Top Gun is an Oscar-nominated action drama directed by Tony Scott that featured Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis and Tom Skerritt as its cast.
It followed a group of elite fighter pilots at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), making waves both financially and culturally; it even inspired sequels and video games! Here is a look back at its cast – both today and during their initial release.
Tom Cruise stars as LT Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, an unorthodox but talented U.S. Navy pilot who falls for Charlie while competing against Iceman for the Top Gun trophy.
Cruise was 24 when Top Gun released and since has appeared in numerous blockbuster films such as Mission: Impossible series films, Jerry Maguire, Minority Report and Edge of Tomorrow as well as being widely known for his involvement with Scientology and his controversial personal life – and is set to reprise his role of Maverick again in its sequel titled Top Gun: Maverick!
Kelly McGillis as Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood:
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McGillis plays Maverick’s love interest and instructor on Top Gun. She admires Maverick’s flying abilities while challenging him to be more disciplined.
McGillis was 29 when she made her film debut in Witness and The Accused; since then she has appeared in countless films and TV shows such as The Babe, Innkeepers, Z Nation. Additionally she is an advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence having survived both herself. In 2009 she came out as lesbian.
Val Kilmer as LT Tom “Iceman” Kazansky
Kilmer was 26 when he made his film debut in Top Gun; prior to that he had appeared in Real Genius and Top Secret!.
He has since made appearances in films like Batman Forever, Heat, The Doors, Tombstone and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. While battling throat cancer he underwent a tracheotomy procedure that affected his voice – this will likely prevent reprising Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick in its upcoming sequel.
Anthony Edwards as LtJG Nick “Goose” Bradshaw
Maverick’s RIO and best friend is tragically killed during a training exercise, leaving Maverick without support or company.
Edwards was 24 when he made his film debut in Top Gun; prior to that he had previously appeared in Revenge of the Nerds and Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
He has since appeared in various films and TV shows, such as ER, Zodiac, Northern Exposure, and Designated Survivor3456.
Tom Skerritt serves as Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf
Maverick’s commanding officer at Top Gun and former fighter pilot. He’s known for being strict but fair; providing Maverick with guidance throughout the film.
Skerritt was 53 when he made his acting debut in Top Gun and had previously appeared in films such as Alien, MASH, The Dead Zone and A River Runs Through It. Since then he has appeared in films and TV series such as Steel Magnolias, Picket Fences, Contact Brothers & Sisters Madam Secretary.
Michael Ironside as Lieutenant Commander Rick “Jester” Heatherly
Instructor from Top Gun who frequently engages students in mock combat scenarios. While tough, he remains respectful towards all his opponents.
John Stockwell as Lieutenant Bill “Cougar” Cortell
At the start of the film, Jack Maverick has an U.S. Navy pilot serving as his wingman who suffers a nervous breakdown following a close encounter with an enemy aircraft and stops flying due to it.
Barry Tubb stars as Leonard Wolfe (LTJG Leonard “Wolfman”) of Wolfe Air Group
U.S. Navy pilot who studied under Top Gun. He’s close with Hollywood actors and often cracks jokes in interviews.
Other supporting character of Top Gun Cast 1986
There are other many supporting character also in the film. Let’s know about them.
- Rick Rossovich as Lieutenant Junior Grade Ron “Slider” Kerner
- Tim Robbins as Lieutenant Junior Grade Sam “Merlin” Wells
- Clarence Gilyard Jr. as Lieutenant Junior Grade Marcus “Sundown” Williams
- Whip Hubley portrays Lieutenant Rick “Hollywood” Neven
- James Tolkan as CDR Tom “Stinger” Jordan
- Meg Ryan as Carole Bradshaw
- Adrian Pasdar as Lt Charles “Chipper” Piper
- Randall Brady as LT Davis
- Duke Stroud as Air Boss Johnson
- Brian Sheehan in Sprawl
- Ron Clark as Inquiry Commander
- Frank Pesce as Bartender
- Pete Pettigrew as Perry Siedenthal
- Troy Hunter as Radio Operator
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Your Questions
Q. When did Top Gun first debut?
A: On May 16th 19861, Top Gun premiered to critical acclaim.
Q: How much did Top Gun make at the box office?
A: Top Gun made $356 Million worldwide on a budget of $15 Million1.
Q: Which awards did Top Gun win?
A: Top Gun received two Academy Awards and four Golden Globe nominations – for Best Original Song by Berlin1 as well as four nominations for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
Tom Cruise won best acting performance for drama (Tom Cruise), Harold Faltermeyer received best original score (Harold Faltermeyer), and “Take My Breath Away” was awarded as best original song for motion picture (“Take My Breath Away”2).
Q: What are some famous quotes from Top Gun?
A: Some notable lines from this movie include:
Maverick and Goose remark that they feel the urge for speed!, while Iceman tells Maverick he dislikes him due to being dangerous: “That’s right Ice-man! I AM dangerous.” Maverick replies with confidence he knows what Ice-man means by this remark and offers himself as their partner whenever needed.
- “You’ve lost that loving feeling.” – Goose to Charlie
- Stinger to Maverick
- Viper to Iceman
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