Kelly McGillis then and now (1984 - 2025)

Kelly McGillis is an American actress who rose to fame in the 1980s. She made her film debut in 1983 with Reuben, Reuben and gained widespread recognition with her role as Rachel Lapp in Witness (1985), opposite Harrison Ford. Her performance earned her Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.

She solidified her status as a leading actress with her role as Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood in Top Gun (1986), starring alongside Tom Cruise. McGillis continued to appear in high-profile films throughout the late 1980s, including Made in Heaven (1987), The House on Carroll Street (1988), and The Accused (1988), in which she played a key supporting role alongside Jodie Foster.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, McGillis appeared in a mix of smaller films, stage productions, and television movies. Her focus began to shift toward theater, working with stage companies and teaching acting. She also had roles in independent films such as Winter People (1989), The Monkey’s Mask (2000), and Stake Land (2010), a horror film that brought her some renewed attention.

In more recent years, McGillis has largely stepped back from Hollywood. She did not return for Top Gun: Maverick (2022), citing her age and focus on a different lifestyle as reasons. She has been open about her personal journey, including coming out as gay in 2009, and has worked in addiction counseling and social services.

Overall, Kelly McGillis's career has transitioned from major Hollywood stardom in the 1980s to a more private life focused on theater, teaching, and community work.