Kelly McGillis Net Worth: bio, career journey and major roles

Kelly McGillis, a name synonymous with Top Gun, has had a varied and fascinating career in Hollywood. From her breakthrough role alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986) to her more recent endeavors, McGillis has built a legacy that extends beyond just her box-office earnings.

But how much is she really worth today? Let’s take a deep dive into Kelly McGillis’ net worth, how she built her wealth, and where she stands in comparison to her fellow co-stars.

What Is Kelly McGillis Net Worth?

As of 2024, Kelly McGillis’ net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. While her net worth isn’t as high as some of her Top Gun co-stars, it reflects a successful career marked by a mix of blockbuster movies, television roles, independent films, and personal choices that allowed her to take a step back from the Hollywood spotlight.

Kelly McGillis’ Net Worth in Comparison to Co-Stars

While McGillis’ wealth is relatively modest compared to her fellow Top Gun cast members, it’s important to consider how different career paths lead to different financial outcomes. Let’s take a look at how her net worth compares to some of the other prominent names from Top Gun:

Actor	Net Worth	Famous For
Kelly McGillis	$4 million	Top Gun, The Accused, Witness
Tom Cruise	$600 million	Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, Jerry Maguire
Val Kilmer	$25 million	Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Doors
Meg Ryan	$70 million	When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle
Anthony Edwards	$40 million	Top Gun, ER

As you can see, McGillis’ net worth is significantly smaller than that of Tom Cruise ($600 million) or Meg Ryan ($70 million), but it’s comparable to Val Kilmer ($25 million) and Anthony Edwards ($40 million).

McGillis didn’t continue to make big-budget films after the 1980s, and instead, chose to pursue a quieter, more personal life, while also working in theater and independent films.

Quick facts table about Kelly McGillis

Fact	Details
Full Name	Kelly Ann McGillis
Date of Birth	July 9, 1957
Place of Birth	Newport News, Virginia, USA
Age	67 years old (as of 2024)
Nationality	American
Height	5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Net Worth	$4 million
Famous For	Top Gun, Witness, The Accused
Breakthrough Role	Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood in Top Gun (1986)
Other Notable Films	Witness (1985), The Accused (1988), The House on Carroll Street (1988)
Television Appearances	The L Word (2004), The West Wing (2005)
Residence	Malibu, California
Career Shift	Moved to independent films, theater, and acting teaching
Charitable Work	Involved in causes related to domestic violence awareness
Personal Interests	Cooking, private life, community involvement
Family Background	Raised in a military family

How Did Kelly McGillis Build Her Wealth?

Kelly McGillis didn’t just achieve wealth from blockbuster films. Her journey was built on a combination of early career successes, wise financial decisions, and later diversifying into independent films and theater productions.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

McGillis’ rise to fame started in the early 1980s. She first gained attention in Hollywood through television shows and minor movie roles, but it wasn’t until her iconic role as Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood in Top Gun (1986) that she became a household name.

• Top Gun: The movie was a massive success at the box office, grossing $353 million worldwide, and it catapulted McGillis into the limelight. While she didn’t earn as much as Tom Cruise for her role, the film solidified her place as a rising star in Hollywood.
• Witness (1985): One year before Top Gun, McGillis starred alongside Harrison Ford in Witness, which was another critical success. The film grossed over $68 million and earned McGillis a nomination for a Golden Globe.

Her success didn’t just stem from big-budget blockbusters. McGillis also showcased her talent in critically acclaimed roles, such as in The Accused (1988), where she starred with Jodie Foster. This role earned McGillis recognition for her acting versatility and depth.

Post-1980s Career: A Shift in Direction

After the peak of her career in the 1980s, McGillis’ fame began to fade as she stepped away from the limelight. However, this was a conscious decision. She moved into independent films and theater productions, where she could focus on her craft rather than chasing mainstream success.

• Independent Films: McGillis took on several roles in indie movies that didn’t achieve the same box-office success but provided her with a steady income. Films such as The House on Carroll Street (1988) and Cat Chaser (1989) helped to sustain her career.
• Theater Productions: In the 2000s, McGillis made the transition to stage performances, starring in various theater productions. She also focused on acting classes and even started teaching acting, which became an important source of income.

While McGillis’ choice to step away from Hollywood blockbusters may have impacted her financial earnings, it also helped her maintain a more balanced lifestyle away from the media frenzy that often surrounds major stars.

Comparing Net Worth: McGillis and Co-Stars

While Kelly McGillis’ net worth isn’t on par with her fellow Top Gun stars, it’s important to consider the difference in career trajectories.

McGillis’ co-stars like Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer have built their wealth largely through franchise-driven, high-grossing films, while McGillis chose a different path.

Tom Cruise: The Franchise King

Tom Cruise is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, with a net worth of $600 million. His wealth comes from a combination of blockbuster films like the Mission: Impossible series and endorsements with major brands like Rolex and BMW. He has also earned substantial profits from producing and directing.

Val Kilmer: From Blockbusters to Varied Roles

Val Kilmer, with a net worth of $25 million, had a similar rise to fame with Top Gun, but unlike McGillis, Kilmer capitalized on blockbuster roles in Batman Forever and The Doors, and later worked in a mix of mainstream and independent films.

Meg Ryan: Romantic Comedy Queen

Meg Ryan built her wealth through a string of successful romantic comedies in the 1990s, such as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. With a net worth of $70 million, Ryan’s fortune came from both her acting roles and subsequent film production ventures.

Anthony Edwards: The TV Star

With a net worth of $40 million, Edwards had a career that was more focused on television. His starring role in ER was a major source of his wealth, running for 15 seasons, and he also appeared in a variety of films.

How Does Kelly McGillis Spend Her Money?

Kelly McGillis’ financial choices reflect her desire to live a quieter, more peaceful life, particularly as she left the Hollywood spotlight. Here’s how she likely spends her money today:

• Home in Malibu: McGillis has lived in Malibu, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and upscale homes. It’s no surprise that she owns a home in this serene location, where she can enjoy the relaxed beach lifestyle.
• Private Life and Personal Choices: McGillis values her privacy and personal space. After stepping away from acting, she focused on her family, community, and personal growth. She doesn’t chase the same level of fame as her peers, which has allowed her to lead a more grounded lifestyle.
• Charitable Causes: McGillis has always been involved in charity work. She has supported causes related to domestic violence awareness, which is close to her heart, especially after portraying a survivor of sexual assault in The Accused.
• Cooking: McGillis has mentioned her passion for cooking, and she likely spends a good amount of time perfecting her culinary skills, especially in the peaceful environment of her Malibu home.

Kelly McGillis Today: What Is She Doing Now?

As of 2024, Kelly McGillis continues to stay active in the entertainment industry, though her focus has shifted significantly. While she’s not starring in major blockbusters, McGillis has maintained a presence in the world of theater and independent films.

• Teaching Acting: McGillis has been active in teaching acting, sharing her skills and experience with up-and-coming talent. This is not only fulfilling for her personally but also serves as a source of income.
• Independent Films: McGillis continues to appear in smaller, independent films, though none have reached the same level of fame as Top Gun. These roles allow her to pursue her passion for acting without the pressures of Hollywood’s spotlight.

Personal Life

McGillis has largely kept her personal life out of the public eye, focusing instead on family and community involvement. She has been open about her struggles and triumphs, and her fans continue to admire her resilience.

Conclusion

Kelly McGillis’ net worth of $4 million is a reflection of a successful career that has had both high points and low points. While she may not have the massive wealth of her Top Gun co-stars, McGillis has built a life that aligns with her personal values.

Her choice to focus on independent films, theater, and teaching acting has allowed her to live a more grounded and fulfilling life away from the media’s prying eyes.

In comparison to her fellow stars like Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, and Meg Ryan, McGillis’ wealth may seem modest, but it tells a story of personal choice, financial resilience, and an enduring love for acting that transcends mere fame and fortune.

Her journey serves as a reminder that Hollywood is not just about box-office earnings, it’s about finding the balance between career, wealth, and personal fulfillment.