Global megastardom to living the quiet life - what happened to the cast of Top Gun?

The recent death of Val Kilmer, the actor who immortalised Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in the 1986 hit Top Gun, has deeply affected both Hollywood and aviation fans. His portrayal of the self-assured, straight-talking pilot made him a standout character in the blockbuster, and his reappearance in long-awaited follow-up Top Gun: Maverick served as a poignant homage to both the character and the actor himself.

It's astonishing to think that nearly four decades have passed since the original film's release. The cast members, who once embodied daring fighter pilots, stern instructors, and loyal partners, have embarked on diverse journeys ever since.

From achieving superstardom to leading quiet lives away from the limelight, the actors' lives are as varied as the characters they portrayed. In the wake of Val's death, let's revisit the Top Gun cast, their current whereabouts, and .

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Tom Cruise as Lt Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell

Tom Cruise's depiction of the fearless pilot Maverick marked the emergence of a Hollywood legend. Since then, Tom has carved out an impressive career, most notably with the enduring Mission: Impossible franchise. In May 2025, he is slated to return as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, the eighth chapter of the series.

Val Kilmer as Lt Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky

Val Kilmer, who played Iceman, Maverick's rival turned reluctant ally, made a touching appearance in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, where his real-life battle with cancer was incorporated into the plot. Kilmer's diverse career saw him take on roles such as Jim Morrison in 1991's The Doors and Batman in 1995's Batman Forever.

In 2017, he announced he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He passed away earlier this month at the age of 65.

Kelly McGillis as Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood

Kelly McGillis brought to life the character of Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood, Maverick's civilian instructor and romantic interest. Post-Top Gun, she featured in 1985's Witness, earning a BAFTA nomination, and 1988's The Accused.

In the 2000s, McGillis transitioned from Hollywood to stage acting and teaching. She came out as a lesbian in 2009.

Later, she worked in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. After surviving a violent home invasion in 2016, she obtained a concealed carry permit. Currently, she continues her passion for teaching acting in North Carolina.

Anthony Edwards as LTJG Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw

Anthony Edwards' portrayed LTJG Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, Maverick's best friend and Radar Intercept Officer, who meets a tragic end. Anthony later took on the role of Dr Mark Greene on ER from 1994 to 2002, bagging a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations.

Off-screen, he's been soaring the skies as a licensed pilot since 2012. He tied the knot with Jeanine Lobell, the brains behind Stila Cosmetics, and together they welcomed four children before parting ways in 2015.

He found love again with actress Mare Winningham in 2022. Despite whispers of retirement circling in 2025, he continues to tread the boards in the theatre scene.

Tom Skerritt as CDR Mike 'Viper' Metcalf

Tom Skerritt stepped into the shoes of Viper, the wise instructor and guiding force of Top Gun. His illustrious career spans the iconic 1970's M*A*S*H, the 1979 sci-fi hallmark Alien, and 1992's A River Runs Through It.

Bagging a Primetime Emmy for his role in 1993's Picket Fences, he also co-launched The Film School in Seattle in 1994, nurturing the next generation of cinematic talent. Now at 91, his storytelling flame burns bright, with his "most personal project yet", Reflections of The River, slated for a 2025 debut.

Michael Ironside as LCDR Rick 'Jester' Heatherly

Michael Ironside infused Jester with a formidable presence, the squadron's no-nonsense trainer. With memorable roles in 1981's Scanners, 1990's Total Recall, and 1997's Starship Troopers, his resume boasts more than 200 acting entries.

Triumphing over battles with bowel, prostate, and thyroid cancer, he remains active on screen, featuring in The Dropout in 2022. Married to Karen since 1986, he's also celebrated for his profound passion for the written word.

John Stockwell as LT Bill 'Cougar' Cortell

John Stockwell portrayed Cougar, Maverick's initial flying partner. Transitioning to a directorial path, he helmed the surf-centric Blue Crush in 2002 and the aquatic adventure Into the Blue in 2005. As a lifelong surfer, his love for the ocean had a profound impact on many of his projects. Since 2017, he has chosen to maintain a relatively low public profile.

Barry Tubb as LTJG Leonard 'Wolfman' Wolfe

Barry Tubb took on the role of Wolfman, one of the elite pilots in Top Gun. He went on to appear in the 1989 series Lonesome Dove and later directed the family film Grand Champion in 2002, which was shot in his hometown in Texas.

A devoted cowboy, Tubb actively participates in rodeo events and gatherings celebrating cowboy culture. In 2024, he took legal action against Paramount, alleging that the studio used his likeness in Top Gun: Maverick without obtaining his consent.

Rick Rossovich as LTJG Ron 'Slider' Kerner

Rick Rossovich portrayed Slider, the loyal Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) to Iceman. He gained further recognition for his roles in 1984's The Terminator and 1987's Roxanne.

By the early 2000s, Rick had largely stepped away from acting, opting for a quieter life. He and his wife, Eva, relocated to Sweden after restoring a home in California. Although he briefly returned to acting for the 2012 film Sandbar, he has since focused on his family and travel.

In a 2012 interview with We Got This Covered, he reflected on his career, stating, "[My career] was 25-years. I've had a really great marriage and kids. I've saved my money and invested."

Tim Robbins as LTJG Sam 'Merlin' Wells

Tim Robbins played the role of Merlin, initially serving as Cougar's RIO before becoming Maverick's. He earned an Academy Award for his performance in Mystic River in 2003 and received an Oscar nomination for directing Dead Man Walking in 1995.

He was in a long-term relationship with actress Susan Sarandon, which ended in 2009. Together the pair have two sons. He later tied the knot with Romanian actress Gratiela Brancusi in 2017, but filed for divorce in 2021. The actor, renowned for his candid opinions, was a vocal critic of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Clarence Gilyard Jr. as LTJG Marcus 'Sundown' Williams

Clarence Gilyard Jr, who portrayed Sundown, Maverick's temporary RIO, gained fame through his role in 1988's Die Hard and subsequent appearances in Matlock from 1989 to 1993, and Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001.

In 2020, he reprised his Die Hard character in a car battery advert alongside Bruce Willis. In his later years, he turned to academia, serving as an acting professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He died in November 2022, aged 66.

Whip Hubley as LT Rick 'Hollywood' Neven

Whip Hubley, who played Hollywood, one of the Top Gun pilots, left the limelight in the early 2010s after roles in Russkies in 1987 and More Tales of the City in 1998. He now works in construction management in Maine and performs in local theatre. Married to former Saturday Night Live producer Dinah Minot, he leads a peaceful life away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

James Tolkan as CDR Tom 'Stinger' Jardian

James Tolkan took on the role of Stinger, Maverick's straight-talking commanding officer. Best remembered as Principal Strickland in Back to the Future, he also starred in 1987's Masters of the Universe.

After retiring after appearing in the 2015 horror flick 'Bone Tomahawk', he's remained a cherished icon, popping up in various TV shows. In a nostalgic twist for fans, 2025 saw him team up with Michael J. Fox to recreate a classic 'Back to the Future' scene, much to the delight of audiences everywhere.

Meg Ryan as Carole Bradshaw

Meg Ryan captured hearts as Goose's endearing wife Carole Bradshaw. She later soared to rom-com stardom with hits like When Harry Met Sally in 1989 and Sleepless in Seattle in 1993, bagging three Golden Globe nods and sparking a hair craze with the '90s must-have 'The Meg' cut.

Married to Dennis Quaid between 1991 and 2001, she's mum to actor Jack Quaid. After stepping away from showbiz for eight years, Meg made her comeback in 2023 with What Happens Later, a film she directed and starred in. Despite her star status, she's been candid about the strains of fame, once describing it as "exhausting and disabling."