May 7th, 2023 | Updated on January 23rd, 2024
Kelly McGillis Bio Highlights:
- Kelly McGillis is an American actress known for her roles in 1980s and 1990s films, including “Top Gun.”
- She attended Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts and moved to New York City to pursue acting.
- McGillis appeared in successful films like “Witness” and “The Accused” and took on stage and TV roles.
- In 2009, she came out as a lesbian and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
- McGillis, despite a hiatus, remains a respected actress, known for her talent and dedication.
- Her net worth is estimated at around $7 million 2024.
- McGillis has a daughter named Kelsey and is in a long-term relationship with Melanie Leis.
- She faced personal struggles, including alcoholism and challenging family relationships.
- McGillis holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and actively supports those struggling with addiction.
Kelly McGillis is an American actress known for her roles in several notable films from the 1980s and 1990s. She was born on July 9, 1957, in Newport Beach, California, and grew up in a family that valued education and the arts.
McGillis attended Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California, before moving to New York City to pursue her acting career. She landed her first major film role in 1983, playing the love interest of Tom Cruise’s character in the hit movie “Top Gun.”
Following the success of “Top Gun,” McGillis appeared in several other popular films, including “Witness” (1985), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, “The Accused” (1988), and “The House on Carroll Street” (1988).
In addition to her work in film, McGillis has also appeared on stage in productions such as “Twelfth Night” and “The Graduate.” She has also acted in numerous television shows, including “The L Word” and “NCIS.”
In 2009, McGillis publicly came out as a lesbian, and has since been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has also spoken openly about her struggles with alcoholism and her journey to sobriety.
Despite taking a hiatus from acting in the late 1990s and early 2000s to focus on raising her children, McGillis has continued to work in the entertainment industry, both on screen and on stage. Her talent and dedication to her craft have earned her a place as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Before Moving Forward…
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Kelly McGillis Physical Appearance
| Physical Attribute | Description |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 130-140 lbs (59-64 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Dress Size | 4 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) |
| Distinctive Features | High cheekbones, piercing blue eyes |
Early Life
Kelly McGillis was born on July 9, 1957, in Newport Beach, California, to Donald and Virginia McGillis. Her father was a general practitioner, and her mother was a homemaker. Kelly grew up in a family that valued education and the arts. She has two sisters named Karen and Kathleen.
As a child, McGillis showed a keen interest in the arts, especially music and acting. She began studying piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar. In high school, she became involved in theater productions and found that she had a natural talent for acting.
After graduating from high school, McGillis attended the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California. She continued to hone her skills as an actress, and after completing her studies, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.
In New York, McGillis worked odd jobs to support herself while she attended the Juilliard School’s drama division. During this time, she also acted in several stage productions and gained valuable experience as an actress.
McGillis’ big break came in 1983, when she was cast as the female lead in the hit movie “Top Gun” opposite Tom Cruise. The movie was a massive success, and McGillis became an overnight sensation. She continued to act in films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses.
Despite her success as an actress, McGillis has faced several challenges in her personal life, including struggles with alcoholism and coming out as a lesbian later in life. Despite these challenges, she has remained committed to her craft and continues to be a respected and talented actress in the entertainment industry.
Family
Kelly McGillis was born into a family of five. Her parents were Donald and Virginia McGillis, and she had two younger sisters named Karen and Kathleen.
Not much is known about Kelly McGillis’ parents or their backgrounds, but it is believed that they were supportive of her artistic pursuits from a young age. McGillis has spoken publicly about her relationship with her mother, describing her as a nurturing and loving presence in her life.
McGillis also has a daughter named Kelsey, who was born in 1990. Kelsey’s father is Fred Tillman, a fellow actor whom McGillis was married to from 1989 to 2002. McGillis has since come out as a lesbian and has been in a long-term relationship with Melanie Leis, a sales executive.
McGillis has faced some personal struggles with her family, including a difficult divorce from Tillman and a strained relationship with her younger sister Karen, who has publicly criticized her sister’s lifestyle choices. Despite these challenges, McGillis has remained close with her daughter Kelsey and has continued to prioritize her career as an actress.
Education
Kelly McGillis received her early education in Newport Beach, California, where she grew up. After graduating from high school, she attended the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California, where she continued to develop her acting skills.
Following her studies at the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts, McGillis moved to New York City to attend the prestigious Juilliard School’s drama division. At Juilliard, she received rigorous training in acting and was able to hone her skills alongside other talented young actors.
McGillis graduated from Juilliard in 1983 and began her professional acting career shortly thereafter. While she has continued to act in films and on stage throughout her career, she has also pursued further education in other fields.
In 2009, McGillis obtained a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, California. She has since used her education to help others, particularly those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Kelly McGillis’ education has played an important role in her life and career, helping her to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an actress and to pursue her passions in other areas as well.
Career
Kelly McGillis is an American actress who has appeared in a variety of films, television shows, and stage productions throughout her career. She is perhaps best known for her role as Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood in the hit movie “Top Gun” (1986), which propelled her to stardom in Hollywood.
McGillis began her career in the early 1980s, appearing in a number of low-budget films and television shows. However, it wasn’t until she was cast in “Top Gun” that she became a household name. The film was a massive success, grossing over $350 million worldwide, and McGillis’ performance as Tom Cruise’s love interest earned her widespread acclaim.
Following the success of “Top Gun,” McGillis continued to act in a number of high-profile films, including “Witness” (1985), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, “The Accused” (1988), and “The Babe” (1992), in which she portrayed the wife of legendary baseball player Babe Ruth.
In addition to her film work, McGillis has also appeared on television, with notable roles in shows like “The L Word” and “Z Nation.” She has also acted on stage, appearing in productions of plays like “The Graduate” and “Twelfth Night.”
Throughout her career, McGillis has been recognized for her talent as an actress, receiving numerous award nominations and accolades for her work. She has also used her platform to speak out on social issues, including domestic violence and LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite facing personal struggles and setbacks, including battles with alcoholism and a difficult divorce, McGillis has remained committed to her craft and continues to be a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry.
Kelly McGillis Net Worth
Kelly McGillis has an estimated net worth of around $7 million. Her wealth has primarily come from her successful career as an actress, with her most iconic roles being in films such as “Top Gun” and “Witness.” Both of these films were box office hits and earned her critical acclaim, further cementing her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.
In addition to her work in film, McGillis has also appeared in television shows and stage productions, which have contributed to her overall net worth. She has also made investments in real estate over the years, which have likely contributed to her wealth.
Despite taking a break from acting at various points in her career and facing personal struggles, McGillis has continued to be a respected and in-demand actress, appearing in a range of projects across multiple mediums. Her talent and versatility have allowed her to build a successful career and accumulate a considerable amount of wealth in the process.
Wiki
| Name | Kelly McGillis |
| Date of Birth | July 9, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Newport Beach, California, United States |
| Education | Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts, Juilliard School |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1983-present |
| Known For | “Top Gun,” “Witness,” “The Accused” |
| Spouse(s) | Fred Tillman (m. 1989; div. 2002) |
| Partner(s) | Melanie Leis (2000-present) |
| Children | Kelsey Tillman |
| Net Worth | $7 million |
| Notable Awards | Golden Globe nomination for “Witness” (1985) |
| Other Ventures | Master’s degree in mental health counseling |
| Social Media Presence | Not active on social media |
Relationship Status
Kelly McGillis has been in a long-term relationship with Melanie Leis since 2000. The couple met when Leis, a sales executive, was working in Key West, Florida, where McGillis was living at the time. They have been together for over two decades and have often been seen together at public events.
Prior to her relationship with Leis, McGillis was married to Fred Tillman from 1989 to 2002. They have one child together, a daughter named Kelsey. After her divorce from Tillman, McGillis took a break from acting to focus on raising her daughter and pursuing her education.
McGillis has been open about her sexuality and has identified as a lesbian since her early 40s. She has spoken publicly about the challenges she faced coming to terms with her sexuality, including the difficulty of being a public figure in a conservative industry.
Kelly McGillis is currently in a committed relationship with Melanie Leis and has been open about her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Social Media
| Social Media Platform | Username/Handle | URL |
| N/A | N/A | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| TikTok | N/A | N/A |
| YouTube | N/A | N/A |
Interesting Facts About Kelly McGillis
1. Kelly McGillis was originally planning to pursue a career in music before discovering her love for acting.
2. She turned down the role of Charlie in “Top Gun” multiple times before finally accepting the part. The film went on to become a massive hit and established McGillis as a leading lady in Hollywood.
3. McGillis is a survivor of sexual assault and has been an advocate for survivors’ rights and awareness.
4. She took a hiatus from acting in the 1990s to focus on raising her daughter and pursuing her education, earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling.
5. McGillis is a licensed private pilot and has flown planes since the 1980s.
6. In 2009, she underwent a radical life change by moving to North Carolina to work as an acting teacher and leaving behind her Hollywood career.
7. McGillis has worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, helping people struggling with addiction to overcome their challenges and live healthier lives.
8. She has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including ones that support children with disabilities and animal welfare.
9. McGillis has been open about her struggles with alcoholism and has been sober for over a decade.
10. She has expressed interest in returning to acting in recent years and has appeared in a handful of independent films and stage productions.
FAQs About Kelly McGillis
Q: What is Kelly McGillis best known for?
A: Kelly McGillis is best known for her roles in iconic films such as “Top Gun” and “Witness.”
Q: What is Kelly McGillis’ net worth?
A: Kelly McGillis has an estimated net worth of $7 million.
Q: Is Kelly McGillis still acting?
A: Yes, Kelly McGillis has returned to acting in recent years and has appeared in a handful of independent films and stage productions.
Q: Is Kelly McGillis married?
A: No, Kelly McGillis is not currently married. She has been in a long-term relationship with Melanie Leis since 2000.
Q: What other career has Kelly McGillis pursued outside of acting?
A: Kelly McGillis has a master’s degree in mental health counseling and has worked as a drug and alcohol counselor.
Q: Did Kelly McGillis appear in the recent “Top Gun” sequel?
A: No, Kelly McGillis did not appear in the recent “Top Gun” sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
