In the 1980s hit film Top Gun, Tom Cruise soared to stardom, but it was Kelly McGillis, his love interest in the movie, whose life took a different turn. Today, at 65, the actress is almost unrecognizable from her on-screen persona, having faced age shaming in recent years.

As I sat in the cinema to watch the long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, I couldn’t help but think of Kelly McGillis. Although I knew she wouldn’t make an appearance, a part of me wished to see her on screen again.

To my disappointment, McGillis revealed that she was not asked to join the cast of the sequel. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2019, she expressed her thoughts on the matter, saying, "They did not, nor do I think they would ever…I mean, I’m old and I’m fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is, and that is not what that whole scene is about."

Despite not being a part of Top Gun: Maverick, McGillis remains unfazed. She prioritizes feeling secure in her own skin over chasing the trappings of fame. "I’d much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and who and what I am at my age, as opposed to placing a value on all that other stuff," she confidently stated.

The Truth about Her Role in Top Gun

In the 1986 film Top Gun, McGillis portrayed astrophysicist and training school instructor Charlie Blackwood. Her character, a brainy and gorgeous love interest to Maverick, became iconic and left a lasting impression on audiences.

Reflecting on her experience, McGillis admitted to being overwhelmed by the sudden fame that followed. "It was really intimidating to me. I don’t aspire to be famous. I just aspire to be an actress, and that movie kind of startled my reality in a big way," she expressed to the LA Times in an interview.

The character of Charlie was actually inspired by Christine Fox, a renowned civilian flight instructor and mathematician. McGillis was coincidentally offered the role of Charlie after her initial movie project fell through.

While her portrayal of Charlie turned her into a sex symbol, McGillis was also praised for her performance on screen. Her chemistry with Cruise was evident, and she admired him as a co-star. McGillis even garnered comparisons to screen beauties like Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, and Lauren Bacall, but she never took those comparisons seriously.

Turning Her Back on Hollywood

Although many remember McGillis for her role in Top Gun, it’s important to acknowledge her vast body of work beyond that film. After her breakout role as an Amish widow in the 1985 film Witness, she continued pushing boundaries. She played a tough lawyer in the controversial film The Accused and took on various television and film roles in the ’90s.

However, McGillis reached a turning point and decided to break away from Hollywood. She refused scripts, changed her appearance, left the industry, had children, and focused on her family.

"I think just my priorities in life changed. It wasn’t like a major decision that I made to leave; it was just that other things became more important," she explained to Entertainment Tonight.

Finding Love and Stability

During this period of introspection, McGillis fell in love with Fred Tillman, a man outside the show business industry. They shared a love for sailing and beaches, and together they embarked on a new adventure. The couple tied the knot, bought a yacht, and sailed to Europe before ultimately settling in Key West, Florida. They even opened a restaurant called Kelly’s Caribbean Bar & Grill.

However, despite finding love and happiness, McGillis still had personal struggles to overcome. She faced uncertainty and dealt with alcohol abuse and questions about her sexuality. Despite these challenges, McGillis described herself as content and focused on being a mother rather than maintaining her status as a movie star.

Embracing Her True Self

In 2010, after her divorce from Tillman, McGillis came out publicly as a lesbian. She disclosed that her journey of self-acceptance had been ongoing since she was 12 years old. Embracing her true self, she acknowledged that life is a journey of growth and change.

McGillis’s path led her to a relationship with bartender Melanie Leis. However, their relationship was rocky, and they both faced personal struggles with substance abuse, eventually seeking treatment. Despite their difficulties, McGillis stated that she and her ex-husband, Fred Tillman, remained close friends and attended her civil union ceremony with Leis.

Life Today and Beyond Acting

Currently residing in a log cabin in the hills of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Kelly McGillis enjoys her quiet life away from the spotlight. She focuses on teaching acting privately and giving back to her community.

Although she hasn’t been seen on-screen recently, McGillis remains proud of her choices. She refuses to conform to societal beauty standards and embraces aging naturally. As she once said, "I want to grow up to be a character actress."

While McGillis may not have been a part of Top Gun: Maverick, her impact on the original film remains undeniably significant. She chose a different path, prioritizing herself and her family, which is commendable and inspiring.

If you agree with me, share this article on Facebook and celebrate the personal triumphs of Kelly McGillis!