TV - Movies
Kelly McGillis
Had A Brutal Take
On Her Top Gun:
Maverick Exclusion
By BROOKE KNAPPENBERGER
AND JIM ROWLEY
One major character fans will surely miss in “Top Gun: Maverick” is the original film’s love interest, Charlie (Kelly McGillis), who played a prominent role in the first "Top Gun.” When asked about the omission, McGillis didn't pull any punches.
When asked if she was contacted to appear in the new film, McGillis replied that she was not, adding, "I'm old, and I'm fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is. And that is not what that whole scene is about." While she expressed support for Jennifer Connelly (who plays Cruise’s character’s new love interest), it's clear McGillis holds Hollywood beauty standards in low regard.
Director Joseph Kosinski gave his side of the story about why McGillis and Meg Ryan weren't brought back, saying, "I didn't want every storyline to always be looking backwards. It was important to introduce some new characters." McGillis has mostly left Hollywood behind and, as of 2013, was living in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where she was teaching at a small acting studio.