Kelly McGillis isn't married and isn't currently in a public relationship. Best known for her iconic roles in 1980s classics like Top Gun and Witness, the retired actress has lived a remarkably private life far away from Hollywood circles for years. Over decades in the public eye, her personal journey included three formal marriages and later coming out publicly as a lesbian.
Understanding her relationship history requires looking past tabloid rumors and examining the actual timeline of her marriages, family life, and transition to a quiet, normal routine in North Carolina.
The Three Marriages of Kelly McGillis
McGillis has been married three times. Each chapter of her marital history coincided with different phases of her personal evolution and her turbulent relationship with fame.
1. Boyd Black (1979–1981)
Early in her acting studies, McGillis married fellow Juilliard student Boyd Black. She was young, and she later admitted that the marriage was partly an attempt to secure approval from her parents. The union was short-lived, ending in divorce after two years.
2. Fred Tillman (1989–2002)
McGillis married businessman Fred Tillman in 1989, during the height of her mainstream movie career. This was her longest marriage, lasting over thirteen years.
- Children: Together, McGillis and Tillman welcomed two daughters, Kelsey (born 1990) and Sonora (born 1993).
- Challenges: The marriage faced heavy strain due to personal struggles with substance use and the intense pressure of balancing motherhood with Hollywood demands.
- The Split: The couple finalized their divorce in 2002, after which McGillis focused heavily on raising her daughters and working on personal sobriety.
3. Melanie Leis (2010–2011)
Following her divorce from Tillman, McGillis's personal life shifted. While co-owning a restaurant in Key West with her ex-husband, she met Melanie Leis, a restaurant employee.
What began as a friendship grew into a romance. In 2009, McGillis publicly came out as a lesbian during an interview with SheWired. In September 2010, McGillis and Leis entered into a civil union in New Jersey. However, the relationship ended shortly after, with the pair separating in 2011.
High-Profile Romances and Rumors
Before and between her marriages, McGillis crossed paths with several notable figures in the entertainment industry.
- Barry Tubb: While filming Top Gun in 1986, McGillis dated her co-star Barry Tubb. The relationship lasted briefly into 1987 before they parted ways.
- Jodie Foster: Tabloids and biographers frequently linked McGillis with Jodie Foster following their work together on the 1988 film The Accused. The rumored romance was short-lived.
- Tom Cruise: Despite playing intense romantic partners on screen in Top Gun, McGillis and Tom Cruise never had an off-screen relationship. Their connection has always remained strictly professional.
Life After Hollywood and Current Status
McGillis eventually stepped away from major motion pictures, citing a desire for peace, safety, and authenticity. She spent time working directly in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, helping others navigate the same recovery battles she faced.
Today, she resides quietly in Hendersonville, North Carolina, occasionally teaching acting to students at local studios. She has expressed zero interest in returning to the Hollywood spotlight, embracing a peaceful daily routine instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kelly McGillis currently married?
No. Kelly McGillis is currently single and has not remarried since her civil union with Melanie Leis dissolved.
How many children does Kelly McGillis have?
She has two daughters, Kelsey and Sonora, shared with her second husband, Fred Tillman.
Why wasn't Kelly McGillis in Top Gun: Maverick?
Producers did not reach out to her for the sequel. McGillis noted in interviews that her age and physical changes over the decades factored into the decision to move the franchise in a different direction.
When did Kelly McGillis come out?
She publicly came out as gay in a 2009 interview, discussing how long she had hidden her sexuality due to personal shame and fear of judgment.
