Kelly McGillis is an American screen and stage actress who is popular for her roles in Witness (1985), Top Gun (1986), The Accused (1988), and Made in Heaven (1987).
She made her film debut in the movie Reuben, Reuben. However, the turning point of her career was her role in the 1985 classic “Witness”.
Personal Life of Kelly McGillis
Kelly McGillis (birth name: Kelly Ann McGillis) was born on July 9, 1957, in Newport Beach, California. She was born as the eldest of the three daughters of Virginia Joan and Donald Mansion McGillis. Her mother was a homemaker while her father was a physician by profession. Kelly belongs to extended ancestry as her paternal ancestry is Scot-Irish while her maternal ancestry is German. Besides, she also has Welsh ancestry.
She has two children, both from her second and ex-husband, Fred Tillman. The names of the two children are Kelsey Lauren Tillman and Sonora Ashley Tillman. McGillis is married twice and divorced both times. She first got married to Boyd Black, a fellow from her time at Julliard, on April 14, 1979, before getting divorced in 1981. Then she again got married to Fred Tillman on January 1, 1989, and parted ways in 2002. She came out to disclose that she was a lesbian in 2009. After that in 2010, she married Melanie Leis before separating in 2011.
Kelly McGillis Career
The famous actress grew up in Los Angeles and went to the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts at Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, California. Later, she joined Julliard School, New York to study acting. Besides movies, she has also worked on television and on stage.
She was the featured actress at the famous and prestigious Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC during the late 1980s and through the mid-2000s. She started her television career in 1984 in a minor role in the daytime soap One Life to Live. With her movie Witness, she has received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. Besides, she has also been nominated in the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards for her album Thumbelina in the category of Best Recording for Children.
Kelly McGillis Health
McGillis is in a continuous battle with a life-threatening disease for the past eight years. Actually, she is suffering from alpha one antitrypsin deficiency which has caused serious lung disease in her. The disease is inheritable and might have transferred to her through one of her parents. She has currently left the field of acting for self-care.
McGillis says that her current focus is on personal caring and hygiene. She is currently undergoing treatment for the disease. She also suffered from problems related to alcohol and drug addictions. In 2016, her house was invaded by a woman who was later charged with various crimes including second-degree burglary.
Does McGillis have Cancer?
As of now, there is no disclosure on the question if McGillis is suffering from cancer or not. However, the disease she has can increase the probability of having lung and liver diseases. Due to her health issue, she has temporarily been away from acting but it seems very unlikely that she will ever return back to the business.