Once alongside Tom Cruise: Kelly McGillis's path from Hollywood to a quiet life
80s star Kelly McGillis, who shone in 'Top Gun' and other films, deliberately stepped away from Hollywood to raise her children and later address addiction issues. Now at 68, she lives a peaceful life, working with people in need of help.
Kelly McGillis was one of the most sought-after Hollywood leading actresses in the late 1980s, starring in films like 'Top Gun' alongside Tom Cruise. However, in the late 1990s, she consciously chose to leave the film industry to focus on family life and raising her children.
In an interview with 'Entertainment Tonight', the actress spoke openly about her appearance and age: 'I'm old and fat, and I look my age, but that whole world is not about that. I much prefer to feel completely comfortable in my own skin and be at peace with who I am at my age.'
McGillis has also revealed personal struggles. She hoped that marriage to Fred Tillman would protect her from past traumas, but it was not sustainable. After the divorce, she entered rehabilitation to address addiction problems that affected both her career and personal life.
Since her recovery, she has worked with people facing similar difficulties. 'I work five days and 40 hours a week. It's a wonderful gift to see people who come in completely hopeless and to be able to give them hope again,' she said.
At age 40, she publicly came out as a lesbian and married Melanie Leis in 2010, but the couple later divorced. Although she still acts in independent projects and series, the big spotlight no longer attracts her. At 68, she describes herself as a 'homebody' and feels blessed to have the choice of whether to work.
