The actress | Source: Getty Images
The “Top Gun” star stepped away from Hollywood to prioritize raising her two children. During this time, she was diagnosed with a genetic disorder.
Balancing family life with health challenges, the veteran star previously reflected on the path that led her to Hollywood success.
The actress and Tom Cruise on the set of "Top Gun," 1986 | Source: Getty Images
She worked various jobs, including waitressing, while pursuing acting and eventually landed a role in “Reuben, Reuben” (1983). This led to television roles and a standout performance in “Witness” (1985) alongside Harrison Ford.
The film star’s success caught the attention of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who cast her as Charlie Blackwood in “Top Gun” (1986), the year’s highest-grossing film that solidified her Hollywood reputation.
The actress pictured on the set of "Top Gun," 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Her career reached new heights with the success of “Top Gun,” but her journey took a different turn years later. In a 2019 interview, she disclosed that she was not invited to join the sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
When asked about potentially attending promotional events for the film ahead of its release, the celebrity remarked, “You know what, I don’t know how to answer that because one, it hasn’t happened.”
The California native explained that if and when it happened, she would evaluate her circumstances, including her activities and current situation.
She added that she could not predict what she would or would not do in the future, as she had no way of knowing where she would be. “Movies are odd things. I don’t really keep in touch with anybody,” the actress stated.
She noted that while she had spoken to a few people occasionally, films often brought together individuals from various corners of the globe, making it difficult to maintain long-term connections.
The “Made in Heaven” star left Hollywood at the peak of her career. She explained in an interview that her decision was deeply tied to her sobriety journey and a desire to rediscover her identity.
The actress at the Cannes Film Festival on May 8, 1985, in France. | Source: Getty Images
“It was very challenging for me to have any kind of sense of self or self-identity or real self-worth other than what I did for a living,” she shared. She admitted that “Top Gun’s” massive success left her feeling intimidated and uncertain about whom to trust, as she never sought fame.
In 2013 interview, she reflected on the possibility of a sequel, admitting that if it ever materialized, she likely wouldn’t be invited to participate. The then-55-year-old addressed the industry’s treatment of women over 50, emphasizing her focus on natural aging and pursuing meaningful roles.
The celebrity photographed on January 1, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Expanding on her decision to leave Hollywood, the celebrity clarified that it wasn’t a deliberate choice to step away, “I think just my priorities in life changed.” As she entered a new chapter, she embraced her home life and looked forward to the joys of traveling.
Diagnosed with alpha one antitrypsin disorder—a condition where the body produces insufficient AAT protein—she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work later in life, calling herself “really blessed” for the opportunity.
The actress attends the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Reopening of the Majestic Theater with a Performance of "The Mahabharata" on October 12, 1987, in Brooklyn, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Though no longer active in theater, she enjoys teaching and occasionally working on acting projects, which she described as a balanced and rewarding lifestyle. “I really adore my life today,” the actress said.
Beyond acting and teaching, the BAFTA nominee enjoys hobbies like gardening, knitting, and hiking with her three dogs, including two puppies.
The actress attends the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Organization for Women's Courage Awards Gala on December 1, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, she dedicates herself to helping women struggling with addiction, drawing on her own experiences with sobriety. “Because I had my struggles with alcohol and drugs, I can help other women who have had the same problems,” she explained.
In her personal life, she also experienced significant milestones. The public figure married yacht salesman Fred Tillman in 1989, and the couple relocated to Key West, Florida, where they opened a restaurant called Kelly’s and raised their two daughters, Kelsey and Sonora Tillman.
The actress and Fred Tillman attend The Acting Company's John Houseman Awards Gala on April 17, 1989, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Though the family woman continued acting sporadically, including a role in the comedy “North,” she never returned to the prominence she experienced with “Top Gun.”
Kelsey Tillman and the actress attend the New York premiere of "Getting Even with Dad," 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her choices, actress Kelly McGillis remarked, “I have no regrets. I would do it again – my kids are my priority in my life.” However, her marriage ended in 2002, with reports suggesting she had an affair with Melanie Leis, a former bartender from the couple’s restaurant.
Their connection eventually led Kelly to publicly embrace her identity. In 2009, she came out, later marrying Melanie in a civil ceremony. The star, who once experienced a home invasion, explained that she delayed coming out to avoid negatively impacting her children, who were raised in a conservative Pennsylvania community.
Kelly McGillis arrives at the premiere of "Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time," 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Her decision to embrace her identity publicly marked the end of a deeply personal journey. Kelly revealed she had been a lesbian for most of her life, “I tried really hard not to be who I am.” She described the process as a challenging path toward finding happiness and self-acceptance.
As Kelly found peace with her identity, she also began to reemerge in the film industry, taking on roles that highlighted her versatility as an actress.
Kelly McGillis attends the premiere of "Stake Land," 2010 | Source: Getty Images
She reentered the industry on her own terms, embracing her evolution. “It’s kind of like starting over,” the celebrity said, adding that she no longer felt pressured to be the same actress she was in the 1980s and welcomed the chance to redefine herself as a character actress.
Over the years, she appeared in Jim Mickle’s vampire thriller “Stake Land” and Ti West’s acclaimed haunted hotel film “The Innkeepers.” In 2014, Kelly reunited with Jim for “We Are What We Are,” a chilling story about a cannibalistic family inspired by the 2010 Mexican film of the same name.
Kelly McGillis speaks onstage during the "Love Finds You in Sugar Creek, Ohio" panel discussion on January 11, 2014, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
She continued exploring diverse roles in her later career. In 2020, Kelly appeared in an episode of the mini-series “Dirty John” as Miriam Saslaw (uncredited). She also took on roles in the TV movies “Maternal Secrets” (2018) as Rose and “An Uncommon Grace” (2017) as Elizabeth Conner.
Kelly McGillis’s journey has been defined by personal growth, resilience, and a dedication to living authentically. Embracing her evolving identity and career, she continues to find fulfillment through teaching, acting, and supporting others.
