tom cruise top gun 1986 cast

See the ‘Top Gun’ Cast, Then and Now (Photos)

Catch up with the stars of the original 1986 hit now that “Top Gun: Maverick” has made Hollywood history

“ Top Gun: Maverick ” is, without a doubt, one of Hollywood’s biggest success stories. The long-awaited follow-up to the 1986 cult classic film “Top Gun,” “Maverick’s” domestic theatrical gross soared over $700 million ; making it one of the top 5 highest-grossing North American films of all time, alongside “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Avatar.”

There are a lot of things about “Maverick” that make it worthy of such sweeping success: epic, adrenaline-pinching stunts performed by the franchise’s frontman Tom Cruise, whip-smart dialogue and heartwarming friendships and relationships that are impossible not to root for.

But one of the elements that audiences are most taken with in the new film is that it is a great throwback experience that provides the perfect dosage of nostalgia from “Top Gun.” With that in mind, we saw it high time we look back at the characters in the ‘86 film and see what the actors playing them are up to today.

Tom Cruise (Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell)

After enrolling in one of the world’s top fighter schools, Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s gutsiness is pushed to its limits by his peers/fellow daredevils, including the cutthroat Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer).

In the decades after his appearance in “Top Gun,” Cruise has remained one of the best-known actors in Hollywood. He has earned three Academy Award nominations, which include Best Actor noms for the 1990 film “Born on the Fourth of July” and the 1997 film “Jerry Maguire,” as well as one for Best Supporting Actor for 2000’s “Magnolia.” Cruise is known for performing many of his own stunts in action films, including the wildly popular, box office-dominating “Mission: Impossible” franchise, which has a new entry coming out in 2023 — and, of course, in “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Kelly McGillis (Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood)

Charlie is Maverick’s love interest… and his instructor. Yes, things quickly get steamy and awkward.

McGillis appeared in a couple of big films after “Top Gun,” the most notable being 1988’s “The Accused,” in which she starred alongside Jodi Foster. Most recently, the actor has primarily appeared in TV movies like “Love Finds You in Sugarcreek” (2014), “An Uncommon Grace” (2017) and “Maternal Secrets” (2020). The actor noted that “Maverick” filmmakers did not ask her to return for the reboot, stating “I’m old and fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is, and that is not what that whole scene is about.”

Val Kilmer (Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” Kazanksy)

A fellow student at the fighter academy, Iceman starts off as one of Maverick’s biggest rivals, and turns into one of his best friends. Yes – it’s exactly as heartwarming as it sounds.

After “Top Gun,” Kilmer remained a big-name movie star, appearing in Hollywood hits such as “True Romance” (1993), “Batman Forever” (1995) and “Heat” (1995). Tragically, the actor’s career was put on pause when he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 – a battle that was chronicled in the documentary “Val.” However, Kilmer’s struggles didn’t stop him from reprising his role as the iconic Iceman for a cameo in “Maverick.”

Anthony Edwards (Junior Lieutenant Nick “Goose” Bradshaw)

Another one of Mav’s besties, Goose is a radar intercept officer and overall a top-notch dude.

Since “Top Gun,” Edwards has been keeping busy. The actor recently made the switch over to primarily TV roles, appearing in popular shows such as “Blue Bloods,” “Billions,” “Designated Survivor,” “Inventing Anna,” “WeCrashed” and, most recently, “Tales of the Walking Dead.”

Tom Skerritt (Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf)

The top instructor at “Top Gun,” Viper is fittingly a top-rate mentor to his students.

Skerritt has boasted a fruitful career since appearing in “Top Gun” – one that earned him an Emmy Award for Actor in a Drama Series for 1993’s “Picket Fences.” More recently, the actor has appeared in indie films like Kim Bass’s “Day of Days” (2017), a 2019 short film called “The Phantom 52” and Michael Feifer’s “Catch the Bullet” (2021).

Michael Ironside (Lieutenant Commander Rick “Jester” Heatherly)

Another great instructor in “Top Gun,” Jester takes no nonsense from no one.

After appearing in “Top Gun,” Ironside continued to have a successful film career, appearing in films like “Total Recall” (1990), “Free Willy” (1993) and “Starship Troopers” (1997). In recent years, his acting plate has remained full. The actor has appeared in everything from “X-Men: First Class” in 2011 as the Captain, to the 2016 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” TV series as Emperor Zanmaron, as well as the hit series “The Dropout” just this year.

Sadly, Ironside’s recent jobs don’t include a reprisal of his role as “Jester.” The actor said he thinks that has something to do with his less-than-rosy relationship with the film’s producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “The one person still in charge is Jerry Bruckheimer, and Mr. Bruckheimer and I didn’t really get along,” Ironside explained in an interview with Movieweb . “He offered me a project 10 or 12 years ago and… I said no to it,” Ironside said, noting that the next time he saw Bruckheimer was at a hockey game, and the producer gave him the cold shoulder.

Meg Ryan (Carole Bradshaw)

The wife of Goose, Carole doesn’t have the biggest role in “Top Gun” – but she is certainly a scene stealer.

One of the most popular rom-com darlings of the 1990s, Ryan skyrocketed to fame after her relatively small role in “Top Gun,” appearing in classic films like “When Harry Met Sally” (1989), “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993) and “You’ve Got Mail” (1998). More recently, Ryan has made guest appearances on shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Web Therapy,” and voiced the narrator on the scrapped “How I Met Your Dad” pilot. Ryan will also return to her rom-com roots with the film “What Happens Later,” which she both directs and stars in (alongside David Duchovny).

John Stockwell (Lieutenant Bill “Cougar” Cortell)

“Top Gun,” at its heart, is all about brotherhood and loyalty, and it’s hard to think of a more loyal wingman to our Maverick than Cougar.

While his performance as Cougar captivated audiences back in ‘86, Stockwell is more than just an actor. In fact, he actually earned an Emmy nomination for writing the 2000 film “Cheaters.” Stockwell’s most recent credits include an acting cameo in the 2018 series “Escape at Dannemora,” as well as the director title on the 2017 film “Armed Response,” starring Wesley Snipes and Anne Heche.

Tim Robbins (Lieutenant Junior Sama “Merlin” Wells)

Radar intercept officer to Cougar, and later to the one and only Mav.

Robbins enjoyed a fruitful career as a leading man after appearing in “Top Gun.” Some of his most well-known post-Merlin roles include “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994), “Mystic River” (2003) and “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990). Recently, the actor appeared in Hulu’s Stephen King-based TV show “Castle Rock” (2019) and Todd Haynes’ 2019 film “Dark Waters.”

James Tolkan (Commander Tom “Stinger” Jardian)

Stinger is an essential piece of the Top Gun Academy puzzle: he’s the commander of the USS Enterprise Carrier Air Group.

Perhaps best known for his roles in the “Back to the Future” series as Mr. Strickland, Tolkan is still acting to this day. Recently, he appeared in the 2015 film “Bone Tomahawk” and a fun 2020 “Back to the Future” fan remake.

Rick Rossovich (Lieutenant Junior Ron “Slider” Kerner)

Loyal radar interceptor to the one and only Iceman.

Since appearing in “Top Gun,” Rossovich has acted in a number of varying projects, including the 1990 action flick “Navy Seals,” and the laugh-out-loud Steve Martin-starring comedy “Roxanne” (1987). Recently, Rossovich’s on-screen appearances have been few and far between, and he has only appeared in five projects since the year 2000. His most recent role was in a 2016 short film called “A Beautiful Day.”

Whip Hubley (Lieutenant Rick “Hollywood” Neven)

If there was ever a suitable sidekick for the illustrious Iceman, it’s the ever-eager Hollywood.

After “Top Gun,” Hubley turned largely to TV series such as “Murder, She Wrote” (1994-96), “The Practice” (2000) and “CSI: Miami” (2003). The actor took a bit of an acting hiatus in 2013, but returned to the screen this year for a film called “Alchemy of the Spirit.”

Barry Tubb (Lieutenant Junior Leonard “Wolfman” Wolfe)

Yet another loveable sidekick, this time to the character Hollywood (Whip Hubley).

After appearing in “Top Gun,” Tubb snagged roles in big projects like 1989’s “Lonesome Dove,” and 2001’s “American Outlaw.” However, he hasn’t acted in almost 10 years, with his last project being a 2014 TV movie called “Deliverance Creek.”

Clarence Gilyard (Lieutenant Junior Marcus “Sundown” Williams)

What’s that? Another radar interceptor? This one belongs to Chipper (Adrian Pasdar), and migrates to Mav’s side toward the end of “Top Gun.”

After playing “Sundown,” Gilyard had a fruitful career in film and TV, which included roles in “Die Hard” (1988), and the popular TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993-2001). More recently, the actor has been in a couple of short films and acted as the chair of the film program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Sadly, Gilyard passed away on Nov. 28, 2022, at the age of 66.

Top Gun (1986) cast ages: How old was the cast then (and now)?

By aysha ashley househ | aug 10, 2023.

We’re all so obsessed with 1986 film Top Gun starring Tom Cruise, and it was so amazing to get a sequel, Top Gun: Maverick , in 2022! When the production was first released to audiences in the ’80s, it was to mixed reviews. Can you believe it? However as the weeks went by, the movie became the the highest-grossing domestic film of 1986. And the second film in the franchise has received massive success, currently streaming on Paramount+ .

The action drama takes us to the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School and introduces us to fighter pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Cruise). The new student’s cocky attitude causes tension between him and the other pilots. But this guy has two goals – become the top fighter pilot and get the attention of his flight instructor Charlotte (Kelly McGillis).

Ever wondered how old the actors were at the time? We’ve shared the cast’s ages at the time of the movie’s release in May 1986, as well as how old they are now as of August 2023.

How old was Tom Cruise in Top Gun?

The leading man who played LT Pete “Maverick” Mitchell was only 22 years old when the film began shooting, and 23 when it was released. He is the youngest amongst his co-stars. The iconic actor’s birthday is July 3, 1962 which means he is currently 61 years old.

How old was Kelly McGillis in Top Gun?

The actress was two months away from her twenty-ninth birthday when the production came out, taking on the role of Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Blackwood. Her birthday is only a few days after her co-star’s – July 9, 1957. She is currently 66 years old. McGillis didn’t reprise her role in the sequel but has continued to act in films throughout the years.

How old was Val Kilmer in Top Gun?

The actor who played LT Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, aka Maverick’s rival at the school, was 26 years old when the movie premiered. He is a winter baby, having been born Dec. 31, 1959. Kilmer is currently 63. The star reprised his role in the sequel and his most recent movie is a documentary about his life and career titled Val which is streaming on Prime Video.

How old was Anthony Edwards in Top Gun?

The LTJG Nick “Goose” Bradshaw actor was 23 years old, just two months away from turning 24 when the production debuted on the big screens. He was born July 19, 1962 and is currently 61 years old. Following his role in Top Gun , you may recognize Edwards from television shows like ER , Law & Order True Crime , and WeCrashed .

How old was Meg Ryan in Top Gun?

Ryan played Edwards’ onscreen wife, Carole Bradshaw. The actress was 24 years old during the action drama. She is currently 61 years old and her birthday is Nov. 19. The celebrity became one of the most successful actresses in the ’90s and 2000s, mostly known for romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle , When Harry Met Sally…. , You’ve Got Mail.

How old was Tom Skerritt in Top Gun?

Skerritt, aka CDR Mike “Viper” Metcalf in the film, was 53 years old when it was released to audiences. He is currently 89, soon celebrating his 90th birthday on Aug. 25. Skerritt is the oldest of his co-stars. The talent has been acting since 1962 with his debut film War Hunt .

How old was Michael Ironside in Top Gun?

The LCDR Rick “Jester” Heatherly actor was 35 years old when the Tom Cruise-led movie was released. Ironside is currently 73 years old and was born on Feb. 12, 1950. He has continued to act, many of his jobs in voiceover roles including projects like Superman: The Animated Series ,  Wolverine and the X-Men , and  Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising .

How old was Tim Robbins in Top Gun?

Radar intercept officer, LTJG Sam “Merlin” Wells, was played by Robbins. He was 28 years old at the time of movie, and is currently 64. Oct. 16 is when the actor celebrates his birthday. He’s known for roles such as Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption , Griffin Mill in The Playe r, and Senator Robert Hammond in Green Lantern .

Top Gun and its sequel Top Gun: Maverick are both currently streaming on Paramount+ .

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The cast of ‘top gun,’ then and now.

The classic 1986 action-drama is back in the zeitgeist after the release of 'Top Gun: Maverick.' Here's a look at what the cast of the first film has been up to since their last run to the Danger Zone.

By Jordan Wilson

Jordan Wilson

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Ever since the first trailer dropped, it was clear the long-awaited sequel to 1986’s high-flying classic Top Gun would tug at the heart strings with nostalgic imagery emulating the first film. From the blood-pumping aerial combat maneuvers to shirtless volleyball games, Top Gun: Maverick follows in the footsteps of the Tony Scott-directed original, which took home a worldwide gross of $356 million according to Box Office Mojo .

The original film featured a cast of popular actors whose careers would mostly blossom in the years after release, but Top Gun will always be remembered as the film that turned Tom Cruise from teenage heartthrob to true leading man, one death-defying scene at a time.

In celebration of the sequel, The Hollywood Reporter takes a look at what the cast of Top Gun has been up to since sticking the landing more than three decades ago.

Tom Cruise’s fame was on the rise by the time he was cast as Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Between The Outsiders and Risky Business (for which he received a best actor Golden Globe nomination), Cruise was fast becoming a star when he took to the cockpit of an F-14 Tomcat and flew toe-to-toe against Russian MiGs. He couldn’t stop being a leading man if he’d tried in the years after, starring in Rain Man opposite Dustin Hoffman, Stanley Kubrick’s final film Eyes Wide Shut and even taking the role of a bad guy in Michael Mann’s Collateral . He has been thrice-nominated for acting Oscars, for leading roles in Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire , and his supporting role in Magnolia . Cruise reprises his main role as the rebellious stick jockey in Top Gun: Maverick and remains active as Ethan Hunt, the spy at the center of the Mission: Impossible films.

Kelly McGillis

Playing an Amish woman opposite Harrison Ford in Witness got Kelly McGillis noticed by Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who cast McGillis as the no-nonsense instructor turned love interest Charlie Blackwood. After the tremendous commercial success of Top Gun , McGillis starred in a few films including The Accused in 1988, but mostly stuck to theater roles even after being established as a major star in the late 1980s. She has since been in a number of small independent films, worked sporadically on TV and continued to perform theater.

Top Gun raised the specter of many of its stars, and Val Kilmer is no exception. After finding success leading the cast of the teenage sci-fi comedy Real Genius , Kilmer was cast as the cool-headed, methodical antagonist Iceman. Playing the constant tormentor of Maverick, Iceman eventually thaws to the rebellious nature of the movie’s hero in a touching scene of wingmanship toward the end of the film. Kilmer went on to star in a myriad of films, including Willow , The Doors (as frontman Jim Morrison), True Romance , Tombstone , Heat and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang . After being sidelined by health problems in recent years, Kilmer had a small role in the latest Kevin Smith flick Jay and Silent Bob Reboot . He reprises his role as Iceman for a cameo in Top Gun: Maverick .

Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards had a regular career in TV and small film roles in the early 1980s, but his first starring role as Gilbert in the raucous college comedy Revenge of the Nerds cemented him as a legitimate leading actor. Top Gun was big-time success with Edwards playing Goose, radar intercept officer and constant companion to Maverick whose story takes a tragic turn halfway through the film. Edwards took on many TV movie roles in the late ’80s and early ’90s before landing on the hospital drama ER as Mark Greene, a role for which he was Emmy-nominated four times as an outstanding lead actor in a drama series. His success in TV has continued with recurring roles in Billions , Law & Order and Netflix’s Inventing Anna . In Top Gun: Maverick , Miles Teller plays Goose’s son, a rookie pilot under the instruction of his father’s former wingman.

Tom Skerritt

Practically mid-career when cast as the sage instructor pilot Viper, Tom Skerritt had been acting in film since 1962’s War Hunt . He spent much of the 1960s in various television roles, regularly appearing as a soldier or cowboy in Combat! , The Virginian and Gunsmoke . He played a soldier again alongside Donald Sutherland and Elliot Gould in Robert Altman’s 1970 satire MASH . He may be most well-known for playing Capt. Dallas, chief of the ill-fated spaceship Nostromo in Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror Alien . After Top Gun , Skerritt appeared in numerous other films and TV shows, notably Steel Magnolias and Cheers , and he won an Emmy for his performance as Sheriff Brock in Picket Fences . He has remained active, starring opposite Mira Sorvino in the 2021 drama film East of the Mountains .

Michael Ironside

Canadian-born Michael Ironside began acting in movies in the late 1970s, but picked up attention after playing scheming psychic Darryl Revok in David Cronenberg’s 1981 sci-fi horror Scanners . He played other intimidating characters in various low-budget movies until he was cast in Top Gun as Viper’s No. 2 instructor, Jester. The change of genre didn’t affect his career too much, as he continued to fill sci-fi roles in films like Highlander II: The Quickening , Total Recall and Starship Troopers . He’s also had a prolific television career, with parts in series like Tales From the Crypt ; Walker, Texas Ranger ; ER ; and Desperate Housewives . More recently, he appeared on Hulu’s The Dropout .

Tim Robbins

Though he was barely graduated from UCLA with a degree in Drama, Tim Robbins already had a recurring role on the TV series St. Elsewhere in 1982. Other bit parts followed before he was eventually cast in Top Gun as Merlin, Maverick’s backseater toward the climax of the film. Robbins wouldn’t truly break out until 1988’s Bull Durham , which would be followed by a string of successful 1990s mainstream films including Jacob’s Ladder , The Player and The Shawshank Redemption , where Robbins played the reserved but genius prisoner Andy Dufresne. Robbins earned an Oscar for 2004’s Mystic River , and his acting career has never really slowed down; he played Reginald “Pop” Merrill in Hulu’s Stephen King-adapted anthology series Castle Rock and a felonious DuPont lawyer in the 2019 film Dark Waters .

Other than Rich and Famous in 1981 and Amityville 3-D two years later, Meg Ryan had only appeared in a handful of TV series when she was cast as Goose’s wife, Carole. Top Gun was only the beginning, of course; her career achieved liftoff shortly thereafter when she starred in hit after hit, from When Harry Met Sally… to Sleepless in Seattle , Courage Under Fire , You’ve Got Mail and Kate & Leopold . Ryan has since moved behind the camera, making her directorial debut with the 2015 film Ithaca .

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Top Gun (1986) Cast and Crew

Top gun collection.

Top Gun is an American action drama multimedia franchise based on the 1983 article "Top Guns" by Ehud Yonay, which was adapted into the eponymous 1986 film, written by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr.

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THEN AND NOW: The stars of 'Top Gun' 36 years later

• " Top Gun " was released in May 1986, starring Tom Cruise as Maverick and Val Kilmer as Iceman.
• Cruise, who's now an action star, is reprising his aviator role for a sequel called " Top Gun: Maverick ."
• Meg Ryan had a minor role in the film, but is now known for starring in "When Harry Met Sally."

Tom Cruise starred as a skilled naval aviator named Pete "Maverick" Mitchell.

Maverick was confident that he was the best in class. He also said the iconic line, "I feel the need ... the need for speed."

Cruise reprises his "Top Gun" role for a sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," now in theaters.

In July 2019, the actor surprised fans at San Diego Comic-Con by stopping by and unveiling the first trailer for the upcoming "Top Gun: Maverick" movie . 

The movie's theatrical release was been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but finally hit theaters in May 2022 to rave reviews .  

Following the success of the first "Top Gun," Cruise starred in the Oscar-winning 1988 movie "Rain Man."

He was also in "Born on the Fourth of July" (which earned the actor his first Oscar nomination), "Days of Thunder" (the film that introduced him to Nicole Kidman, who he was married to from 1990 to 2001), and "A Few Good Men."

Cruise's other notable roles in the '90s include the titular part in "Jerry Maguire" and Frank T.J. Mackey in "Magnolia." Both parts earned Cruise Academy Award nominations. 

The actor is a bona fide action star, thanks to his role as Ethan Hunt in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise.

The first installment was released in 1996 and Cruise pushed his limits in 2018's "Mission: Impossible — Fallout." The actor, who's known for doing his own stunts, ended up breaking his ankle while filming an action sequence for the movie.  

He'll reprise his "M:I" role for two more films that are in the works, "Mission: Impossible 7" and "Mission: Impossible 8."

Aside from roles in blockbuster movies like the "Mission: Impossible" films and "Jack Reacher," Cruise showed off his musicality in "Rock Ages" and delighted fans with a memorable role as Les Grossman in  "Tropic Thunder." 

Cruise was previously married to Katie Holmes from 2006 to 2012. The two stars have a daughter named Suri, and Cruise made headlines after publicly proclaiming his love for Holmes during a 2005 appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Kelly McGillis starred as Charlotte Blackwood (also known as Charlie), an instructor at Topgun.

She had a romantic relationship with Maverick. 

In recent years, McGillis has appeared in TV movies, plus several theater credits.

McGillis starred in the 2018 movie "Maternal Secrets" and 2017's "An Uncommon Grace."

She starred in productions of "Twelfth Night," "Much Ado About Nothing," "Macbeth," and "The Little Foxes" between 1989 and 2009. 

McGillis has two children from her previous marriage to Fred Tillman. In 2009, she publicly came out as a lesbian and later told People that "it was a difficult journey for me to come to terms and be whole and happy with who I am."

In a 2013 interview with Movie Talk , the actress revealed that she was teaching a studio that was connected to a school in Asheville, North Carolina. 

"I feel it is my time to give back and that's something that I know how to do," she said. "And yeah, I live a quiet, little life. I live in a log cabin on top of the hill in North Carolina and it is lovely."

In July 2019, McGillis told "Entertainment Tonight" that she wasn't asked to return for the upcoming "Top Gun" sequel and hasn't kept in touch with the original movie cast.

In an interview with Insider's Jason Guerrasio in May 2022, "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski said that McGillis' character was never considered for the sequel .

Val Kilmer's Iceman had a rivalry with Maverick at Topgun.

Iceman, whose real name was Tom Kazansky, was just as competitive as Maverick. By the end of the movie, the two became friends. 

Kilmer reprises his role as Iceman in "Top Gun: Maverick."

Following "Top Gun," the actor starred in numerous movies, like "The Doors" and "Heat." Most notably, he portrayed Bruce Wayne/Batman in the 1995 film "Batman Forever."

More recently, he starred in "The Snowman" with Michael Fassbender, "Song to Song" with Ryan Gosling, and "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot."

In 2017, Kilmer confirmed that he battled throat cancer . Later that year, he opened up about the health concern with The Hollywood Reporter . Kilmer, who's a Christian Scientist, told the publication that he went through chemotherapy and relied on his faith during that period of his life.  

In April 2020, Kilmer released an autobiography titled "I'm Your Huckleberry."

Kilmer has two children from his past marriage to Joanne Whalley: a daughter named Mercedes and a son named Jack, who also acts. 

Anthony Edwards played Nick "Goose" Bradshaw.

He was sent to Topgun with Maverick, his best friend. Goose was killed during an engagement.

Edwards recently played venture capitalist Bruce Dunlevie in Hulu's miniseries "WeCrashed."

He also appeared on the "Law & Order True Crime" miniseries, Showtime's "Billions," "Drunk History," "Designated Survivor," and "Girls."

Prior to those roles, he starred as Mark Greene on the long-running drama "ER." Edwards earned four total Golden Globe nominations for the role and took home the award for best performance by an actor in a drama TV series in 1998.

In 2017, Edwards wrote an essay that was published on Medium and said that he was sexually assaulted by producer Gary Goddard. He has since become a board of directors at 1in6 , "a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault."

In May 2022, the actor made his Broadway musical debut in "Girl From the North Country" as a last-minute understudy. 

Tom Skerritt portrayed a chief Topgun instructor named Viper.

Viper, whose real name was Mike Metcalf, was previously in an air battle alongside Maverick's father. He told Maverick that his dad died a hero. In revealing that, Viper helped Maverick regain his confidence. 

Skerritt starred alongside Mia Sorvino in a movie called "East of the Mountains," based on a novel written by David Guterson.

Skerritt, who has been acting since the '60s, starred as Evan Drake on "Cheers" and  Sheriff Jimmy Brock on "Picket Fences." The latter role earned the actor a Primetime Emmy in 1993. 

He also guest-starred on shows like "Will & Grace," "The Good Wife," and "Madam Secretary."

Michael Ironside played a Topgun instructor named Rick Heatherly, also known as Jester.

Because of Maverick's reckless behavior, Jester threatened to kick him out of Topgun. 

Ironside played Don Lucas in the 2022 miniseries "The Dropout."

He also starred as J.P. Morgan on TNT's "The Alienist," portrayed Captain Cold's father on The CW's "The Flash," and played a captain in "X-Men: First Class."

In addition, he guest-starred on "Hawaii Five-O" and "This Is Us," and voiced Darkseid on the animated "Harley Quinn" series.

Tim Robbins starred as Merlin.

He became Maverick's RIO (Radio Intercept Officer) following Goose's death. 

Robbins starred as Reginald "Pop" Merrill on season two of Hulu's "Castle Rock."

He also played Greg Boatwright on the HBO show "Here and Now." After "Top Gun," the actor starred in the 1990 movie "Jacob's Ladder" and 1994's "The Shawshank Redemption."

For his supporting role as Dave Boyle in "Mystic River," Robbins won an Oscar and a Golden Globe. 

James Tolkan portrayed Tom "Stinger" Jordan.

He was the c aptain of the Enterprise who reprimanded Maverick for disobeying orders. He reluctantly sent Maverick and Goose to Topgun for five weeks. 

Aside from his part in "Top Gun," Tolkan's other notable role was in the "Back to the Future" movies.

He played Stanford S. Strickland the assistant principal at Valley High School in the first "Back to the Future" movie and returned in the sequels. 

Meg Ryan played Carole Bradshaw, Goose's wife.

While Goose was playing the piano and singing at a bar, she called him a "big stud" and said, "Take me to bed or lose me forever!" 

Ryan still acts, but she's a producer, too.

Ryan's breakout role came in 1989, when she starred as Sally Albright in the romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally." She also starred in movies like "Sleepless in Seattle," "You've Got Mail," and "French Kiss" (which she produced). Ryan directed the 2015 drama "Ithaca," which she starred in with Jack Quaid and Tom Hanks. Quaid is Ryan's son from her previous marriage to Dennis Quaid.

The actress also has a daughter that she adopted . Ryan was engaged to musician John Mellencamp, but they reportedly split . 

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In the opening moments of "Top Gun," an ace Navy pilot flies upside down about 18 inches above a Russian-built MiG and snaps a Polaroid picture of the enemy pilot. Then he flips him the finger and peels off.

It's a hot-dog stunt, but it makes the pilot ( Tom Cruise ) famous within the small circle of Navy personnel who are cleared to receive information about close encounters with enemy aircraft. And the pilot, whose code name is Maverick, is selected for the Navy's elite flying school, which is dedicated to the dying art of aerial dogfights.

The best graduate from each class at the school is known as "Top Gun." And there, I think, you have the basic materials of this movie, except, of course, for three more obligatory ingredients in all movies about brave young pilots: (1) the girl, (2) the mystery of the heroic father and (3) the rivalry with another pilot. It turns out that Maverick's dad was a brilliant Navy jet pilot during the Vietnam era, until he and his plane disappeared in unexplained circumstances. And it also turns out that one of the instructors at the flying school is a pretty young brunet ( Kelly McGillis ) who wants to know a lot more about how Maverick snapped that other pilot's picture.

"Top Gun" settles fairly quickly into alternating ground and air scenes, and the simplest way to sum up the movie is to declare the air scenes brilliant and the earthbound scenes grimly predictable. This is a movie that comes in two parts: It knows exactly what to do with special effects, but doesn't have a clue as to how two people in love might act and talk and think.

Aerial scenes always present a special challenge in a movie.

There's the danger that the audience will become spatially disoriented.

We're used to seeing things within a frame that respects left and right, up and down, but the fighter pilot lives in a world of 360-degree turns. The remarkable achievement in "Top Gun" is that it presents seven or eight aerial encounters that are so well choreographed that we can actually follow them most of the time, and the movie gives us a good secondhand sense of what it might be like to be in a dogfight.

The movie's first and last sequences involve encounters with enemy planes. Although the planes are MiGs, the movie provides no nationalities for their pilots. We're told the battles take place in the Indian Ocean, and that's it. All of the sequences in between take place at Top Gun school, where Maverick quickly gets locked into a personal duel with another brillant pilot, Iceman ( Val Kilmer ). In one sequence after another, the sound track trembles as the sleek planes pursue each other through the clouds, and, yeah, it's exciting. But the love story between Cruise and McGillis is a washout.

It's pale and unconvincing compared with the chemistry between Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay in " Risky Business ," and between McGillis and Harrison Ford in " Witness " - not to mention between Richard Gere and Debra Winger in " An Officer and a Gentleman ," which obviously inspired "Top Gun." Cruise and McGillis spend a lot of time squinting uneasily at each other and exchanging words as if they were weapons, and when they finally get physical, they look like the stars of one of those sexy new perfume ads. There's no flesh and blood here, which is remarkable, given the almost palpable physical presence McGillis had in "Witness." In its other scenes on the ground, the movie seems content to recycle old cliches and conventions out of countless other war movies.

Wouldn't you know, for example, that Maverick's commanding officer at the flying school is the only man who knows what happened to the kid's father in Vietnam? And are we surprised when Maverick's best friend dies in his arms? Is there any suspense as Maverick undergoes his obligatory crisis of conscience, wondering whether he can ever fly again? Movies like "Top Gun" are hard to review because the good parts are so good and the bad parts are so relentless. The dogfights are absolutely the best since Clint Eastwood's electrifying aerial scenes in " Firefox ." But look out for the scenes where the people talk to one another.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

Top Gun (1986)

109 minutes

Tom Cruise as Maverick

Kelly McGillis as Charlie

Val Kilmer as Iceman

Tom Skeritt as Viper

Anthony Edwards as Goose

Photographed by

• Jeffrey Kimball
• Harold Faltermeyer
• Chris Lebenzon
• Billy Weber

Produced by

• Don Simpson
• Jerry Bruckheimer

Directed by

Screenplay by.

• Jack Epps Jr.

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Nearly 40 Years Later, See the Cast of "Top Gun" Then and Now

Thirty-six years after the original " Top Gun " hit theaters, its sequel, " Top Gun: Maverick ," is still packing a powerful punch for fans of the first film and new audiences alike. The film, which stars familiar characters Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, centers around Maverick's return to TOPGUN to train a new set of ambitious, experienced Navy pilots in the years following his experience at the flight school over three decades ago.

"Top Gun: Maverick" keeps the nostalgic, lively tone that first drew viewers to the screen in the 1980s but revitalizes Maverick's story in a way that is equally as poignant. While some characters of the original "Top Gun" are present in the sequel, there are others that did not physically return for "Top Gun: Maverick," though their presence is established in the film. Let's look back the cast of "Top Gun" from their days in the original movie compared to today.

Tom Cruise as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell Then

In the original "Top Gun," Tom Cruise played the ambitious, daring, and certifiably handsome Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. In the film, Maverick is a young lieutenant who trains in the US Navy's Fighter Weapons School (aka TOPGUN) alongside his best friend, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw. When "Top Gun" was released in 1986, Cruise was an up-and-coming actor. He appeared in films like "The Outsiders" and "Risky Business" before landing his role in "Top Gun."

Tom Cruise Now

Since his early days of acting in the 1980s, Cruise has established himself as one of Hollywood's most dependable stars. He has led several critically acclaimed films over the years, including "Rain Man," "A Few Good Men," "Mission Impossible," and "Jerry Maguire." Most recently, he is known for playing Jack Reacher in the self-titled film series.

The road leading to Cruise reprising his role was a long one that had dragged out for years. In an interview on " The Graham Norton Show ," he told the host how the process unfolded. "For years, the studios wanted me to do it and audiences wanted me to do it . . . And there was just a moment where Jerry Bruckheimer wanted to do it, and he came to me, we were talking about it and just came up with some good ideas," he said. "It was just that moment, I thought, 'If I'm gonna ever do this, now's the time.'"

Val Kilmer as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky Then

Val Kilmer is notorious for playing Maverick's cocky, competitive rival in the original "Top Gun." In the film, Maverick and Iceman both attend TOPGUN flight school, which leads them to butt heads and compete against one another to be the best pilot. Prior to his role in the original "Top Gun," Kilmer starred in two other feature films, "Top Secret!" and "Real Genius." After the film's release in 1986, Kilmer's career took off.

Val Kilmer Now

Following the success of "Top Gun," Kilmer landed roles in several successful films in the '90s, including "The Doors," "True Romance," and "Batman Forever." The actor continued working well throughout the end of the '90s and into the 2000s, but by 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer . After receiving chemotherapy and a tracheotomy, Kilmer has limited use of his voice, but that didn't stop him from taking on acting projects like "Top Gun: Maverick."

In the film, Kilmer's character, Iceman, has limited lines , but his voice is loud and clear on screen due to the help of a company that re-created his voice using AI technology. In 2020, he vaguely discussed his role in the "Top Gun" sequel with ET and praised his costar Tom Cruise, saying, "I have to tell you, Tom Cruise is very cool. That is all I can tell you. The rest you will have to [find out]."

Kelly McGillis as Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood Then

What's a good action flick without a sprinkle of romance? Actor Kelly McGillis played the role of Maverick's love interest, Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood. The character of Charlie is not just a pretty face, however. In "Top Gun," she is an instructor at the flight school and woos Maverick with her brains and beauty. Before appearing in the film, McGillis starred alongside Harrison Ford in the 1985 film "Witness," which earned her Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.

Kelly McGillis Now

After "Top Gun," McGillis continued acting in film, television, and even plays. Some of her film appearances include "The Accused," "Winter People," and "The Babe." Outside of her roles on screen, she has also performed on stage in Shakespeare plays like "The Twelfth Night" and "The Merchant of Venice." She most recently landed roles in TV movies, such as "An Uncommon Grace" and "Maternal Secrets."

Despite being a lead character in the original film, McGillis is not in "Top Gun: Maverick ." When asked by ET in 2019 if she was approached to return for the sequel, she jokingly said, "Oh my god, no. They did not, nor do I think they would ever. I mean, I'm old and I'm fat, and I look age appropriate for what my age is, and that is not what that whole scene is about."

Anthony Edwards as Nick "Goose" Bradshaw Then

Before Iceman, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, played by Anthony Edwards, was Maverick's best friend and wingman. In "Top Gun," Goose is a radar intercept officer who grows close with Maverick as they train together at the flight school. Unfortunately, Goose tragically dies in a flight accident and leaves behind his best friend, wife Carole, and a son named Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw .

Edwards landed a few roles in successful films before his appearance in "Top Gun" and had acting credits that included "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Revenge of the Nerds" at the time.

Anthony Edwards Now

"Top Gun" was just the beginning of a prolific career for Edwards. Along with a number of movie roles, Edwards is perhaps most known for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Greene in the medical drama series "ER," which he worked on from 1994 to 2002 and then again in 2008. Most recently, he appeared in Apple TV+ 's series " WeCrashed ," as well as Netflix's " Inventing Anna ." Due to his character's death in the first "Top Gun," Edwards did not have a role in the sequel.

Meg Ryan as Carole Bradshaw Then

One of Meg Ryan's first movie roles was in "Top Gun," where she played Carole Bradshaw, the wife of Nick "Goose" Bradshaw. Carole is the mother of Bradley Bradshaw, who grows up to follow in his father's footsteps in "Top Gun: Maverick." Prior to acting in the film, Ryan had a few small roles in "Rich and Famous" and "Amityville 3-D."

Meg Ryan Now

Ryan's career blossomed during the 1990s. Throughout the decade, the actor starred in a handful of hugely popular movies, including "The Doors," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "You've Got Mail." Over her career, Ryan has earned several accolades, including three Golden Globe nominations.

The actor did not reprise her role in "Top Gun: Maverick ," which was a choice by the film's director, Joseph Kosinski. He told Cinemablend that the choice was influenced by his idea to introduce a new perspective to Maverick's life, saying, "Clearly, their spirits hang over the film in certain ways. There is a glimpse, as you guys know, of both of them in the film. But it was important that we wanted to make sure we were telling a new chapter of Maverick's life. We didn't want to be looking back the whole time."

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Get ready for ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ Here’s where to watch the 1986 original

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With the release of the “Top Gun: Maverick” this week, now is a good time to look back at the 1986 Tom Cruise action film “Top Gun.”

While not critically acclaimed, the movie about U.S. Navy fighter pilots was the highest-grossing film of 1986 ($177 million, according to Box Office Mojo) and was pivotal in the careers of Cruise, director Tony Scott and several cast members, including Anthony Edwards (“ER”), Val Kilmer (“The Doors”), Kelly McGillis (“ The Accused ”), Tim Robbins (“ The Shawshank Redemption ”) and Meg Ryan (“ When Harry Met Sally ”).

Review: Tom Cruise flies high — again — in the exhilarating ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

The actor teams up with director Joseph Kosinski and reunites with Val Kilmer in this grander, weightier sequel to the 1986 blockbuster.

May 12, 2022

‘Top Gun’ (1986)

Rating: PG. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes Streaming: Paramount+: Included | Netflix: Included (until May 31)| Vudu: Rent/Buy | Apple TV+: Rent/Buy | Amazon Prime: Rent/Buy Broadcast and cable: Paramount Network 5 and 7:30 p.m. Friday

From The Times’ May 16, 1986 review: “Top Gun” is a male bonding adventure movie that’s both exciting and disturbing, mind-boggling and vacuous. Allegedly based on the Navy’s crack fighter pilot program at San Diego’s Miramar Naval Base, it sucks us into a high-tech world of multimillion-dollar aircraft and hell-for-leather fliers — of huge carriers bobbing on gray oceanic deeps; jets streaking through vast skies piled high with clouds; heat-seeking missiles roaring toward enemy aircraft; sudden death in a wilderness of sky, water and radar screens.

You can’t help being impressed by this world — an eye-filling blowout zooming at you in Panavision and Dolby. Producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer (“Flashdance,” “Beverly Hills Cop”) seem frankly infatuated with a vision of the Miramar trainees as rock ‘n’ roll air cowboys. The movie shows the flyboys (an appropriate word here) either in class, the shower room, the local bars or that vast playground of the air — and in the last two, they’re drowned in pounding techno-pop.

These are pilots you might see in a Calvin Klein ad; and Kelly McGillis — as Charlie, an astrophysicist who lectures on enemy capabilities — is the one who’d be wearing the Calvins. (McGillis gives a good performance — all husky voice, smoky eyes and Bacall-ish invitation — but she seems as out of place as Wernher von Braun might be, playing the Marlboro Man.)

The movie — directed by one-time commercial ace Tony Scott— is fixated on that mythical goal: “being the best.” The trainees are a fraternity of studs — with nicknames like Iceman, Sundown and Slider — butting heads for top notch in the outfit, and the script links sexual potency with their prowess as pilots. ( Read more ) — Michael Wilmington

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Film Details

• Articles & Reviews

Brief Synopsis

Cast & crew, kelly mcgillis, anthony edwards, tom skerritt, technical specs.

A cocky Navy pilot, Maverick, and his co-pilot, Goose, are chosen to attend the Top Gun school. Training begins against other hot shots, and Maverick falls for one of the instructors.

Michael Ironside

Adrian Pasdar

Randall brady, richard villalobos, linda rae jurgens, clarence gilyard, troy hunter, duke stroud, frank pesce, whip hubley, brian sheehan.

Tim Robbins

James tolkan, john stockwell, rick rossovich, pete pettigrew, admiral t j cassidy, nick alavarado, julianna arenson, diana austin, bill badalato, pamela bentkowski, robert r. benton, otis blackwell, larry blanford, michael w blymyer, jerry bruckheimer, peter cairo, james campana, david carothers, james cavarretta, richard childs, richard f clark, lisa clarkson milillo, sam comstock, john j connor, virginia cook, jack cooperman, patrick cosgrove, steve cropper, stuart cudlitz, john de cuir, dan delgado, jim destafney, john dexter, michael dilbeck, teri e. dorman, john michael eaves, craig dennis edgar, ron eiseman, juno j. ellis, emilio estefan, julia evershade, harold faltermeyer, john paul fasal, rick fichter, claudia finkle, daniel f. finnerty, stacey foiles, steven foster, roy freeland, john gazdik, barbara gerard, john gilbert, franne golde, whitney green, jeff greenberg, larry greene, william groshelle, gary gutierrez, allen l hall, cecelia hall, david hallinger, jack hammer, donald r hansard, jack hansard, thomas r harmon, c j heatley, jan heyneker, steve holladay, jake hooker, john horton, frank howard, george howe, joey ippolito, sarah jacobs, michael jay, wingate jones jr., william b. kaplan, donna keegan, william kelly, david kelson, jeffrey l kimball, catalaine knell, david knoll, dan koblash, dan kolsrud, george leahy, chris lebenzon, stephen lighthill, kenny loggins, sharon mann, teena marie, stacey s mcintosh, marghe mcmahon, scott metcalfe, donald o mitchell, ted moehnke, giorgio moroder, michael moskowitz, earle murphy, jon napolitano, ralph nelson, bob nichols, martin nicholson, kenneth nishino, david nowell, jon o'connell, kevin o'connell, ron oberman, allessandro palladini, andrew g patterson, gayle peabody, bruce pearson, randy peters, peter pettigrew, joe pizzulo, gary platek, thomas prophet, chip proser, bobbie read, otis redding, brian reeves, david robertson, mitch romanauski, r.a. rondell, ward t russell, earl sampson, june samson, steven sanders, greg schmidt, alan roy scott, margery simkin, don simpson, warren skaaren, donald smith, matthew snyder, phil spector, sandy stairs, stephen stalheim, jeffery d stanman, edward steidele, steve stephens, richard t stevens, randy stiles, peter stolz, david stone, sally syberg, wes takahashi, peter thomas, don thompson, gary tolbert, james w. tyson, joe valentine, marietta waters, george watters, billy weber, cynthia weil, barbara weintraub, d michael wheeler, tom whitlock, christine whitney, robert willard, erick willenbrock, robert winder, marshall winn, award nominations, best editing, best sound effects sound editing.

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States Spring May 12, 1986

Wide Release in United States May 16, 1986

Re-released in United States February 8, 2013

Released in United States on Video March 1987

The film was converted to 3-D by Legend 3D for an IMAX® 3D re-release, beginning on February 8, 2013.

To achieve its widescreen effect film was shot in Super Technicscope/Super 35, instead of the fully anamorphic widescreen process Panavision, due to the smaller, more manageable shooting lenses afforded.

Began shooting June 26, 1985.

Additional love scenes between Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis were shot in Chicago, Illinois March 1986 after a sneak preview in Dallas, Texas.

According to the July 1991 issue of Esquire magazine, Warren Skaaren contributed to the screenplay.

aspect ratio 2.35

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‘Top Gun’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and More

Feeling the need for speed! Ever since its debut almost four decades prior, Top Gun has been considered an American classic — and it finally got a sequel.

The film, which was released May 16, 1986, follows a group of Top Gun Naval Fighters as they learn to train and refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot pilot Maverick ( Tom Cruise ) joins the squad, his reckless behavior puts him at odds with his fellow pilots — especially “cool guy” Iceman ( Val Kilmer ). With the help of his pal Goose ( Anthony Edwards ), Maverick sets off not to just be the top fighter in his class but to win the affection of the academy’s flight instructor , Charlotte Blackwood ( Kelly McGillis ).

The action flick was an instant classic and inspired a generation to join the armed forces, with the U.S. Navy reporting a 500 percent increase in admissions that same year. Directed by Tony Scott , the movie went on to win an Oscar and a Golden Globe in 1987 for Best Original Song – “Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins.

The sequel to the adventure film , which debuted on May 27, 2022, serves as an ode to its predecessor. Joseph Kosinski , who took over directing the franchise from Scott, explained the nerves he felt as a newcomer paying homage to the original while also making something new for viewers to enjoy. (Scott died by suicide in August 2012.)

“It’s a little nerve-wracking, Because we know we love the film, but you just never know how an audience is going to react — especially to something so beloved,” the Iowa native explained in a May 2022 interview with Screen Rant . “Everyone has their own version or memory of the first film or what they loved about it. I hope people see how much we revere the first film and at the same time, we wanted to tell our own story.”

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Cruise, for his part, told The Sunday Project that same month that his dream was to find a way to make the follow-up film even better than what came before it — once the time was right.

“I was thinking of the audiences, of what can we do to really entertainment everyone and figure this thing out,” the actor told the outlet about revisiting the film so many years later. “Before the original opened there was talk of [making a sequel] … and as a young actor, I wasn’t ready to do it. I was educating myself in cinema and story and as time went on, every year I would release a movie, people would be like, ‘What about Top Gun ?’ So I would go and think, ‘What could I do?’ I’ve always looked for an interesting story. … I felt like [ Miles Teller as Goose’s son Bradley Bradshaw] was a [worthy] emotional story.”

Scroll below to see where the original cast of Top Gun is today:

Credit: Snap/Shutterstock

Feeling the need for speed! Ever since its debut almost four decades prior, Top Gun has been considered an American classic — and it finally got a sequel. The film, which was released May 16, 1986, follows a group of Top Gun Naval Fighters as they learn to train and refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot pilot Maverick ( Tom Cruise ) joins the squad, his reckless behavior puts him at odds with his fellow pilots — especially “cool guy” Iceman ( Val Kilmer ). With the help of his pal Goose ( Anthony Edwards ), Maverick sets off not to just be the top fighter in his class but to win the affection of the academy’s flight instructor , Charlotte Blackwood ( Kelly McGillis ). The action flick was an instant classic and inspired a generation to join the armed forces, with the U.S. Navy reporting a 500 percent increase in admissions that same year. Directed by Tony Scott , the movie went on to win an Oscar and a Golden Globe in 1987 for Best Original Song – "Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins. [sendtonews type="float" key="it7rpNVhFW-3117344-14453"] The sequel to the adventure film , which debuted on May 27, 2022, serves as an ode to its predecessor. Joseph Kosinski , who took over directing the franchise from Scott, explained the nerves he felt as a newcomer paying homage to the original while also making something new for viewers to enjoy. (Scott died by suicide in August 2012.) “It's a little nerve-wracking, Because we know we love the film, but you just never know how an audience is going to react — especially to something so beloved,” the Iowa native explained in a May 2022 interview with Screen Rant . “Everyone has their own version or memory of the first film or what they loved about it. I hope people see how much we revere the first film and at the same time, we wanted to tell our own story." Cruise, for his part, told The Sunday Project that same month that his dream was to find a way to make the follow-up film even better than what came before it — once the time was right. “I was thinking of the audiences, of what can we do to really entertainment everyone and figure this thing out,” the actor told the outlet about revisiting the film so many years later. "Before the original opened there was talk of [making a sequel] … and as a young actor, I wasn’t ready to do it. I was educating myself in cinema and story and as time went on, every year I would release a movie, people would be like, ‘What about Top Gun ?’ So I would go and think, ‘What could I do?’ I’ve always looked for an interesting story. ... I felt like [ Miles Teller as Goose’s son Bradley Bradshaw] was a [worthy] emotional story." Scroll below to see where the original cast of Top Gun is today: [podcast_block]

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

After Top Gun , the New York native went on to star in an endless string of box office hits including Rain Man (1988), A Few Good Men (1992), Minority Report (2002), Jerry McGuire (1996), Magnolia (1999), War of the Worlds (2005) and the blockbuster franchise Mission: Impossible (1996 to 2016). He returned to his role as Maverick for the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick .

The Born on the Fourth of July actor married Mimi Rogers in 1987 but the former couple called it quits in 1990. Cruise got hitched to Nicole Kidman in December of that same year and the duo adopted daughter Bella and son Connor before parting ways in 2001. Following their split, the Risky Business star tied the knot with Katie Holmes in 2006 and the two were married for five years before they divorced in 2012. (The pair share a daughter.)

The California native portrayed prominent roles in the 1990s, including music legend Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993) and Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995). He revised his role as Iceman for a cameo in the 2022 action sequel Top Gun: Maverick . 

In December 2017, T he Hollywood Reporter revealed Kilmer had gone through a two-year battle with throat cancer that left him voiceless and eating out of a feeding tube. In 2021, Kilmer worked with a Sonantic prototype that used archival footage to create a new voice for himself.

"My voice as I knew it was taken away from me. People around me struggle to understand when I'm talking. But despite all that I still feel I'm the exact same person," he said in an August 2021 video.

The Traveler actor has been linked to Cher , Cindy Crawford , Angelina Jolie and Daryl Hannah . After working on the set of 1988’s Willow , Kilmer met ex-wife Joanne Whalley . The two tied the knot in March 1998 before calling it quits 8 years later. The pair share daughter Mercedes and son Jack.

Kelly McGillis

The Julliard trained actress was featured in The Accused opposite Jodie Foster in 1988. She has since starred in a myriad of horror flicks such as Stakeland (2010), The Innkeepers (2011) and We Are What We Are (2013) before foregoing films to focus on a more stage-driven career at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

The One Life to Live alum married fellow Julliard student Boyd Black in 1979 and the two divorced three years later. In 1989, the California native married Fred Tillman , with whom she shares two daughters, Kelsey and Sonora. The former couple went on to call it quits in 2002 and McGillis entered a civil union with Melanie Leis in 2010. They split a few years later. 

Anthony Edwards

The Revenge of the Nerds actor starred in the 1988 cult classic Miracle Mile and the 2007 feature Zodiac before shifting his talents to television where he won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Greene on the long-running medical drama ER . His latest hits include Designated Survivor (2016), Inventing Anna (2022) and the AppleTV+ hit WeCrashed (2022). He plans to star in the upcoming anthology spin-off series Tales of the Walking Dead .

Edwards was married to Jeanine Lobel , with whom he shares son Bailey and daughters Esme, Wallis and Poppy, from 1994 to 2015. In December 2021, the Fast Times at Ridgemont High alum eloped with his longtime friend Mare Winningham .

After her role as Carole Bradshaw in Top Gun , Ryan went on to star in a slew of romantic comedies including When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), When a Man Loves a Woman (1994), You’ve Got Mail (1998) and Kate and Leopold (2001).

By the 2000s, the Promised Land actress had switched her focus to independent features and directed the 2015 film Ithaca .

The As The World Turns alum married Dennis Quaid in 1999 but the two divorced a decade later. They share son Jack Quaid , a prominent actor who has starred in the Amazon Prime series The Boys and the 2022 film Scream . Ryan adopted daughter Daisy True in 2004 when she was 14-months-old.

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‘Top Gun’ 1986 Cast Then and Now: See Maverick, Goose, Iceman and More!

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While the 2022 Top Gun sequel Top Gun: Maverick took the nation by storm (it’s hard to forget the “summer of the ‘stache,” courtesy of Miles Teller ‘s character “Rooster”), there’s something about the original film that scratches a certain itch in our brain — and the Top Gun 1986 cast has changed quite a bit between then and now!

So what was it that made this film so iconic? Could it be a young and dreamy Tom Cruise ? That iconic rendition of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “ Great Balls of Fire “? Or just good old fashioned 80s nostalgia that we simply can’t get enough of?

Whatever it might be, Top Gun 1986 is a film and a cast we can’t forget. And if two installments of the film wasn’t enough, it’s been reported that Cruise will return for a third film in the series.

For Tom Cruise, having the second film honor the original was crucial — and stepping back into the role so many years later was a unique experience.

“ There were many emotional moments ,” Cruise told Beverly Hills Magazine . “Sitting down with the actors, figuring out the character and talking about it. The actors are looking at me going, ‘What’s it like for you to come back?’ and I’m looking at them and looking at this — it was emotional. And it was something that, look, I’m very grateful because it’s not easy to try to figure out for an audience and deliver. Because I want to deliver for them. I love entertaining an audience and I love learning and pushing all of my skills as a storyteller and an actor,” he said.

What is Top Gun about?

Top Gun follows Tom Cruise as the reckless and cocky fighter pilot Maverick, who gets sent to Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. It’s there where he shows off his skills while simultaneously managing to clash with his peers and superiors, who don’t agree with his sometimes selfish approach to flying. All the while, he finds himself smitten with his flight instructor.

Top Gun cast then and now

Tom cruise as maverick.

Tom Cruise starred in Top Gun in the midst of his 80s success. The decade gave us flicks like Risky Business (1983), Top Gun (1986) and Rain Man (1988) to name a few. After Top Gun and his decade of on-screen accomplishments, Cruise’s career only propelled. Throughout the 90s, Cruise starred in some of his most revered roles, including A Few Good Men (1992), The Firm (1993), Mission: Impossible (1996), Jerry Maguire (1996) and Eyes Wide Shut in 1999 alongside his ex-wife Nicole Kidman .

Since then, Cruise has continued to act in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 2000s, including renowned movies like War of the Worlds (2005), Edge of Tomorrow (2014), and one of his more recently celebrated, Top Gun: Maverick . The Top Gun sequel was beloved, and Cruise thoroughly enjoyed reprising his role.

MUST-READ: Jennifer Connelly Movies: A Look at Her Eclectic Filmography — And Her Haunting New Show

“ It was now or never ,” Cruise told Beverly Hills Magazine of choosing to go forward with the sequel when they did. “And finally, the story came together and technically the things that I felt we could get to an audience, a global audience, was something that I thought, ‘OK, well, if we’re going to go in, we’re going to go in now.’”

Val Kilmer as Iceman in the Top Gun 1986 cast

Val Kilmer played “Iceman,” Maverick’s rival in the original Top Gun film. After this role, Kilmer played Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and also acted in Batman Forever (1995), The Saint (1997), The Salton Sea (2002) and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005).

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and since recovering has been seen in films such as Top Gun: Maverick (2022), The Birthday Cake (2021), Paydirt (2020) and more.

Kelly McGillis as Charlie

Kelly McGillis played the role of Charlie in the original Top Gun film, the love interest of Tom Cruise’s character. Notable movies that followed included 1988’s The Accused alongside Jodie Foster, and she continued acting consistently over the years in both film and TV. Her more recent roles have been in Dirty John in 2020, Maternal Secrets in 2018, An Uncommon Grace in 2017 and Blue in 2015.

Anthony Edwards as Goose in the Top Gun 1986 cast

“Talk to me Goose!” Anthony Edwards played the beloved role of Goose in the original Top Gun film, whose fictional death has fans mourning to this day. Yet Anthony Edward harnessed his big screen success in the film. After Top Gun , Edwards worked consistently in a wide range of movies and even some shows until 1994 when he was cast in the series ER as Mark Greene. He played this role into the 2000s, winning a Golden Globe for it in 1998.

Since then, he continued to appear in shows like Zero Hour, Girls, Blue Bloods, Billions, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Designated Survivor, Inventing Anna, WeCrashed, Tales of the Walking Dead and The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal.

Although his character died in the original film, Edwards was still featured in the Top Gun sequel in flashbacks, and Miles Teller played the character of his son.

“ It’s the biggest movie that I’m in that I never had to show up for a day of work, so it was fun,” he joked with Entertainment Tonight .

Related: Cast of ‘ER’ Then and Now: Catch Up With the Stars of the Iconic Medical Drama

Tom Skerritt as Viper in the Top Gun 1986 cast

Before Top Gun , Tom Skerritt had a very successful career in both film and television. After Top Gun, he continued expanding his resume. He went on to act in series such as Cheers, Picket Fences, Chicago Hope , and in more recent years, Madam Secretary, The Good Wife, White Collar and Leverage , to name a few.

He’s also done extensive film work as well, seen in moves such as Steel Magnolias (1989) and Contact (1997). The 90-year-old actor’s most recent work was in 2021’s Catch the Bullet .

Meg Ryan as Carole in the Top Gun 1986 cast

Meg Ryan is another famous face to leave her mark in the original cast of Top Gun . Once she played her part as Goose’s wife, her career only soared. Her iconic 1989 role in When Harry Met Sally cemented her status as a certified leading lady, and parts only continued to come her way. She further found her footing in hits like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and You’ve Got Mail (1998). Her most recent role was in What Happens Later (2023),

RELATED : The 10 Most Iconic Meg Ryan Rom-Com Movies, Ranked

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'Top Gun: Maverick' Cast & Character Guide: Who's Who in the Legacy Sequel

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This box office dud is actually john candy's best movie, before 'the watchers,' dakota fanning's most underrated role was this grim thriller.

Top Gun: Maverick is one of the biggest blockbusters since the 2020 pandemic. The film sees Pete "Maverick" Mitchell ( Tom Cruise ) return to the esteemed school, Top Gun, to lead a group of young aviators on a near-impossible mission. Seeing Tom Cruise return to Top Gun over 30 years later was a memorable sight. Top Gun: Maverick features familiar faces, new characters, and even appearances of characters who were only mentioned by name. This is a complete character guide for Top Gun: Maverick. Now that the biggest film of the year is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+, we’ve got you covered on who's who.

Related: When Will ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Be Available To Stream?

Tom Cruise as Capt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell

The main character of both Top Gun films is Maverick himself, Pete Mitchell, played by the legendary Tom Cruise. Maverick started as a loose cannon who marched at the beat of his own drum. After the death of his best friend, Goose ( Anthony Edwards ), Maverick learned to grow up and become one of the best aviators in the Navy. When we meet Maverick in the Top Gun sequel, he is still as stubborn as ever, but now he’s often fighting for others. Once he’s tasked with returning to Top Gun, Maverick’s number one priority is making sure the pilots return home from their mission with zero casualties.

Tom Cruise is one of the biggest stars on the planet. You can see him in Edge of Tomorrow , the Mission Impossible series, and American Made ; his upcoming films include Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (Parts 1 and 2), with both Luna Park and Edge of Tomorrow 2 in development.

Val Kilmer as Adm. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky

Top Gun: Maverick went so far as to make Kilmer’s real-life battle with cancer a part of Iceman’s character. The Iceman graduated Top Gun alongside Maverick. The two didn’t see eye-to-eye at first, but they became best friends by the end of the first film. Val Kilmer delivers a terrific performance as Ice, and Top Gun: Maverick allowed the actor to return to the role. Kilmer had to retire from acting due to throat cancer so the film might be Kilmer’s last role, making it all the more touching.

Val Kilmer has a stellar filmography. Some of his most iconic work includes Tombstone , Kiss Kiss Bang Bang , and Heat . He’s also known for starring in Joel Schumacher’s cult classic, Batman Forever .

Miles Teller as Lt. Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Miles Teller stars as Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw. The son of Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards) and Carole Bradshaw ( Meg Ryan ), Rooster and Maverick’s relationship is one of the film's most significant sources of tension. After the death of Goose in the first film, Maverick feels guilt but also a duty to take care of Carole and Bradley. This leads to friction between Bradley and Maverick since Carole doesn’t want Bradley to be an aviator and get killed like his father. As a favor to Carole, Maverick sets Rooster back three years.

This doesn’t stop Rooster, and he becomes a solid naval aviator. Good enough to be invited back to Top Gun, where Maverick confronts him. The two have a unique relationship, and Rooster is one of the standout characters. Miles Teller is best known for his performances in Whiplash , War Dogs , and Fantastic Four (2015). His most recent film is Spiderhead , and his upcoming projects are The Ark and the Aardvark , The Fence , and The Gorge where he'll star alongside Anya Taylor-Joy .

Jennifer Connelly as Penny Benjamin

Penny is a character that was referenced in the original Top Gun but didn’t make an appearance until Top Gun Maverick . Penny and Maverick have had an on-again-off-again relationship for years, and we see their latest encounter in Top Gun: Maverick . Penny has a daughter named Amelia and owns a bar near Top Gun. Jennifer Connelly brings Penny Benjamin to life. Penny and Mav rekindle their relationship during his time back, and hopefully, it will last. She might be Maverick’s oldest and closest friend, making their bond all the more important to him. Connelly’s notable works include A Beautiful Mind , Requiem For a Dream , and Labyrinth . Connelly will next be seen in Alice Englert 's feature directorial debut Bad Behavior , where she'll star opposite Ben Whishaw .

Lyliana Wray as Amelia Benjamin

Amelia Benjamin is Penny’s daughter. She loves her mother and has a good rapport with Maverick. With the stranger nature of Penny and Maverick’s relationship, Amelia simply wants what’s best for her mother. Lyliana Wray has guest-starred on Black-ish , The Night Shift , and Strange Angel .

Glen Powell as Lt. Jake "Hangman" Seresin

Lt. Jake Seresin is one of the best pilots in Top Gun, but he’s reckless and leaves his fellow aviators hanging, hence the name. Ironically, Hangman isn’t so different from Maverick during his first stint at Top Gun. In a way, Hangman and Rooster mirror Maverick and Iceman. Glen Powell ’s charisma is on full display as Hangman. The actor initially auditioned for the role of Rooster but later took on the part of Hangman after a conversation with Tom Cruise . Glen Powell previously starred in Set It Up , Scream Queens , and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society . He most recently starred in another aviation-themed film, Devotion , where he starred opposite Jonathan Majors . Powell's career has exploded since the release of Top Gun: Maverick landing leading roles in high-profile projects like Richard Linklater 's action-comedy Hitman , the Kat Coiro -directed buddy-comedy Foreign Relations where he'll play opposite Nick Jonas , and the big-budget Prime Video original series Butch & Sundance which also stars Regé-Jean Page and is a reboot of the classic film Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid .

Monica Barbaro as Lt. Natasha "Phoenix" Trace

Phoenix is one of two female pilots invited to Top Gun. She is often at odds with Hangman and a friend to Rooster and the rest of the aviators. Monica Barbaro is best known for her time on Chicago Justice , The Good Cop , and Splitting Up Togethe r. Her next projects will be a voice-role in the Netflix anime series Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas and playing the co-lead in the Arnold Schwarzenegger -led Netflix series Utap .

Related: 'Top Gun: Maverick': Watch Miles Teller Rock Out to "Great Balls of Fire" in New Video

Lewis Pullman as Lt. Robert "Bob" Floyd

Bob becomes Phoenix's second seat and a trusted friend. His name is Bob, and his call sign is Bob, making for pretty funny banter between him and his fellow pilots. Lewis Pullman has previously appeared in Bad Times at the El Royale , Catch-22 , and Them That Follow . His subsequent appearances are in Thelma , Auxiliary Man , Salem’s Lot , and the Brie Larson -led Apple series Lessons in Chemistry .

Jay Ellis as Lt. Reuben "Payback" Fitch

Payback and his partner Fanboy prove to be terrific pilots under Maverick’s teachings. So much so that they are chosen as major players in the upcoming mission. Jay Ellis starred as Payback and was previously seen in Insecure , Mrs. America , and Masters of Sex . His next role is in the forthcoming film, Someone I Used to Know from director Dave Franco .

Danny Ramirez as Lt. Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia

Fanboy is Payback’s flight partner and operates the backseat controls. He serves the same role Bob does for Pheonix or what Goose did for Maverick. Danny Ramirez most recently appeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , Assassination Nation , and No Exit . His upcoming projects are Plus/Minus , Chestnut , and Captain America: New World Order .

Bashir Salahuddin as Wo-1. Bernie "Hondo" Coleman

Bernie is a Warrant Officer Rank 1 and is working on a program that Maverick is test-piloting. When Maverick gets called back to Top Gun, Hondo goes with him and becomes his assistant coach. Bashir Salahuddin is the writer and star of Sherman’s Showcase , where he plays Sherman McDaniels. He has also appeared in Robot Chicken , The Dropout , and has an upcoming project titled Paradise .

Jon Hamm as Adm. Beau "Cyclone" Simpson

Admiral Simpson is tasked with overseeing Maverick’s mission. He doesn’t tolerate Maverick’s shenanigans and doesn’t think he’s the man for the job. Cyclone is very strict and has a no-nonsense attitude, making him the perfect foil for Maverick. Jon Ham is best known as Don Draper from Mad Men. He has also appeared in Tag , Baby Driver , The Town , and he most recently starred in the title role in Confess, Fletch . 2023 looks to be a huge year for Hamm, he'll be reprising his role as Gabriel in Season 2 of Good Omens , will be joining the cast of Season 3 of the Apple original series The Morning Show , will play one of the leads in Season 5 of Fargo , he'll lend his voice to the animated comedy series Grimsburg, and will star in John Slattery 's directorial debut Maggie Moore(s) .

Charles Parnell as Adm. Solomon "Warlock" Bates

Admiral Bates is much more forgiving of Maverick’s past and wants to support him. Warlock works alongside Cyclone and offers a less-strict approach to the situation at hand. Charles Parnell has starred in many projects, including, The Last Ship , The Venture Bros. , and T ransformers: Age of Extinction . He most recently appeared in the FX series Kindred . He is slated to appear in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One and David Fincher 's action-noir film The Killer .

Ed Harris as Rear Admiral Chaster "Hammer" Cain

Ed Harris has a brief appearance in Top Gun: Maverick , but his presence is felt. We meet Hammer when Maverick is attempting to push his plane to Mach 10 to save the program he’s currently test-piloting for. Hammer arrives to shut down the program in person, and Maverick is flying overhead as he comes. Hammer later informs Maverick that Iceman wants him to report to Top Gun. Ed Harris is known for his roles in The Truman Show , Apollo 13 , Westworld , and Pollock . His upcoming projects include Love Lies Bleeding , Downtown Owl , and Get Away If You Can .

• Movie Features
• Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

How Old Was the Top Gun 1986 Cast? Ages Revealed

By: Author Jessica Suess

Posted on Last updated: September 17, 2023

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In 1986, Top Gun soared into cinemas and quickly became an iconic piece of pop culture, establishing itself as a quintessential action film of its time.

With a stellar cast led by Tom Cruise as the daring pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, the film captured the imaginations of audiences around the world, making aviator sunglasses and bomber jackets must-have items of the era.

But just how old were Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, and the rest of this unforgettable cast when they stepped into their larger-than-life roles?

In this guide, we take a nostalgic flight back in time to explore the ages of the Top Gun (1986) cast members during the making of this cinematic classic.

How Old Was Tom Cruise in Top Gun?

Born on July 3, 1962, Tom Cruise was just 23 years old when he soared into stardom as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, the fearless Navy fighter pilot in Top Gun .

Before this breakout role, Cruise had already impressed critics with performances in Risky Business and All the Right Moves . Top Gun , however, was the turning point that transformed Cruise from an emerging actor to an international superstar.

As Maverick, Cruise’s daring and fiercely competitive on-screen persona showcased a raw and impassioned performance that seemed to echo his own relentless drive and ambition. This role set the stage for a prolific and high-profile career, filled with franchises like Mission: Impossible and dramatic turns in films like A Few Good Men .

How Old Was Kelly McGillis in Top Gun?

Kelly McGillis , born on July 9, 1957, was 29 years old when she took on the role of astrophysicist and Top Gun instructor Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood.

In Top Gun , her character, Charlie, was not just a love interest, but a strong, intelligent professional respected by her peers — a significant role at a time when such characters were less common in Hollywood. Her compelling portrayal of a woman succeeding in a male-dominated environment was groundbreaking.

How Old Was Val Kilmer in Top Gun?

Born on December 31, 1959, Val Kilmer was 26 when he portrayed Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, Maverick’s cool and calculated rival.

His portrayal of Iceman as methodical and precise created a compelling counterbalance to Maverick’s impulsiveness. His confident portrayal of Iceman solidified his status as a versatile actor, opening the door for subsequent roles in films like The Doors and Batman Forever .

How Old Was Anthony Edward in Top Gun?

Born on July 19, 1962, Anthony Edwards was 24 years old when he portrayed Nick “Goose” Bradshaw, the charismatic and devoted best friend to Maverick in Top Gun .

Before Top Gun , Edwards had a diverse range of roles but the character of Goose — with its charm and tragic fate — marked a major turning point. His performance provided the emotional core of the movie, and it highlighted his range and depth as an actor, paving the way for his iconic role as Dr. Mark Greene on ER .

How Old Was Tom Skerritt in Top Gun?

Born on August 25, 1933, seasoned actor Tom Skerritt was 53 when he took on the role of Mike “Viper” Metcalf, the authoritative and experienced flight instructor in Top Gun .

With significant roles in Alien and M A S H* under his belt, Skerritt brought a paternal, grounding presence to Top Gun . His portrayal of Viper was less of a mentor and more of a North Star for the younger pilots, which showcased Skerritt’s capacity to bring depth to any role.

How Old Was Meg Ryan in Top Gun?

Born on November 19, 1961, Meg Ryan was 24 when she took on the role of Carole Bradshaw in Top Gun , the vivacious and supportive wife of Goose.

Though her role in Top Gun was relatively small, it showcased Ryan’s natural charisma and screen presence, which she later parlayed into becoming one of America’s favorite romantic comedy leads.

How Old Was Michael Ironside in Top Gun?

Michael Ironside was 36 years old when he played the seasoned pilot and flight instructor Rick “Jester” Heatherly in Top Gun .

Prior to this role, he had already established himself as a compelling character actor, known for intense and often villainous roles in movies such as Scanners and Total Recall . Ironside’s portrayal of Jester, as a tough but fair mentor, solidified his ability to bring complexity and humanity to a wide range of characters.

How Old Was Tim Robbins in Top Gun?

At 28, Tim Robbins portrayed Sam “Merlin” Wells in Top Gun . Before this supporting role, Robbins was mainly known for his stage work.

While Top Gun wasn’t his breakout role, it offered Robbins an opportunity to be part of a major blockbuster, showcasing his early potential. His career would soon catapult with standout performances in The Shawshank Redemption and Mystic River , earning him widespread acclaim.

Top Gun 1986 Cast Ages Table

Below is a table of all the main actors and director of Top Gun (1986), including their ages in the movie and now.

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"this is boring": how tom cruise changed one romantic top gun: maverick scene revealed.

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Why Top Gun: Maverick Recast Penny's Daughter

Fast 11 seemingly gets new writer in latest update from vin diesel, 15 best cult classics that perfectly capture the 1990s.

• Tom Cruise thought the original version of Maverick and Penny's sailing scene in Top Gun: Maverick was " boring ."
• The scene was reshot on choppier waters to add drama and to more effectively establish Penny as a character.
• It's unclear if Penny will return in Top Gun 3 to continue the romance storyline with Maverick.

Top Gun: Maverick star Jennifer Connelly reveals the scene in the movie that had to be reshot because Tom Cruise deemed it " boring ." Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the sequel to 1986's Top Gun sees Cruise return as hotshot pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, this time to train new pilots for a high-stakes mission. Although the Top Gun: Maverick reviews raved about the movie's intense aerial sequences, the romance between Maverick and Penny (Connelly) was a crucial part of the story that helped give Maverick more emotional depth.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair , Connelly reveals that Penny and Maverick's sailboat scene in Top Gun: Maverick wasn't originally working for Cruise .

According to Connelly, Cruise decided that the scene was lacking in excitement and that it could be reshot to more effectively establish Penny as a character. Check out Connelly's full comment below:

"Originally, we shot a sailing scene in San Diego. It was a beautiful, beautiful boat. We saw dolphins. It was great. We did the scene, we’re sitting out there, and Tom goes, ‘No, this is boring.’ I was like, ‘Oh.’ [Laughs] He was like, ‘It’s not fast enough. It’s not cool enough. It’s not fast enough. I want Penny to be really strong’ and he was right. "We went to San Francisco, where it’s super windy, and it was an entirely different experience. We’re like getting soaked, and the wind. It’s so much better. And, like I was saying, we don’t have that much time with those characters to establish who they are. So a gesture like that, okay she’s sailing a boat and it’s calm and lovely versus she’s sailing this boat, and it’s this really like high-octane adrenaline experience. I think it was a great choice."

Will Penny & Maverick's Romance Storyline Continue In Top Gun 3?

There are several directions the franchise could go in.

Top Gun: Maverick was a major success both critically and commercially in 2022. It's no surprise, then, that Top Gun 3 is confirmed to be in development, with both Kosinski and Cruise expected to return. It's been reported that both Miles Teller and Glen Powell are also being eyed to return as Rooster and Hangman, respectively.

Franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed to Screen Rant that a strong story idea is in place for Top Gun 3 , but Cruise's busy schedule might mean the film doesn't happen anytime soon.

Unfortunately, it's unclear at this early stage in development whether any other members of the Top Gun: Maverick cast will return, and that includes Connelly. The first film ends with Maverick and Penny taking a ride in Maverick's P-51 Mustang, seemingly now as a couple, but a sequel may not continue this happy ending. To add drama and conflict to the story, it's likely that Maverick and Penny's relationship won't be smooth sailing if it does return to be a focus of the next movie .

Top Gun: Maverick initially cast somebody different to play Penny's daughter, Amelia, but the actress was replaced before filming began.

It's also possible, however, that Top Gun 3 won't include Penny at all. Maverick and Penny could still be happily together in the world of the film, but the story could instead focus on fleshing out other characters' relationships. Many questions remain about the future of the franchise, but Cruise was evidently interested in making Maverick and Penny's relationship as compelling as possible in Top Gun: Maverick .

Source: Vanity Fair

Top Gun: Maverick

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Top Gun: Maverick is the sequel to the 1986 original film starring Tom Cruise as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a top-tier pilot in the Navy. Thirty years after the original film's events, Maverick is asked to head up a section of the TOP GUN program to embark on a dangerous mission. Things become personal when the program includes the son of Maverick's late friend, forcing him to confront his past.

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Glen Powell says Tom Cruise once pretended that their helicopter was about to crash: 'Oh no, oh no'

The "Top Gun: Maverick" stars have become good friends — close enough for pranks.

Glen Powell and Tom Cruise have become friends since costarring in Top Gun: Maverick. They're so close, in fact, that there hasn't been that be-on-your-best-behavior sort of thing for a while.

As Powell told British GQ for a profile published Tuesday, it happened when Cruise flew Powell from reshoots on their blockbuster at a studio outside London back to the city.

"Tom goes 'oh no, oh no,' and he starts dropping the helicopter over London," Powell said. "I was like, 'Am I about to be the unnamed guy that dies with Tom in a smoking hole in the middle of London?'"

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Entertainment Weekly has reached out to representatives for Cruise for additional comment.

Since Powell and Cruise appeared in the high-profile movie together, Cruise has been a mentor to Powell, the British GQ story noted.

"The one thing I feel we're kindred spirits in is he's obsessed with movies. That was our love language on set," Powell said. "I got to watch a guy who knew every department. He was able to clearly interface with everyone and be so friendly and respectful and be able to communicate that vision."

Cruise, who starred in the original Top Gun in 1986, produced the sequel.

Powell, the star of Anyone but You and July's Twisters , said Cruise has told him that, for a movie to be a global success, as many of Cruise's are, it needs to, as writer Ben Allen puts it, "telegraph universal emotions."

For example, Powell knows that everyone can relate to weather emergencies.

"You can look at a big disaster movie and go, 'Oh cool, the world loves disaster movies,'" he said. "No, no. It's about who we are in the face of disaster, and what the human instinct is in reacting to it. How do you put the audience in the cockpit? How do you put the audience on the ground in the face of a tornado?"

In December 2022, Powell said in an episode of Variety 's Actors on Actors that Cruise helped him through the end of their blockbuster with some odd advice.

Cruise instructed him to " lean into the douchebaggery of it all."

It obviously worked. Top Gun: Maverick made nearly $1.5 billion worldwide , making it one of the top 15 highest-grossing films of all time.

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