Fort Thomas native Kelly Eviston-Quinnett still sounds a little awed when she talks about stepping onto a film set as an actress directed by John Travolta: not with disbelief, but with the kind of grounded gratitude that comes from knowing exactly how much work it took to get there.
Eviston‑Quinnett stars in John Travolta’s directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach, which premiered on Apple TV on May 29 following its 2026 Cannes Film Festival debut.
Against the backdrop of aviation’s golden era, Propeller One‑Way Night Coach follows the cross‑country journey of Jeff, a wide‑eyed young aviation enthusiast (Clark Shotwell), and his mother, Helen (Eviston‑Quinnett). What begins as a simple one‑way ticket to Hollywood becomes a transformative adventure. Nostalgic airline meals, charismatic flight attendants, unexpected layovers, and a fleeting glimpse of first class all add a sense of wonder that quietly shapes the boy’s dreams. Helen, meanwhile, is traveling to Los Angeles to pursue acting opportunities of her own. The film is adapted from the 1997 novella of the same name.
The Fort Thomas actress describes the experience with a mix of confidence, grit, and gratitude: a balance that defines much of her approach to the craft…