Where Is the Top Gun Cast Now in 2023? Then and Now
The Top Gun Cast: Where Are They Now?
The 1986 action drama film Top Gun cemented itself as an iconic 80s classic. With its exhilarating flight scenes, adrenaline-filled storyline, and star-studded cast, Top Gun became the highest grossing film of 1986 and launched its young cast into stardom.
Now, over 35 years later, where is the Top Gun cast today? Read on to find out what Maverick, Goose, Iceman, and the rest of the actors are up to in 2023.
Tom Cruise as LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell
Tom Cruise was just 24 years old when he landed the leading role of hotshot pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun. The role propelled Cruise to superstardom and cemented his status as a Hollywood heartthrob.
Today, at 60 years old, Cruise is still going strong as one of the biggest movie stars in the world. He has starred in huge blockbuster franchises like Mission Impossible, Jack Reacher, and his upcoming Top Gun sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. Cruise is also famous for performing his own daredevil stunts in action films.
Val Kilmer as LT Tom "Iceman" Kazansky
Val Kilmer portrayed Maverick's rival, the talented but arrogant pilot Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. Iceman's tense rivalry and eventual friendship with Maverick was one of the film's most memorable storylines.
Now 62, Kilmer's acting career has slowed in recent years after a battle with throat cancer. But he will reprise his iconic role as Iceman alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. It will be great to see the two actors reunite on screen after over 30 years.
Anthony Edwards as LTJG Nick "Goose" Bradshaw
As Maverick's loyal copilot and wingman Goose, Anthony Edwards provided some of Top Gun's most amusing and emotional moments opposite Tom Cruise. His tragic death was a major turning point in the film.
Edwards, now 60, went on to star in the hit TV series ER in the 1990s. He has continued acting in small roles in recent years, and will make a cameo appearance in the new Top Gun sequel.
Kelly McGillis as Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood
Kelly McGillis portrayed the civilian flight instructor Charlie, who catches Maverick's eye and becomes his love interest. Charlie was an intelligent, independent woman who could hold her own against Maverick.
McGillis, now 65, largely stepped away from acting in the early 2000s. She will not be appearing in the new Top Gun film, but her character will be referenced. McGillis came out as gay in 2009 and has been married to her partner since 2010.
Michael Ironside as Rick "Jester" Heatherly
Michael Ironside played the role of flight instructor Rick "Jester" Heatherly, who pushes Maverick and Goose to their limits. Jester initially comes across as a villain, but ultimately gives Maverick his stamp of approval.
Ironside, now 73, went on to have a prolific career as a character actor in films and TV shows like Total Recall, Starship Troopers, and ER. He continues acting today, appearing recently in the TV series The Boys.
Tom Skerritt as CDR Mike "Viper" Metcalf
As the Commander of the elite Topgun flight school, Viper takes Maverick under his wing and serves as his mentor and father figure after Goose's death.
Veteran actor Tom Skerritt portrayed Viper beautifully. Now 89 years old, Skerritt has had a long, acclaimed acting career spanning over 50 years. He recently appeared in East of the Mountains and Guest Artist.
Tim Robbins as LTJG Sam "Merlin" Wells
Tim Robbins had a small but memorable role as the stoic radar intercept officer Merlin, call sign "Cougar's" RIO. After Cougar is shaken by a risky engagement, Maverick and Goose must step in to help complete Merlin and Cougar's mission.
Robbins, now 64, was just starting to make a name for himself when he appeared in Top Gun. He went on to win an Oscar for Mystic River and star in critically acclaimed films like The Shawshank Redemption.
Clarence Gilyard Jr. as LTJG Marcus "Sundown" Williams
Clarence Gilyard Jr. played Sundown, one of the elite Topgun pilots. Sundown provides comic relief and camaraderie for Maverick, Goose, and fellow pilots.
Gilyard, now 66, is best known as computer expert Theo on the 80's TV series Matlock. He also had a supporting role on Walker, Texas Ranger in the 90's. He still acts occasionally in minor roles.
Rick Rossovich as LTJG Ron "Slider" Kerner
Rick Rossovich portrayed hotshot pilot Slider, recognizable by his tinted sunglasses and cool persona. Slider challenges Iceman for the coveted Top Gun trophy.
Rossovich, now 64, went on to act in various films and TV shows, including Ron Howard's Backdraft. He recently made an appearance in Sons of Anarchy. He also starred in Top Gun's popular beach volleyball scene.
Where Are They Now?
More than 35 years later, it's incredible to see where the Top Gun cast is today. Some actors like Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer are reprising their iconic roles in the long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. Others like Kelly McGillis and Tim Robbins went on to have hugely successful acting careers after their breakout roles in Top Gun.
While a few decided to step back from acting, like Anthony Edwards and Clarence Gilyard Jr., most of the Top Gun actors are still working regularly in Hollywood today. Their paths may have diverged since that fateful 1986 film, but they came together to create cinematic history with Top Gun.
FAQs
Who were the main actors in the original Top Gun movie?
The main cast members were Tom Cruise as Maverick, Val Kilmer as Iceman, Kelly McGillis as Charlie, Anthony Edwards as Goose, and Tom Skerritt as Viper.
Is Tom Cruise in the new Top Gun sequel?
Yes, Tom Cruise is reprising his iconic role as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick, over 30 years after the original film.
What happened to Goose from Top Gun?
Goose, played by Anthony Edwards, died during a training exercise in the first Top Gun movie. His character will be referenced in the sequel, though Edwards will only make a small cameo.
Why is Kelly McGillis not in the new Top Gun?
Kelly McGillis has confirmed she was not asked to reprise her role as Charlie in the sequel. Her character will be referenced but will not appear.
What actors from the original Top Gun are returning for the sequel?
Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt are all confirmed to be appearing in Top Gun: Maverick, reprising their original roles.
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