The iconic movie Top Gun launched Tom Cruise into stardom, while Kelly McGillis, his love interest in the film, embarked on a different path. Now at 65 years old, the actress has faced age shaming in recent years, but despite that, she remains confident in her own skin and embraces her age-appropriate beauty. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this Hollywood star and understand why she has chosen to prioritize herself and her family over fame.
A Missing Presence in Top Gun: Maverick
As fans eagerly flocked to cinemas to watch Top Gun: Maverick, the highly anticipated sequel to the classic ’80s film, many couldn’t help but wonder about the absence of Kelly McGillis. While Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer reunited in an emotional scene, McGillis revealed that she was not asked to join the cast. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she shared her perspective on the matter, stating, “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.”
However, McGillis remains unfazed by not being part of Top Gun: Maverick. She values feeling secure in her own skin and staying true to herself, rather than placing importance on external validations.
The Truth Behind Her Character in Top Gun
In the ’80s, McGillis was among the few women in Hollywood who commanded million-dollar fees. Her portrayal of astrophysicist and training school instructor Charlie Blackwood in Top Gun left a lasting impression. McGillis admitted that the sudden fame and comparisons to screen legends such as Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman startled her reality.
Charlie Blackwood’s character was inspired by Christine Fox, a civilian flight instructor and mathematician whom the producers encountered during their research. McGillis’s involvement in the film was somewhat serendipitous, as she had initially planned to work on a different movie. However, when Paramount offered her the opportunity to be part of Top Gun, she was captivated by the script and the visual brilliance brought by director Tony Scott.
McGillis’s portrayal of Charlie not only cemented her status as a sex symbol but also garnered critical acclaim for her on-screen chemistry with Tom Cruise. Off-set, she fondly described him as “terrific,” emphasizing his genuine and respectful nature. Despite the comparisons to great beauties, McGillis never saw herself that way. In her earlier years, she struggled with low self-esteem but ultimately embraced her true talent as an actress.
Turning Her Back on Hollywood
While many remember McGillis for her role in Top Gun, it is important to recognize the breadth of her life and career beyond that film. Breaking the mold and defying Hollywood norms, she chose to prioritize other aspects of her life. Rejecting the scripts she was offered, she changed her appearance, left Hollywood, and focused on raising her daughters.
McGillis admitted that her priorities shifted over time, and other things became more important to her. She found love outside of the show biz realm with Fred Tillman, an individual who shared her interests in sailing and beaches. They tied the knot, bought a yacht, and embarked on a tranquil life. Settling in Key West, Florida, they opened a restaurant together called Kelly’s Caribbean Bar & Grill.
Embracing a Happy and Content Life
While McGillis’s past often resurfaces, she moved to Florida not to escape but to confront personal challenges, including excessive drinking and grappling with her sexuality. She described herself as being a “wreck” for about a year. However, she persevered, and today, she resides in a log cabin in the serene hills of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Embracing her natural gray hair and opting for comfort, she relishes her content and joyful existence far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
McGillis has chosen to transition from being in front of the camera to teaching acting privately in Asheville, North Carolina. She considers it her time to give back and share her expertise, happy to embrace the role of a character actress. While the absence of her presence in Top Gun: Maverick raised questions, director Joseph Kosinski clarified that it was a creative decision to take the film in a different direction, unrelated to her appearance.
Kelly McGillis will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who witnessed her astrophysics engineer persona in all its glory. Her decision to forge a different path, prioritizing self-care and family, is incredibly admirable. It takes immeasurable grace and beauty to navigate the industry on one’s own terms, and that is truly remarkable.
