John Travolta's First Hit   John Travolta first gained fame as Vinnie Barbarino on the television series Welcome Back, Kotter (1975).
popular adjective (LIKED) A2 liked, enjoyed, or supported by many people: She's the most popular teacher in school. That song was popular with people from my father's generation. Walking is a popular form of exercise in Britain.
popular 1490, public, from L. popularis belonging to the people, from populus people. Meaning well-liked, admired by the people is attested from 1608. Popularity fact or condition of being beloved by the people is first recorded 1601; popularity contest is from 1941.