Who did not love Kelly McGillis in Top Gun? She was the female lead of the iconic movie from 1986 also starring Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise. She certainly was a worldwide crush of a larger demographic after the release of this film. She was a confident, beautiful and strong female protagonist as Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Blackwood, an astrophysicist and training school instructor in this Tony Scott directed film.  

“Oh my god no. They did not, nor do I think they would ever,” she replied, almost laughing at the idea. “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.”- she told  calmly and without disappointment to Entertainment Tonight regarding her absence from  2022 summer blockbuster Top-Gun maverick which is direct sequel to  Top Gun. Just who is Kelly McGillis? What happened to this tremendously successful and beautiful actress? Let’s just dive right into it.  

Who is Kelly McGillis?  

Kelly McGillis is an American actress who is best known for her roles in the films "Top Gun," "Witness," and "The Accused." She has also appeared in a number of television shows and stage productions throughout her career. McGillis was born in Newport Beach, California, and began acting in high school. She went on to study acting at Juilliard School in New York City, and made her professional debut on Broadway in the play "The Lion in Winter." In the 1980s, she gained fame for her roles in films such as "Top Gun" and "Witness," and has continued to work in the film and television industry over the years.  

Early Life of Kelly McGillis  

Kelly Ann McGillis was born on July 9, 1957. Her parents were from Newport Beach California. Her father Donald Manson McGillis was a doctor and her mother Virginia Joan (née Snell) was a homemaker. Her mother’s ancestors were German and her fathers were scots-Irish. She has two sisters; Kathleen and Karen McGillis. Though born in California she grew up in Los Angeles. She did her schooling from Newport Harbor High School. She had a penchant for acting from her young age. Kelly McGillis was devoted towards her dream of being an actor as she studied acting from Juilliard School at New York and graduated in 1983. Three Years after graduation she starred in the now iconic movie Top Gun. Previously she studied at Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts at Allan Hancock College, California.  

Kelly McGillis Marriage and Love Life  

While attending Julliard, Kelly McGillis became friends with Boyd Black her fellow classmate. Their relationship blossomed as they got married in 1979. Unfortunately this marriage did not last longer as they got divorced in 1981, only three years after getting married.  

Kelly McGillis found solace to her heart in Fred Tillman with whom she tied nuptials in 1989. They were very much happy together. Early in 1993, when expecting their second child, Kelly McGillis and her hubby made a significant choice: to leave Hollywood and go to Key West, Florida. They also opened Kelly's Caribbean Bar & Grill as a restaurant. She had two lovely daughters, Kesley Tillman and Sonora Tillman, with him. Sadly, they split up soon after the birth of their second daughter in 2002 because he was purportedly detained for reportedly soliciting sex from a police officer working undercover.  

In April 2009 Kelly McGillis admitted in her interview with SheWired that she was lesbian. Maybe she got disconnected with men or she was just lesbian from the beginning and found it troublesome to admit her being lesbian due to general ideology of the public at that time and also state regulations. It's speculation though. Kelly also admitted that she had been attracted towards girls since high school.  

In 2000, it was the first encounter of Kelly and Melanie Leis at Kellys Bar, Where Leis worked as the bartender. She became close to Melanie Leis and remained in a civil union with her. It was like God sent her romantic partner. They were cohabitating in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, by 2001. Despite the fact that Kelly and Leis were dating, there were never any pictures of the two of them together. After her second divorce, Kelly started to enjoy her life's journey with Leis and their relationship began to bloom until 2009. After the couple broke up their relationship, Kelly said,  

“I am single, and I’m really happy to be so. I was with somebody for eight years, and I just want to be single … I have such cool friends, and such a cool life, I don’t know what God’s plan is for me at all, I just know I’m so happy to be here and happy to be working.”  

However the couple began dating again. In their second attempt at a relationship, Kelly and Leis chose to be married. The actress accepted Leis' proposal to see whether it worked out. On Wednesday morning, September 15, 2010, they exchanged vows. 11 of their friends, including Tillman, Kelly's ex-husband, were present for the gathering. It seems like Tykhe deserted her in the relationship aspect as they broke up in 2011. The memoir of her failed love, she sold her restaurant in June 2017.  

Hard Life of Kelly McGillis, Rape Victim  

Kelly’s life had not been so easy as she had lots of heartbreaks and tragedies in her life. After her first heartbreak with Boyd Black she was robbed at gunpoint in 1981.  

1982 became her nightmare as she was raped at knifepoint by two men who broke into her home. As her neighbor called the police stating the situation of the house, the two men fled away as soon as they heard the bangs on the door by those officers. After some time, the actress recognized both of the offenders, and they were sent to jail.  

The incident left McGillis psychologically scarred. She struggled for a while to breathe on the New York subway without choking. She even confessed that without the help of her Julliard peers and instructors, she would have killed herself.  

In addition, McGillis started to believe that the assault was a consequence of being gay. In addition to abusing alcohol and other drugs as a result of her inner conflict, she also put herself in "demeaning relationships" with men because she felt she deserved it.  

Professional Career of Kelly McGillis  

Kelly McGillis started her film career in the movie “Reuben, Reuben”, a comedy drama film from 1983. This movie was critically acclaimed and was nominated in Academy awards and golden globe awards. She played the role of a young college student and love interest of other lead Tom Conti. But she was not yet fully recognized. Kelly did not give up and tried her best to hone her acting skills and remain perseverant.  

Her tenacity paid off as she was paired up opposite famous actor Harrison Ford in a movie named “Witness” in 1985. In this movie Kelly McGillis showed her full acting potential and was even nominated for Golden Globe and BAFTA awards.  

Hollywood finally noticed her and also her streak of being paired with famous leads continued as she was casted opposite huge star Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer in now iconic movie Top Gun. Kelly McGillis was honored with the Bravo Otto Award in the best actress category for her role in this movie.  

The craze and love for this movie was seen this year as its sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” dominated the box office. It earned more than 1.3 billion at the box office. Kelly was not part of the movie though.  

But she was part of the 1987 released fantasy Comedy film “Made in Heaven” for which Kelly McGillis again received the Bravo Otto award  and Golden Ciak for best actress.  

Kelly McGillis was part of movies named The house of Carroll Street (1988), The Accused (1988) and Cat Chaser (1989), The Babe (1992), Winter People (1989), North (1994), At first Sight (1999), The Monkey’s Mask (2000), First Christmas (200). It should be highlighted that the Monkey’s mask was lesbian focused movie. Kelly also appeared in TV shows Private Session (2007- ).  

She was also a theater artist. She started her career as such in the 1982 stage show Don Juan. Even after breaking into Hollywood she continued to work on stage plays. She was last seen in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1999. She was last seen in the movie, Mother of all Secrets (2017), where she played a lead role.  

Other than Acting, What does Kelly McGillis do?  

Though suffering from multiple heartbreaks throughout her life, she devoted herself to social work. She believed in giving others. She worked in Seabrook House drug alcohol rehab Centre. Here she dedicated her time serving drug addicts and alcoholics.   

What is Kelly McGillis doing Currently?  

Fans would be curious about what she is doing presently. She has been absent from movies for a long time now. But she had not actually abandoned her passion though. It seems she had channelized it into another direction.

At the moment she is a teacher at The New York Studio for the stage and Screen where she teaches acting to enthusiastic people. She seems to be imparting knowledge about her acting experience and knowledge she had as she is grooming future actors. She is a resident of Hendersonville, North Carolina.

What is Kelly McGillis’s Net Worth?

Being a once famous actress and currently plying her trade as a teacher, Kelly McGillis's net worth is estimated to be 4 million dollars.  

Star Facts of Kelly McGillis  

FAQ  

Qsn. What is interesting about Kelly McGillis?  

Ans: Kelly McGillis is an accomplished actress who has appeared in a number of notable films and television shows throughout her career. Some of the things that may be considered interesting about her include:  

• She is best known for her roles in films such as "Top Gun," "Witness," and "The Accused."  
• She has received critical acclaim for her acting, and has been nominated for awards including a Golden Globe and an Emmy.  
• She has also appeared in stage productions, including Broadway plays.  
• In addition to her acting career, McGillis has also worked as a teacher and as a clinical psychologist.  

Qsn. Who is Kelly McGillis' husband?  

Ans: Kelly McGillis was married twice. Her first husband was Boyd Black, whom she married in 1979. The couple divorced in 1981. McGillis was later married to Fred Tillman, a lawyer and business owner, from 1989 to 2002. The couple had two daughters together. The couple also got separated in 2002. After revelaing her lesbian identity she even married her eight year date Melanie Leis on 2010. The couple's married life lasted till 2011.  

Qsn. Who are Kelly McGillis children?  

Ans: Kelly McGillis has two daughters. Their names are Sonora and Kelsey Tillman. Both of them were born during McGillis' marriage to Fred Tillman. Sonora Tillman was born on April 10, 1993 and Kelsey Tillman was born on May 20, 1990.  

Qsn. Kelly McGillis biggest achievement  

Ans: Kelly McGillis is an accomplished actress who has had a successful career in film, television, and stage. Some of her biggest achievements may include:  

• Her role in the film "Top Gun," which became a major commercial and critical success and helped to launch her career.  
• Her performance in the film "Witness," earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama.  
• Her work on Broadway, including her debut in the play "The Lion in Winter" and her performance in the revival of "The Glass Menagerie."  

Qsn. Is Kelly McGillis a lesbian?  

Ans: Kelly McGillis is a lesbian. In April 2009, she publicly disclosed that she is a lesbian and has been in a same-sex relationship for several years. In September 2010, McGillis married her partner, Melanie Leis, in a ceremony in New Jersey. Since the relationship ended within a year of marriage Kelly is single so far.