Kelly Mcgillis Height : How Tall is the Star

Hollywood in the 1980s introduced audiences to many unforgettable stars, and Kelly McGillis remains one of them. She became a household name after her powerful performances in blockbuster films such as Top Gun and Witness. Known for her natural talent and striking screen presence, she balanced major film success with a quieter, personal life away from Hollywood.

This article takes you through the Kelly Mcgillis Height, life and career of Kelly McGillis, covering her early beginnings, education, family, net worth, personal relationships, and her journey in film and beyond.

Biography of Kelly McGillis

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Kelly Ann McGillis
Date of Birth	July 9, 1957
Age (2025)	67 Years Old
Birthplace	Newport Beach, California, USA
Nationality	American
Education	Juilliard School (New York City), Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
Profession	Actress, Acting Teacher
Years Active	1983 – Present
Parents	Donald McGillis (Father), Virginia Joan McGillis (Mother)
Marital Status	Divorced; previously married to Boyd Black (1979–1981) and Fred Tillman (1989–2002)
Children	2 Daughters
Kelly Mcgillis Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	70 kg (154 lbs)
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Blue
Net Worth (2025)	Estimated $4 Million
Famous Roles	Witness (1985), Top Gun (1986), The Accused (1988)
Current Residence	North Carolina, USA
Other Work	Acting Teacher, Addiction Support Counselor

Who is Kelly McGillis?

Kelly McGillis is an American actress, widely recognized for her work in the 1980s. Her most famous role was playing flight instructor Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986). She also gained critical acclaim for her performance in Witness (1985), co-starring with Harrison Ford.

She has been nominated for awards like the Golden Globe and BAFTA, proving her impact in Hollywood during her prime. In later years, she chose a life more focused on teaching and personal fulfillment, but her name still carries weight in cinema history.

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Kelly McGillis Early Life

Kelly Ann McGillis was born on July 9, 1957, in Newport Beach, California. She grew up in Los Angeles and came from a modest background. Her father, Donald McGillis, worked as a doctor, and her mother, Virginia Joan, was a homemaker.

Growing up in sunny California, Kelly developed a love for performing. She often participated in school plays and found herself drawn to acting from a young age. This passion eventually shaped her entire career path.

Kelly McGillis Education

Kelly McGillis pursued her early studies at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California. Later, she moved to New York City to study acting seriously.

She attended the Juilliard School, one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in the United States. Her time at Juilliard gave her formal training and confidence to take on challenging acting roles.

Kelly McGillis Family

Kelly McGillis grew up in a supportive family that encouraged her creative ambitions. She has spoken in interviews about how her parents played a role in her development as an actress.

She later became a mother herself, raising two daughters from her second marriage. Despite her fame, she prioritized family life and kept her children away from the spotlight.

Kelly McGillis Age

As of 2025, Kelly McGillis is 67 years old. Despite stepping away from mainstream Hollywood for many years, she remains remembered as one of the iconic stars of the 1980s film era.

Kelly McGillis Net Worth

Kelly McGillis earned most of her wealth during the height of her acting career in the 1980s and 1990s. She starred in major box office films, appeared in television projects, and also worked in theatre.

Her estimated net worth is around $4 million, which reflects her film earnings and later work in teaching. Although she no longer acts in big-budget films, she remains financially stable due to her earlier success.

Table: Kelly McGillis Net Worth Growth

Year	Estimated Net Worth	Main Sources of Income
1990	$2 Million	Top Gun, Witness, The Accused
2000	$3 Million	Independent Films, Theatre
2025	$4 Million	Acting Residuals, Teaching

Relationship

Kelly McGillis has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Boyd Black, a fellow Juilliard student, though it ended in divorce. In 1989, she married Fred Tillman, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage lasted until 2002.

In 2009, Kelly McGillis made headlines when she openly came out as gay during an interview. She explained that she had accepted her sexuality long before making it public. Since then, she has lived a more private life, focusing on personal growth and family.

Current Affairs

Kelly McGillis did not return for the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which led to speculation. She later confirmed that she was not invited and explained that she had moved past the Hollywood spotlight.

Currently, she lives a quiet life in North Carolina, working as an acting teacher and occasionally appearing in independent films. She has also dedicated time to addiction counseling and support work, highlighting her focus on helping others.

Career

Kelly McGillis’s career skyrocketed in the mid-1980s. Her role in Witness (1985) as an Amish widow earned her Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. This critically acclaimed performance put her in the spotlight.

Her most famous role came a year later in Top Gun (1986), where she starred opposite Tom Cruise. The film became a global sensation and cemented her as a leading lady in Hollywood.

In 1988, she appeared in The Accused alongside Jodie Foster, further showing her range as an actress. In addition to film, she has acted in stage productions and independent films through the 1990s and 2000s.

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Though her career slowed down, Kelly McGillis’s contributions to cinema remain highly regarded.

Kelly McGillis Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance

Kelly McGillis was admired in her prime not only for her acting but also for her elegant looks. She stood tall with a strong screen presence.

Table: Kelly McGillis Physical Appearance

Attribute	Details
Kelly Mcgillis Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	Around 70 kg (154 lbs)
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Blue
Body Type	Slim and Tall
Skin Tone	Fair

Social Media Presence

Unlike many modern stars, Kelly McGillis has little presence on social media. She has chosen to live privately, away from the constant public attention.

While fans often search for her on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, she does not maintain official accounts. Instead, updates about her life mostly come from interviews and news outlets. Her focus is more on teaching, personal well-being, and her family life rather than building an online following.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kelly McGillis height?

Kelly McGillis height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), making her taller than the average American woman.

How does Kelly McGillis height compare to her Top Gun co-stars?

Kelly McGillis height of 5’10” placed her nearly the same height as Tom Cruise, which stood out in Top Gun.

Did Kelly McGillis height help her career?

Yes, Kelly McGillis height gave her a strong on-screen presence, making her ideal for authoritative and leading roles.

What are Kelly McGillis’s physical stats along with her height?

Along with her height of 178 cm, she weighs about 70 kg (154 lbs) and has blue eyes with blonde hair.

Conclusion

Kelly McGillis remains a significant figure in Hollywood history. From Kelly Mcgillis Height, early breakthrough in Witness to her legendary role in Top Gun, she proved herself as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Although she stepped away from mainstream fame, her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and prioritizing personal happiness over industry expectations. At 67 years old, Kelly McGillis continues to inspire fans with her honesty and the legacy of her unforgettable performances.