Kelly McGillis’s journey through Hollywood and life has been anything but straightforward. She started her career in humble surroundings, working as a server and holding various positions that weren’t glamorous but taught her resilience and grit. Her big break came with her role in the film Reuben, Reuben, which was nominated for an Academy Award. That recognition catapulted her into the spotlight, leading to other television appearances and, most notably, to her iconic role in Top Gun. The movie’s success was a turning point for her career. After its release, producers saw her potential and cast her in other films, creating a wave of opportunities—yet, her life behind the scenes was a different story altogether.
Despite her rising fame, Kelly faced personal struggles that many didn’t see coming. She battled drug and alcohol problems that threatened to derail her career and her life. She admits openly that it wasn’t easy, and there were periods when her addictions took hold of her, making it difficult to keep working or nurture the career she had fought so hard to build. Yet, she kept going, pushing through the dark times, and slowly, she found her way back. Her more recent work includes the film Blue (2017), and she also appears on the popular TV show Dirty John. Beyond acting, she has dedicated time to teaching acting classes at The New York Studio for Stage and Screen, sharing her knowledge and experience with new generations of performers.
Another woman who chose a different path after her years in Hollywood is A-list actress and mother, Teri Polo. After divorcing her wealthy ex-husband, Fred Tillman, she decided to prioritize her kids—Kelsey Lauren and Sonora Ashley—over her career. Teri wanted to be there for her children in a way that the fast-paced, often unpredictable world of Hollywood doesn’t always allow. So, she shifted her focus to working more irregular hours, taking on fewer high-profile projects, but investing more time in her family and personal life.
Teri’s acting career is still extensive, with credits in films like A Boy Called North (1994), The Babe (1992), Tragic Decision (1989), The Cat Hunter (1989), At First Sight (1999), and The Inner Circle (2000). Her choices reflect her desire to balance her passion for acting with her responsibilities as a mother. She’s spoken openly about how she wanted to shield her children from the constant limelight, offering them a more normal life—something her own turbulent childhood and tumultuous career had made clear she valued deeply.
Kelly McGillis, too, has faced her share of rejection, particularly in recent years. She revealed a candid reason why she believes the directors of Top Gun passed on her for the recent sequel. Despite her iconic performance, she admits she’s no longer what Hollywood standards deem attractive: over 65, with her natural aging process untouched by cosmetic surgery. She’s spoken out about her desire to age gracefully and stay true to herself, rather than bow to the often unrealistic ideals of youth and beauty that dominate Hollywood. She believes strongly in embracing her age and her authenticity—and she hopes others will do the same.
In the upcoming Top Gun movie, Tom Cruise returns as Maverick, with Jennifer Connelly, aged 51, joining him on screen. It’s a testament to how the industry is gradually shifting, welcoming actors of all ages. Kelly’s presence in the industry may be less visible, but she remains committed to her values. Besides acting, she works as a theatre teacher and has been open about her battle with addiction and the destructive effects of fame. Her struggles with panic attacks and mental health are part of her ongoing journey toward recovery.
Kelly’s story is also one of self-acceptance. After years of silence, she openly embraced her sexuality, revealing she’s a lesbian and reflecting on her own evolution—how her understanding of herself has grown from as early as age twelve, well before her fame took off. Her journey has been filled with moments of upheaval, but also of resilience—choosing authenticity over societal expectations.
We all hope Kelly is in a better place now and that she continues to fight against the narrow standards of beauty and youth that often overshadow real talent and inner strength. Her story reminds us that aging is a part of life that should be embraced, not feared. We look forward to seeing more of her work and hope she finds happiness in remaining true to herself, inspiring others to do the same.
