Kelly Mcgillis is an American film and television actress, best known for her role as Charlie Blackwood in the 1986 classic Top Gun. But how old was Kelly Mcgillis when she appeared in the iconic movie?
Kelly Mcgillis’s Age in Top Gun
Kelly Mcgillis was 27 years old when she played the role of Charlie Blackwood in Top Gun. She was born in Newport Beach, California in 1957 and had already made a name for herself as an accomplished theater actress before taking on the role of Charlie in the movie.
The Impact of Top Gun on Kelly Mcgillis’s Career
Top Gun was a major success at the box office and catapulted Kelly Mcgillis to stardom. She was nominated for several awards for her performance in the film, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. The success of Top Gun also opened up a number of other opportunities for Mcgillis, including roles in other films such as Witness and The Accused.
Kelly Mcgillis is an iconic actress, and she was 27 years old when she appeared in the classic movie Top Gun. Her performance in the film was highly acclaimed and earned her several awards and accolades. The success of Top Gun also opened up a number of other opportunities for her, and she has continued to have a successful career in film and television.
In 1986 when Top Gun hit screens, alongside Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, was the breakout role for Kelly McGillis. It was her first truly major role and the one that made her a household name. But many people don’t know just how old she was when she stepped into the part of Charlie.
The answer is: 30. That’s right, Kelly McGillis was 30 when she played the role of an instructor in the Navy’s elite Top Gun program.
At the time of filming, McGillis was already an established actress. She had been acting professionally since 1979, after graduating from Julliard. She had already appeared in films and television shows, including an Emmy-nominated performance in The Twilight Zone. She was considered to be at the top of her game when she was cast in Top Gun.
McGillis’ age was beneficial for the part. With her felt experience, the actress was able to give her character a greater maturity and intelligence than a younger actor may have been able to bring to it. Indeed, screenwriter Jack Epps Jr. indicated that the part of Charlie was ultimately re-written to bring out more of the character’s “gravitas”.
While McGillis’ age made her perfect for the role, her real-life avocation is almost as impressive; McGillis holds a private pilot’s license, allowing her to fly small planes. The actress also has a degree in psychology, making it no wonder why her performance as Charlie was so convincing.
Kelly McGillis aged gracefully in her 30s and 40s, still appearing in major films and television roles to this day. The actress has continued to be a beloved figure in the Hollywood sphere, with her performance in Top Gun standing out as one of her premier works.