When it comes to classic action movies, few can compare to the iconic Top Gun. The 1986 film, which starred Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis, has become a classic in the decades since its release. One of the most interesting questions about the movie is how old was Kelly McGillis when she did Top Gun?
Kelly McGillis’ Age for Top Gun
Kelly McGillis was 28 years old when she appeared in Top Gun. She was born on July 9, 1957, and Top Gun was released in May 1986. This means that McGillis was 28 and a half years old when the movie was released.
At the time of Top Gun’s release, McGillis had already appeared in several films, including Witness and The Accused, both of which earned her Golden Globe nominations. She had also appeared in a number of television shows, including The Love Boat, Miami Vice, and St. Elsewhere.
McGillis’ Career Before and After Top Gun
Before appearing in Top Gun, McGillis had already established herself as a successful actress. In addition to her film and television roles, she had also appeared in several stage productions, including a Broadway production of As You Like It.
Following Top Gun, McGillis continued to appear in both television and film roles. She appeared in a string of successful films, including Made in Heaven, The Babe, and The Innkeepers. She also appeared in a number of television shows, including The L Word, The Outer Limits, and The O.C.
In addition to her acting career, McGillis has also established herself as a successful businesswoman. In 2010, she opened a winery in North Carolina.
Kelly McGillis was 28 years old when she appeared in Top Gun. Even at that young age, she had already established herself as a successful actress and businesswoman. In the decades since then, McGillis has continued to appear in both television and film roles, as well as running her own winery.
Kelly McGillis, best known for her role as the love interest to Tom Cruise in the highly popular 1986 movie Top Gun, recently celebrated her 57th birthday. But how old was she when she first appeared in the now-iconic film?
At the time of filming Top Gun, Kelly McGillis was 29. She was visibly older than Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick, who she played opposite of, with Cruise being only 24 at the time.
McGillis’ Top Gun character, Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood, was a civilian physics instructor, and the love interest of Maverick. Along with her role in Top Gun, McGillis is known for her other iconic roles, including Criminal Law in 1988, and The Accused in 1988, for which she received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Speaking on her role in Top Gun, McGillis believes her age was what attracted director Tony Scott to choose her for the part. “I had to look more mature than Tom, who was 24,” explained McGillis. “I think his mother said, ‘You need to find a woman old enough to be his mother.’ I think Tony thought I was perfect for the part.”
Still considered a classic, Top Gun propelled Kelly McGillis to stardom and remains one of the most iconic movies to date. It continues to be a fan favorite and the chemistry between McGillis and Cruise is still recognized and appreciated by movie-goers.