Kelly McGillis, a name that became synonymous with grace, talent, and charm, captured the hearts of moviegoers worldwide with her iconic role in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun” movie.
As the leading lady opposite Tom Cruise, McGillis solidified her position as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses.
In this article, we’ll look closer at Kelly McGillis from Top Gun’s age and other details about her personal and professional life, exploring her journey in the film industry.
How Old Was Kelly McGillis in Top Gun?
| Full Name | Kelly Ann McGillis |
| Professional Name | Kelly McGillis |
| Date of Birth | 09-Jul-57 |
| Birthplace | Newport Beach, California |
| Age | 66 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | English |
| Gender | Female |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Boyd Black (1979-1981) |
| Fred Tillman (1989-2002) | |
| Melanie Leis (2010-2011) |
Kelly Ann McGillis is an American actress who gained widespread recognition and fame for portraying Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood in the 1986 action drama film Top Gun.
The movie became a huge commercial success and solidified her position as a prominent actress in Hollywood during the 1980s. McGillis also starred in various other notable films, such as The Accused and Witness.
However, she received critical acclaim for her role as a prosecutor in the gang rape case in “The Accused.” In addition to her film acting career, she has appeared in several TV shows and stage productions.
Kelly McGillis’ Age and Early Life
| Father’s Name | Donald Manson McGillis |
| Mother’s Name | Virginia Joan McGillis |
| Siblings | Karen McGillis |
| Kathleen McGillis | |
| Children | Sonora Tillman |
| Kelsey Tillman |
Born on 9 July 1957 in Newport Beach, California, McGillis is 66 years old. She was born and raised in the Southern California Suburb of Newport Beach. Her father, Donald Manson McGillis, is a physician, and her mother, Virginia Joan, is a homemaker.
She is the eldest of two siblings, Karen and Kathleen. Her parent’s ancestry is Scots-Irish, and her maternal ancestor is German and Welsh.
Education
| School Name | The Juilliard School |
| Newport Harbor High School | |
| College Name | Allan Hancock College |
| Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts | |
| Qualifications | Graduated |
For her schooling, McGillis attended Newport Harbor High School. She also participated in the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts at Hancock College in Santa Maria, California.
In 1975, after dropping out of school, McGillis moved to Juilliard School, New York City, to study acting. In 1983, she completed her graduation from Juilliard School.
Kelsey McGillis’ Body Measurements
| Height in m | 1.78 m |
| Height in cm | 178 cm |
| Height in Inches | 5 Feet 8 inches |
| Weight in Kg | 74 Kg |
| Weight in pounds | 163 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 37-27-38 inches |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Career
| Profession | Actress |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Annual Income | $150K |
| Famous Movies and Tv Shows | Rueben, Rueben (1983) |
| Top Gun (1986) | |
| The Accused (1988) | |
| The Babe (1992) | |
| Rabbit Ears: Noah and the Ark (1992) | |
| The Settlement (1999) | |
| The Monkey’s Mask (2000) | |
| Stake Land (2010) | |
| What Are What We Are (2013) | |
| Val (2021) |
Beginning
In her beginning career, McGillis was used to do stage performances in the 1970s. She has since been seen in numerous Broadway and Shakespeare theatre productions. She made her film debut in the 1983 comedy-drama Reuben, Reuben.
Later in 1985, McGillis landed her breakout role as an Amish mother in Witness.
Rise to Stardom
In 1986, McGillis experienced a career breakthrough that changed her life forever. Starring as Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood in the action-packed film Top Gun, she captivated audiences and caught the attention of movie enthusiasts worldwide.
The on-screen chemistry between McGillis and Tom Cruise was incredible, making the movie a commercial success.
After Top Gun, her career skyrocketed, and McGillis was in high demand in the entertainment industry. She played iconic roles, such as Jessica Tandy in “The House on Carroll Street” and Babe Ruth’s second wife, Claire Merritt Ruth, in “The Babe.”
Television Success
In addition to her movie career, McGillis also caught attention through her television roles. She began her television career with “daytime soap One Life to Live” in 1984. After that, she starred in many television shows, “Sweet Revenge,” “Private Sessions,” and “PBS.”
Kelly McGillis’ Net Worth
As of 2023, McGillis’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. Her iconic roles in movies and television shows have contributed significantly to her net worth.
Her Personal Life
In 1979, McGillis married Boyd Black, one of her fellow students at Juilliard School. Unfortunately, the couple got separated for some unknown reasons. Later, in 1989, she married an American businessman and yacht broker, Fred Tillman.
McGillis and Fred have two daughters, Sonora and Kelsey Tillman. In 2002, they also divorced. During an interview with SheWired, she came out as a lesbian.
She also worked with a rehabilitation center, drug addicts, and alcoholics at Seabrook House Drug Alcohol Rehab Centre in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Currently, she is living in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Kelly McGillis from Top Gun’s Age?
McGillis is 66 years old.
2. How old was Kelly McGillis during the first Top Gun?
When the production of Top Gun came out, McGillis was two months away from her twenty-ninth birthday.
3. Who is Kelly McGillis’s Husband?
McGillis was married thrice: Boyd Black (1979-1981), Fred Tillman (1989-2002), and Melanie Leis (2010-2011). Currently, she is unmarried.
Wrapping Up
Despite the age-focussed nature of Hollywood, Kelly McGillis continues to amaze audiences with her timeless talent and unwavering dedication to her craft.
From her breakout role in Top Gun to her continued work and self-acceptance journey, she remains an emblem of grace and resilience in the industry.
