My Illness Made Me Strong
Translation from German
Stars Present Themselves - Rendezvous with Chief Reporter Ismene Leven
She is delicate, looks like a young girl: Olivia Newton-John (47) wears sneakers with a muslin-colored, ankle-length cotton dress, and has just a hint of lipstick on her youthful-looking face.
The Hollywood star, world-famous since the dance film “Grease” with John Travolta, came to Germany with her sister Rona to see the 1950s love story performed as a stage musical for the first time in Düsseldorf.
Even before the performance, the actress, singer, and mother of a ten-year-old daughter radiated plenty of good cheer. And yet, it was only four years ago that she received the medical diagnosis of “breast cancer” hung over her like a death sentence.
Olivia Newton-John spoke openly with NEUE WELT about her illness, her fears, and future plans…
Four years ago she received the terrible diagnosis: breast cancer! Months full of fear and a battle she ultimately won.
NEUE WELT: Four years ago, your right breast was removed at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Afterwards, you had to undergo chemotherapy. How do you feel today?
Olivia: Great, I beat the cancer.
NEUE WELT:What advice would you give to women who have cancer and are despairing over this diagnosis?
Olivia: To remain strong internally, not to lose faith in yourself and in a cure. People with courage and a positive attitude have a much greater chance of survival than those who give up, constantly feel sorry for themselves, or even give up.
NEUE WELT: Easier said than done. Were you able to follow that advice yourself the whole time?
Olivia: No, for the first three days, my fear almost took my breath away. I was terrified of death and of my little daughter Chloe, who was only six years old at the time, having to grow up without a mother. But then I quickly realized that this wouldn’t get me anywhere. So I distracted myself, tried to think only about the good things. I started meditating, relaxed with yoga. After that, I even rediscovered my sense of humor, my laughter.
NEUE WELT: Did you tell your daughter that you have cancer?
Olivia: No, because Chloe’s best friend died of cancer a year before I was diagnosed. I didn’t want to frighten her.
NEUE WELT: Has the illness changed your life?
Olivia: Yes, I eat differently, I hardly drink or smoke. My awareness has also changed. Every new day is a gift to me. It sounds strange, but the illness has made me strong. I’m no longer afraid, not even of death.
NEUE WELT: Do you believe in an afterlife?
Olivia: Absolutely.
NEUE WELT: Rumor has it that you and your husband, Matt Lattanzi, have reconciled?
Olivia: We’re just good friends now.
NEUE WELT: Is there a new love?
Olivia: I still have enough to deal with myself.
Photo captions: Tasteful: Olivia's living room in Malibu. After her illness, she had an organic wooden house built.
Broken happiness: In April 1995, Olivia Newton-John separated from her husband Matt Lattanzi after 16 years of marriage. A new serious relationship is not yet in sight.
A close relationship: Olivia and her daughter Chloe. She wants to go into film, like her mother. Her new works: the CD "Gaia" and the film "It's My Party".
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in "Grease". Olivia and her sister Rona with Susan Landgren and Jochen Schmidtke from the musical "Grease" in Düsseldorf.