After starring in Top Gun, Kelly McGillis continued to make her mark in the film industry.
Her performances in various genres showcased her versatility as an actress. From thriller to drama, McGillis brought depth and nuance to every role she took on, captivating audiences around the world.
Kelly McGillis’s career post-Top Gun is a testament to her enduring talent. With a career spanning decades, she found success on both the big screen and television.
McGillis navigated roles that challenged the norms and offered fresh perspectives. Her work has left a lasting impression on viewers and cemented her place in Hollywood history.
The Accused
“The Accused” is a gripping drama from 1988. This film features Kelly McGillis as Kathryn Murphy, a determined attorney.
She plays alongside Jodie Foster, who stars as Sarah Tobias, a young woman seeking justice after a horrific attack.
The film draws the audience into the intense legal battle that ensues after Sarah becomes a victim of a brutal gang rape in a bar.
Kelly McGillis’s character works tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. Her performance highlights the challenges faced in prosecuting such difficult cases.
Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Sarah earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her acting conveys the trauma and strength of a survivor striving for justice against all odds.
The dynamic between Kelly McGillis and Jodie Foster is powerful, adding depth to the film’s narrative.
Bernie Coulson and Leo Rossi also add significant weight to the story with their roles. Director Jonathan Kaplan uses his storytelling to create a tense and thought-provoking experience for viewers, shedding light on the sensitive subject matter.
For a glimpse into the film’s intensity, you can watch the trailer below:
“The Accused” remains a notable work in Kelly McGillis’s filmography, well-regarded for its raw portrayal of difficult themes and the strong performances by its cast.
2) Cat Chaser
Released in 1989, “Cat Chaser” is a crime thriller directed by Abel Ferrara. The film stars Kelly McGillis alongside Peter Weller, Charles Durning, and Frederic Forrest.
Kelly McGillis plays the role of Mary DeBoya, a woman entangled in a dangerous affair. Her character is the wife of a former general from the Dominican Republic.
Peter Weller portrays George Moran, a Miami hotel owner who becomes involved with Mary. His past military service in the Dominican Republic adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to the story.
The film’s plot centers on the complexities and dangers of their relationship. This movie showcases McGillis in a role distinct from her previous characters. Here, she navigates a world filled with risk and drama.
In “Cat Chaser,” Abel Ferrara brings a gritty feel to the story. The performances by the cast, including McGillis, contribute to the film’s intensity. The chemistry between McGillis and Weller is noteworthy and adds depth to the narrative.
3) Winter People
“Winter People” came out in 1989, starring Kelly McGillis and Kurt Russell. The movie is set in 1930s Appalachia and tells the story of a widowed clockmaker who falls in love with an unwed mother.
This love story gets tangled with a long-standing feud between two mountain clans. Kelly McGillis, fresh off successes like “Top Gun” and “The Accused,” brings depth to her role as the unwed mother.
Kurt Russell stars as the clockmaker, showcasing his range beyond action roles. The film, directed by Ted Kotcheff, explores themes of love and conflict in a rural setting.
Lloyd Bridges and Mitchell Ryan also have key roles, adding to the strong cast lineup. The movie is based on a novel by John Ehle, which gives it a solid narrative foundation.
Check out the trailer here. This movie offers a glimpse at a more complex and dramatic side of Kelly McGillis’s acting career post-“Top Gun.”
4) Made in Heaven
“Made in Heaven” is a fantasy comedy film released in 1987. It’s directed by Alan Rudolph. The story takes a whimsical turn when a man finds himself in heaven after a tragic accident.
Kelly McGillis stars in this film, adding a celestial touch with her performance. Alongside her, Timothy Hutton plays the male protagonist who navigates through this heavenly tale.
The film also features cameo appearances by musicians like Tom Petty and Neil Young. These appearances add a quirky flair to the movie.
The character dynamics between McGillis and Hutton are central to the storyline. Their journey explores themes of love, destiny, and reincarnation.
Check out the trailer for a glimpse into this imaginative film.
5) The Babe
Kelly McGillis appeared in “The Babe,” a 1992 sports biopic about the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth. The film stars John Goodman as the larger-than-life athlete, capturing both his remarkable skills on the field and his turbulent personal life.
McGillis plays Claire Hodgson, Ruth’s second wife. Her character brings a supportive and stabilizing presence, offering a glimpse into Ruth’s life off the diamond.
Directed by Arthur Hiller, “The Babe” provides a look at the highs and lows of Ruth’s career, from his infamous home runs to his off-field antics. The movie digs into Ruth’s impact on baseball and his legacy as an American sports icon.
The film also features other notable actors, such as Trini Alvarado as Helen Woodford, Ruth’s first wife, adding depth to the portrayal of Ruth’s complex relationships. These performances add meaningful layers to the storyline.
The portrayal of Babe Ruth’s life showcases McGillis’s ability to play a diverse range of roles during her career. The movie is a mix of sports drama and personal narrative, offering viewers an insightful peek into one of baseball’s most iconic figures.
6) Witness
“Witness” is a 1985 movie that mixes crime, drama, and thriller elements. It tells the story of a young Amish boy and his mother who get caught up in a dangerous situation after witnessing a murder. The boy’s only protector is a tough detective who hides them within their Amish community.
Kelly McGillis stars as Rachel Lapp, the mother of the boy. Her role in “Witness” earned her critical acclaim. She starred alongside Harrison Ford, who played the rugged detective named John Book.
The movie was directed by Peter Weir and features other talented actors like Josef Sommer and Lukas Haas. Harrison Ford’s performance is often highlighted as one of his best. The film blends mysterious tension with a unique cultural setting, giving it a distinctive feel.
“Witness” received many awards and nominations. It was a box office hit and captured audiences with its intriguing plot and captivating performances. Its success helped establish Kelly McGillis as a strong talent in Hollywood during the 1980s.
7) North
After the success of “Top Gun,” Kelly McGillis appeared in the 1994 film “North.”
“North” is a family comedy directed by Rob Reiner. McGillis plays the role of North’s Mother. The movie stars Elijah Wood as North, a young boy on a quest to find ideal parents after becoming disillusioned with his own. Alongside McGillis, the film features a star-studded cast including Bruce Willis, Jason Alexander, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
The movie combines humor and a heartwarming story as North travels the world, meeting different types of parents and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Though not a major box office hit, the film has gained a bit of a cult following over the years.
Here’s a video preview of the movie:
8) Grand Isle
In 1991, Kelly McGillis starred in “Grand Isle,” a film directed by Mary Lambert. The movie is an adaptation of Kate Chopin’s novel “The Awakening.” It explores the life of a Victorian woman named Edna Pontellier, played by McGillis, who challenges societal norms of her time.
The film also features Jon DeVries as Léonce Pontellier, Edna’s husband, and Adrian Pasdar as Robert Lebrun. Ellen Burstyn joins the cast, adding depth to the story with her performance. The setting and rich character dynamics offer a glimpse into the struggles faced by women seeking independence during that era.
The story of Edna Pontellier is both intense and thought-provoking, capturing her journey of self-discovery and the personal conflicts that arise from it. McGillis’s portrayal of Edna gives viewers insight into a woman yearning for freedom and self-expression.
9) Stakeout
“Stakeout” is a 1987 action-comedy film featuring Kelly McGillis in a lead role. She stars alongside Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez. Directed by John Badham, the movie blends action and comedy with a bit of romance.
The film’s plot follows two cops, played by Dreyfuss and Estevez, on a stakeout mission. They keep an eye on McGillis’s character, Maria McGuire, whose ex-boyfriend has escaped from prison. The interactions between the characters add humor and unexpected twists.
Kelly McGillis’s role in “Stakeout” was different compared to her character in “Top Gun.” Here, she gets involved in a mix of drama and romance that emerges during this tense and funny stakeout operation. Her performance received a positive response from audiences at the time.
The film was a box office hit, praised for its mix of humor and thrilling moments. The chemistry between the main characters and the story’s engaging pace made it a memorable movie from the late ’80s.
To get a feel for the action and comedy, check out the “Stakeout” trailer on YouTube.
10) At First Sight
Kelly McGillis starred in the 1999 romantic drama “At First Sight.” The film explores themes of love, hope, and the challenges of living with blindness. It was directed by Irwin Winkler and inspired by a true story.
Kelly played a supporting role alongside a star-studded cast. The lead roles were filled by Val Kilmer and Mira Sorvino. Val Kilmer played a blind man who undergoes surgery to restore his sight. Mira Sorvino’s character is his love interest who supports him through this life-changing journey.
The movie delves into how regaining sight impacts their relationship and the emotional difficulties they face. Kelly McGillis’s performance added depth to the film, contributing to the unfolding drama.
For anyone curious, here’s a glimpse of the movie:
Transition to Diverse Roles
Following Top Gun, Kelly McGillis showcased her versatility by tackling a range of roles in different film genres.
She took on the character of a lawyer in The Accused in 1988, a movie that dealt with complex legal and moral issues. Her performance highlighted her ability to handle serious drama.
In the late 1980s, she appeared in The House on Carroll Street, which was a thriller, further displaying her range.
McGillis also worked on films like Made in Heaven, a fantasy comedy that demonstrated her knack for lighter, more whimsical stories. These films illustrated her capacity to move easily between different types of characters and settings.
Exploration of Theatre Work
In addition to her film roles, Kelly McGillis made a name for herself in the theater world.
She has performed in classic plays, such as The Graduate and The Merchant of Venice. Her stage work provided her with opportunities to engage with rich, challenging characters.
McGillis had the chance to work with well-regarded theater companies. Her commitment to the craft contributed to her respected status in the theater community.
Bold performances in productions like Twelfth Night allowed her to explore different facets of her talent.
Her time on stage not only broadened her acting skills but also deepened her appreciation for storytelling in its many forms.
Influence and Legacy Beyond Cinema
Kelly McGillis’s influence stretches beyond her acting career, leaving notable impacts on various communities. Her role as a role model and speaker contributes to her lasting legacy in meaningful ways.
Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
Kelly McGillis openly came out as a lesbian in 2009, making headlines and inspiring many.
Her decision to share her identity was courageous, especially considering her fame. Her honesty helped break down barriers and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood.
As a public figure, she brought attention to the challenges and stereotypes that LGBTQ+ people face. Her openness made it easier for others to discuss their own identities.
McGillis’s impact on the community is deeply felt and appreciated by those who look up to her as a pioneer.
Lecturing and Public Speaking
Beyond acting, Kelly McGillis has spent time educating and sharing her experiences through lectures and public speaking.
She often discusses her journey in Hollywood and her personal life, offering insights and inspiration. Her talks address overcoming obstacles and embracing one’s true self.
She has appeared at various events, including motivational speaking engagements.
McGillis uses her platform to encourage others to pursue their passions and foster self-acceptance. Her speeches highlight the importance of authenticity and resilience, resonating with audiences around the world.
