By Sean Cusick
ninemsn
Hollywood veteran John Travolta's emotional tribute to dead colleague Heath Ledger has drawn the ire of many in the showbiz media who accuse him of being "creepy" and "embarrassing".
Despite never working with Ledger — or even appearing to have met him on more than one occasion — Travolta has spoken in length about the late Australian in several interviews.
"He was my favourite actor and my favourite talent," Travolta told Woman's Day.
"I am pretty devastated over this … it's killing me."
Despite claiming that he knew and "adored" Ledger, when pressed to detail their relationship Travolta could only name one chance meeting.
"His agent introduced me to him at a party, and I just fell … I used every accolade," Travolta said.
"Actors need other actors to be inspired by, and he was my actor."
Online celebrity writer Perez Hilton questioned Travolta's claims.
"Were John Travolta and Heath Ledger even friends?" he wrote.
"While most people who have worked with him have released brief statements, the Pulp Fiction star has gone on and on and on about the deceased Aussie actor. And they were never even in a movie together!"
Perhaps the most disturbing part of Travolta's reaction to Ledger's death was how the 53-year-old seemed to inevitably turn the focus of the conversation onto himself.
"I forget that anyone younger than me grew up with me," Travolta said.
"I was an idol of his.
"I would give back all my awards and all my nominations just to have him back."
Gossip site Celebrity Smack was repulsed by Travolta's remarks.
"How noble of you, John!" the site says.
"It really sheds light on what a pompous moron you are. All of your awards AND nominations?
"Wow, that’s really saying something by Hollywood's standards, but to the rest of us it sounds like you need to take your head out of your ass."
In one final baffling remark, Travolta even managed to send his condolences — to none other than himself.
"I am truly sorry and my heart goes out to everyone who knew him and loved him, and actually, my heart goes out to me," he said.
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