Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis is an acclaimed actress best known for her roles in several iconic 1980s films, including "Top Gun," "Witness," and "The Accused." Born in Newport Beach, California, McGillis developed an interest in acting early in life and pursued her passion by studying at the Juilliard School in New York City.

McGillis gained international recognition in 1985 for her role as an Amish widow opposite Harrison Ford in "Witness," a performance that earned her both Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. Her star continued to rise in 1986 when she portrayed Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood, the love interest of Tom Cruise's character in the blockbuster "Top Gun." Her portrayal helped solidify her as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading actresses of the era. In 1988, McGillis delivered another powerful performance in "The Accused," co-starring with Jodie Foster, where her work as a determined attorney demonstrated her versatility and depth as an actress.

Throughout her career, McGillis has appeared in numerous films, television productions, and stage performances. However, in the late 1990s, she began to step away from Hollywood, focusing on theater and her personal life. McGillis later revealed her struggles with the pressures of fame and shared her journey of self-discovery and personal growth. In addition to acting, she has worked as a drama teacher and lent her talents to regional theater productions. She was a featured actress at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC, for more than a decade. She has also toured the States and Britain, starring in plays such as "The Graduate."