'Top Gun: Maverick': Kelly McGillis Speaks Out About Not Being Asked To Be In Sequel
Kelly McGillis, who is so pivotal in the original Top Gun, won't appear in its sequel, and now she's speaking out.
Maverick and Charlie a Match Made In Heaven
McGillis played Charlie Blackwood, Maverick's love interest in the first movie. Maverick was of course played by Tom Cruise.
It's Not the Same As Back Then
McGillis says at this time in her life, she doesn't see herself playing a role in that movie:
"I think just my priorities in life changed. It wasn't like a major decision that I made to leave, it was just that other things became more important. I love acting, I love what I do, I love doing theater, but I don't know."
"To me, my relationships to other people became far more important than my relationship to fame."
She Feels Lucky For Getting the Role
McGillis added that she's kind of a homebody and is enjoying herself at home right now.
"I am a home person. I'm really rooted in my home life ... I can't remember the last time I worked."
"I feel really blessed that I don't have to work, you know? But I get the option to work, so I'm really blessed in that way. Not many people get that option later in life, so I feel very lucky."
She's Busy Being a Mom
In addition, McGillis says she's being a parent right now and making sure she stays sober.
"It was very challenging for me to have any kind of sense of self or self-identity or real self-worth other than what I did for a living. And it just -- it didn't become a priority; what became the priority initially was raising my girls and being the best sober parent I could be."
Top Gun: Maverick is set for a June 26, 2020 release date.
