise Beach in 1993. His role as Cooper Hart lasted for around 100 episodes, cementing his popularity in Australia.
He also appeared in multiple Olivia Newton-John music videos, including Landslide, Soul Kiss, and Can’t We Talk It Over in Bed. These projects not only tied his personal life to his career but also introduced him to global audiences through Olivia’s fame.
Decline of Career
By the mid-1990s, acting opportunities slowed down. Hollywood’s rapidly changing landscape made it difficult for Matt to maintain leading roles, and he eventually shifted his focus away from acting. Though his career was relatively short-lived compared to his peers, his contributions in the 1980s remain memorable to fans.
Personal Life
Marriage to Olivia Newton-John
Matt Lattanzi married Olivia Newton-John in 1984, four years after meeting her on the set of Xanadu. Their relationship drew immense media attention, as Olivia was already an international superstar. Together, they had one daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, born in 1986.
The marriage lasted for 11 years, but by 1995, the couple divorced. Despite the separation, Matt remained supportive of Chloe, who would later follow in her parents’ footsteps by pursuing a career in music and acting.
Later Relationships
After his divorce, Matt entered into a decade-long relationship with Cindy Jessup, who had once been the couple’s babysitter. Later in life, he married Michelle Lattanzi, and the two lived a quieter life, reportedly co-managing a medicinal cannabis farm.
Later Years
In the 2000s, Matt Lattanzi stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight. He was reported to be living off the grid near Malibu around 2008, reflecting his strong environmentalist values. His preference for privacy and sustainability contrasted sharply with the high-profile Hollywood lifestyle he once led.
Eventually, Matt returned to Oregon, where he continues to live more privately. His choices in later life show a man who values simplicity, family, and the environment over fame and fortune.
Net Worth
Though not among Hollywood’s wealthiest figures, Matt Lattanzi’s estimated net worth stands at around $1 million. His earnings stem mainly from his film and television work during the 1980s, as well as later business and lifestyle ventures.
Legacy
Matt Lattanzi’s legacy is twofold. On one hand, he is remembered as a talented actor and dancer who contributed to iconic films of the 1980s. On the other hand, his personal story—his marriage to Olivia Newton-John, his environmentalist lifestyle, and his role as a devoted father—paint a portrait of a man who chose authenticity over endless fame.
His career may not have reached the heights of other Hollywood stars, but his ability to leave an impression through film, television, and personal values ensures that his name remains recognized. His daughter Chloe continues the family’s creative legacy, carrying forward the artistic spirit.
Conclusion
Matt Lattanzi’s life reflects the highs and lows of a Hollywood actor. From starring in youth-driven films of the 1980s to supporting Olivia Newton-John’s career and later choosing a quieter, environmentally conscious lifestyle, his journey is both inspiring and complex. While some remember him mainly for his films or his high-profile marriage, others respect his decision to live a simpler, more grounded life. In both ways, he has left a legacy worth remembering.
FAQs
1. Who is Matt Lattanzi?
Matt Lattanzi is an American actor and dancer best known for his roles in 1980s films such as Grease 2 and My Tutor.
2. When was Matt Lattanzi born?
He was born on February 1, 1959, in Portland, Oregon, U.S.
3. Who was Matt Lattanzi married to?
He was married to Olivia Newton-John from 1984 to 1995.
4. Does Matt Lattanzi have children?
Yes, he has one daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, born in 1986.
5. What is Matt Lattanzi’s legacy?
He is remembered as an actor of the 1980s, Olivia Newton-John’s first husband, and an environmentalist who later embraced a simpler lifestyle.
