How old was kelly mcgillis when she did top gun?

Top Gun: The Iconic Movie that Launched a Star

Kelly McGillis, the talented actress behind the iconic character Charlie Carver in the 1986 movie Top Gun, has left an indelible mark on popular culture. But how old was Kelly McGillis when she did Top Gun? Let’s delve into her early career, her role in the film, and her personal life to find out.

Early Life and Career

Born on July 9, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, Kelly McGillis is an American actress and a member of the prestigious Shakespearean theater company, Actors Shakespeare Company. She began her acting career in the 1980s, initially appearing in stage productions. McGillis’s breakthrough came in 1983 with a role in the BBC’s BBC Television Shakespeare series, playing Constance in All is True, which co-starred Richard E. Grant and Patrick Stewart.

Top Gun: A Turning Point in McGillis’s Career

Top Gun was a pivotal moment in McGillis’s career. The film, directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise as Maverick and Kelly McGillis as Charlie Carver, marked a significant shift towards cinematic stardom. Shot in 1985-1986, Top Gun premiered on May 16, 1986, and became a cultural phenomenon, grossing $356 million worldwide.

At the time of filming Top Gun, Kelly McGillis was 29 years old. In the movie, she plays Lieutenant Charlie Carver, a skilled fighter pilot who becomes the love interest of Maverick. Her captivating performance earned her a wide range of critical acclaim, securing her a nomination for an MTV Movie Award for Best Female Performance.

A List of McGillis’s Characters Throughout the Film**

The chemistry between McGillis and Tom Cruise on-screen was undeniable. Here’s a look at some of the characters they played:

| Scene | Character |
| — | — |
| * | Maverick (Tom Cruise) |
| Charlie Carver | Kelly McGillis |
| Goose (Anthony Edwards) | Naval Aviator |

Post-Top Gun: A Thriving Acting Career

**Top Gun** proved to be a springboard for McGillis’s further success. She went on to appear in a series of notable films, including:

* **The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)**: An offbeat comedy-drama starring Gene Hackman and Bill Murray
* **Reign of Fire (2002)**: A sci-fi disaster film featuring Matthew McConaughey
* **Telling You (1998)**: A romantic comedy with Terrence ‘T.C.’ Carson

In addition to her film work, **Kelly McGillis has** continued to thrive on television, with appearances in programs such as **The Pretender**, **Hooligan Squad**, and **Quantum Leap**. She has also made an impact on the stage, with performances in **Antony and Cleopatra**, **A Midsummer Night’s Dream**, and **The Women**.

Personal Life: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

McGillis has been open about the challenges she faced in her personal life, including surviving an abusive relationship and working through addiction. **Despite these setbacks**, she continues to be an inspiration for her fans, advocating for self-empowerment and self-care.

To this day, **Top Gun** remains a cult classic, and Kelly McGillis’s performance as Charlie Carver remains an essential part of the film’s enduring appeal. Her success and her captivating persona on and off the screen have endeared her to audiences around the world.

**To summarize**, Kelly McGillis was **29 years old** when she played Charlie Carver in the 1986 movie **Top Gun**. Her critically acclaimed performance in the film cemented her status as a Hollywood star and continues to inspire new generations of fans.

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