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Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Top Gun legend turn back on fame after devastating attacks
Kelly McGillis was one of the most iconic stars of the 80s, but after her role in Top Gun she walked away from the film industry after a series of devastating attacks and personal struggles The 80s hit film Top Gun rocketed many of its stars to fame, including the flight instructor character Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis, who quickly ascended to become one of Tinseltown's most sought-after actresses. Fast-forward three decades, and a life marred by personal tragedies paints a starkly different picture. Born into the well-heeled surrounds of Newport Beach, California, Kelly McGillis' transition to New York City to chase her acting aspirations was marked by harrowing episodes. In what should have been an enchanting second year at the elite Julliard School, she faced the terror of a mugging at gunpoint. Undeterred, though, McGillis pressed on with her ambition. Yet 1982 brought a grimmer chapter, only four years ahead of her acclaim in Top Gun; her own residence became the setting of a nightmare when intruders forced their way in and subjected her to a knife-point rape. It was the alarm raised by a neighbour that brought police sirens to the scene, precipitating the burglars' escape and their eventual capture, the principal assailant receiving a sentence of three years behind bars, reports the Mirror US. In an intimate recount to People Magazine in 1988, she shared visceral memories of the assault: "I'll never forget the way they smelled. Like alcohol and old one watched, the taller one got on top of me and held the knife to my right the other one got on top of me. They kept switching and telling me they were going to beat me until I was dead." Living with a woman during that period, McGillis interpreted the attack as a divine "punishment" for her sexual orientation. Despite facing a harrowing ordeal, McGillis continued to chase her acting dream and landed a major role in 1985 alongside Harrison Ford in Witness. In 1988, she played a prosecutor in The Accused opposite Jodie Foster, a part which she hoped would help her process her own past traumas. By 1989, McGillis had married yacht salesman Fred Tillman and was confronting her sexuality while relationship strains surfaced. They had two daughters, but their family life took a hit when Tillman was caught soliciting sex from an undercover policewoman posing as a prostitute. Seeking respite from New York's glare, the pair relocated to Florida and set up a bar called Kelly's. During this period, McGillis formed a bond with bartender Melanie Leis. Leis who was openly gay later said: "We were partners in crime and were both drinking and abusing drugs." After finalising her divorce from Tillman in 2002, McGillis left Tinseltown behind to co-parent with Leis in rural Pennsylvania, then moved back to New Jersey where she undertook a new role as a rehab counsellor. Returning to her acting roots in 2008 with a part in the lesbian-themed TV show The L Word, McGillis publicly came out the following year. In a candid chat with she declared: "I'm done with the man thing. "Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." In 2016, she endured another harrowing experience when an intruder broke into her North Carolina residence. When the casting for "Top Gun: Maverick" came around in 2022, McGillis was not selected to return to the iconic series, which she believes might be due to her refusal to undergo plastic surgery or revert her hair to its famous blonde hue – a claim director Joseph Kosinski has refuted. Speaking candidly to ET at age 62, McGillis offered a blunt perspective on the expectations of Hollywood, stating: "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. I'd much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and my age than place any value in all that other stuff."
Irish Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Top Gun star's harrowing life before turning back on fame
The 80s classic Top Gun catapulted its cast to stardom, including the character of flight instructor Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis, who became one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. Fast forward three decades and life has dealt her some tough cards. Born into a well-off family in Newport Beach, California, McGillis moved to New York to chase her acting dreams, studying at the renowned Julliard School. Despite being robbed at gunpoint in her second year, she didn't let the incident deter her ambitions. However, in 1982, four years before her breakthrough role, McGillis faced a harrowing experience when two intruders broke into her apartment and raped her at knifepoint. Her screams alerted a neighbour who called the police, leading to the assailants' attempt to escape and subsequent arrest, with the main perpetrator sentenced to three years in prison. In a 1988 interview with People Magazine, McGillis recounted the terrifying event: "I'll never forget the way they smelled. Like alcohol and old one watched, the taller one got on top of me and held the knife to my right the other one got on top of me. They kept switching and telling me they were going to beat me until I was dead." At that time, she shared an apartment with another woman and believed the attack was a divine "punishment" for her sexuality, reports the Mirror US. McGillis persevered through tough times to land her major role with Harrison Ford in the film Witness in 1985. By 1988, she starred as a prosecutor in The Accused alongside Jodie Foster, tackling the heavy subject of seeking justice for a rape victim, hoping it would help her process her own past trauma. Her personal life also saw its share of turbulence. In 1989 McGillis married yacht salesman Fred Tillman and although they had two daughters together, their marriage faced challenges, exacerbated when Tillman was caught hiring a prostitute who turned out to be an undercover policewoman. The duo attempted to make a fresh start by moving to Florida and setting up a bar called Kelly's, where McGillis formed an intimate bond with bartender Melanie Leis. Describing their shared struggles at the time, Leis stated: "We were partners in crime and were both drinking and abusing drugs." After her divorce in 2002 from Tillman, McGillis stepped away from Tinseltown spotlight to focus on raising her children with Leis in the tranquillity of rural Pennsylvania, later moving to New Jersey to pursue a career as a rehab counsellor. Returning to acting in 2008, McGillis had a role in The L Word, a lesbian TV drama, and a year later she publicly came out, telling "I'm done with the man thing. "Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." In 2016, she became the target of an attack when an intruder broke into her North Carolina residence. Then in 2022, when casting for 'Top Gun: Maverick' was underway, McGillis wasn't selected to return to the iconic series, which she believes is due to her refusal to undergo plastic surgery or revert her hair to its famous blonde hue - a claim director Joseph Kosinski has refuted. Speaking candidly to ET at age 62, she offered a blunt perspective on the beauty standards of Tinseltown: "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. I'd much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and my age than place any value in all that other stuff."
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tragic life of Top Gun heartthrob who turned back on fame
Kelly McGillis shot to fame as the love interest of Tom Cruise's character in the 1986 film Top Gun, but behind the scenes her life was filled with tragedy and heartbreak The 1986 blockbuster Top Gun turned many of its actors into stars, among them the character Charlie, played by Kelly McGillis, who captivated audiences and emerged as one of Tinseltown's most sought-after actresses. However, three decades later, her journey through stardom has been marked by personal tragedies that are worlds apart from her character's glamour. Hailing from the upmarket neighbourhood of Newport Beach in California, Kelly McGillis's life took a stark turn after relocating to New York to chase her acting aspirations. Her time in the city began with a terrifying encounter during her second year while studying at the renowned Juilliard School, where she was robbed at gunpoint. Although shaken, the brazen attack didn't deter her from her passion. Yet, in 1982, tragedy struck again—just a few years before her star-making performance in Top Gun. She faced a nightmarish scenario when two intruders burst into her residence and subjected her to a rape ordeal at knifepoint. Her plight only ceased when a neighbour responded to her screams, leading to police intervention and the subsequent apprehension and conviction of the culprits, with the chief attacker getting a three-year prison sentence, reports the Mirror US. In an intimate revelation to People Magazine in 1988, McGillis recounted the harrowing details: "I'll never forget the way they smelled. Like alcohol and old one watched, the taller one got on top of me and held the knife to my right the other one got on top of me. They kept switching and telling me they were going to beat me until I was dead." At the time of this terrible incident, she shared her home with another woman and agonizingly concluded that the assault was a divine "punishment" for her sexual orientation. Despite the difficult experiences, McGillis pursued her dream career, landing a major part alongside Harrison Ford in 1985's Witness. In 1988, she portrayed a prosecutor opposite Jodie Foster in The Accused—a film about an attorney fighting for justice for a rape survivor—a role McGillis hoped would help her grapple with her own past. 1989 saw her marry yacht salesman Fred Tillman. What seemed like wedded bliss was complicated by McGillis' struggles with her sexuality and the marriage soon showed signs of strain. The pair had two daughters, but their family faced turmoil when Tillman was caught hiring sex from an undercover policewoman posing as a prostitute not long after their second child's birth. In search of respite from New York's glare, they relocated to Florida and started operating a bar called Kelly's. There, McGillis developed a romance with bartender Melanie Leis. Leis, who is openly gay, recalled: "We were partners in crime and were both drinking and abusing drugs." McGillis and her second husband parted ways in 2002, with the actress stepping away from the Hollywood spotlight to co-parent her children with Leis in rural Pennsylvania, eventually moving back to New Jersey where she became a rehabilitation counsellor. On her return to acting with a lesbian TV series The L Word in 2008, McGillis made the decision to come out publicly a year later. In a candid interview with she declared: "I'm done with the man thing. "Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." After suffering an attack in 2016 when a stranger invaded her North Carolina home, actress McGillis once again faced disappointment. Her absence from the 2022 "Top Gun: Maverick" cast raised eyebrows, with speculation that her refusal to undergo plastic surgery or dye her hair to its iconic blonde played a role—an assertion director Joseph Kosinski has rebutted. Talking to ET, the 62 year old actress voiced her candid views on Tinseltown's beauty standards, declaring: "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. I'd much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and my age than place any value in all that other stuff."
The Independent
02-04-2025
- The Independent
Father jailed for life for ‘moment of anger' that caused daughter's death
A father has been jailed for life for a 'moment of anger and frustration' that caused the death of his baby daughter six years later. Kyle Kitchen, 38, assaulted his eight-week-old daughter Primrose Kane in a matter of seconds in 2014, causing catastrophic injuries, the Old Bailey heard. She suffered a skull fracture from being hit or thrown against a hard surface and brain damage from being shaken, which led to profound disability, constant pain, and, ultimately, Primrose's death in May 2021. Following a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court in 2016, Kitchen was jailed for 18 years for two charges of causing Primrose grievous bodily harm with intent. That sentence was reduced to 15 years on appeal. Primrose's mother, Kenzey Kane, 31, was jailed for three-and-a-half years for causing or allowing serious injury to a child by failing to protect her daughter and child cruelty due to her delay in getting medical help. Kitchen had previously appeared on Channel 5 documentary The Accused, which centred around Primrose's mother. The defendant, who had served six years and nine months in jail for the assaults, was found guilty of Primrose's murder in March following an Old Bailey trial. On Wednesday, Mr Justice Murray jailed him for life with a minimum term of 17 years. He then reduced the time Kitchen must serve before being eligible for parole to seven years, eight months and 12 days to reflect time he has already served in jail, including on remand. The senior judge noted the background of domestic violence and Kitchen's lack of remorse or acceptance of responsibility for Primrose's death. He said: 'I am sure that the incident in which you shook Primrose and caused her skull fracture occurred suddenly and without premeditation in a moment of anger and frustration. 'The incident was unlikely to have lasted more than a few seconds. Disastrously, however, those few seconds led to Primrose's catastrophic injuries at the age of eight weeks, led to her suffering years of extreme disability in chronic pain with a very low quality of life, and led ultimately to her death at the age of six years and eight months.' In mitigation, Jane Bickerstaff KC said Kitchen 'loved that little girl' and her death was a 'cross he will have to bear for the rest of his life'. She described his relationship with Primrose's mother as 'toxic' but added: 'There are many, many couples who for one reason or another are not as fit as society would like to parent a child – and yet they have children.' Previously, prosecutor Jennifer Knight KC said Primrose had lived with her parents in a bedsit in Camden, north London. On September 29 2014, Kitchen was arrested and cautioned for assaulting his partner, having slapped her while she was holding their daughter, then aged three-weeks-old. The court was told Kitchen had admitted it was not the first time he had been violent towards his partner. Shortly before 6am on November 3 2014, she had called 111 to report that Primrose had gone 'floppy' and would not wake up. The baby was taken to the Royal Free Hospital in north London where a scan revealed a skull fracture and serious brain injury. Her parents provided no explanation for how it happened with Kane saying: 'It's not like we knocked her or anything.' Primrose was transferred to an intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital where further tests confirmed her serious injuries and it became clear she would suffer 'significant neuro-disability' in the long term. She remained in hospital for six weeks and upon her release was placed into the care of her maternal grandmother, Maria Kane. Over time, Primrose developed multiple problems related to her brain injury, including cerebral palsy, feeding issues, an inability to communicate verbally and drug-resistant epilepsy. Despite her profound disability, Primrose went to a special school in Plumstead, south-east London, from the age of nearly three until her death and was described by her headteacher as 'characterful'. Following her death on May 16 2021, a post-mortem examination concluded it was the consequence of the traumatic head injury from when she was a baby. The court was told Kitchen had previous convictions for burglary, theft and possession of cannabis. Kirsty O'Connor, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This is an utterly devastating case and our thoughts remain with Primrose's family as they come to terms with their loss. 'It is unimaginable to think how someone could be capable of hurting such a young and vulnerable baby. It is a parent's duty to keep their children safe and Kyle Kitchen not only failed to do that, but violently robbed Primrose of her life. 'We are pleased with the sentence handed to Kitchen today – which now holds him accountable for Primrose's premature death and the pain she endured during her short life.' An NSPCC spokesperson said: 'This is a deeply upsetting case and our thoughts are with everyone who loved and cared for Primrose during the six years she was alive. 'Anyone with a concern about a child can contact our free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@ People should call the police on 999 if a child is in immediate danger.'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Father jailed for life for ‘moment or anger' that caused daughter's death
A father has been jailed for life for a 'moment of anger and frustration' that caused the death of his baby daughter six years later. Kyle Kitchen, 38, assaulted his eight-week-old daughter Primrose Kane in a matter of seconds in 2014, causing catastrophic injuries, the Old Bailey heard. She suffered a skull fracture from being hit or thrown against a hard surface and brain damage from being shaken, which led to profound disability, constant pain, and, ultimately, Primrose's death in May 2021. Following a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court in 2016, Kitchen was jailed for 18 years for two charges of causing Primrose grievous bodily harm with intent. That sentence was reduced to 15 years on appeal. Primrose's mother, Kenzey Kane, 31, was jailed for three-and-a-half years for causing or allowing serious injury to a child by failing to protect her daughter and child cruelty due to her delay in getting medical help. Kitchen had previously appeared on Channel 5 documentary The Accused, which centred around Primrose's mother. The defendant, who had served six years and nine months in jail for the assaults, was found guilty of Primrose's murder in March following an Old Bailey trial. On Wednesday, Mr Justice Murray jailed him for life with a minimum term of 17 years. He then reduced the time Kitchen must serve before being eligible for parole to seven years, eight months and 12 days to reflect time he has already served in jail, including on remand. The senior judge noted the background of domestic violence and Kitchen's lack of remorse or acceptance of responsibility for Primrose's death. Her injuries were caused as a result of a single act of violence in a 'moment of anger and frustration' lasting a few seconds, he said. The judge added: 'Disastrously, those seconds led to Primrose's catastrophic injuries, led to years of disability and chronic pain and ultimately led to her death at the age of six years and eight months.' In mitigation, Jane Bickerstaff KC said Kitchen 'loved that little girl' and her death was a 'cross he will have to bear for the rest of his life'. She described his relationship with Primrose's mother as 'toxic' but added: 'There are many, many couples who for one reason or another are not as fit as society would like to parent a child – and yet they have children.' Previously, prosecutor Jennifer Knight KC said Primrose had lived with her parents in a bedsit in Camden, north London. On September 29 2014, Kitchen was arrested and cautioned for assaulting his partner, having slapped her while she was holding their daughter, then aged three-weeks-old. The court was told Kitchen had admitted it was not the first time he had been violent towards his partner. Shortly before 6am on November 3 2014, she had called 111 to report that Primrose had gone 'floppy' and would not wake up. The baby was taken to the Royal Free Hospital in north London where a scan revealed a skull fracture and serious brain injury. Her parents provided no explanation for how it happened with Kane saying: 'It's not like we knocked her or anything.' Primrose was transferred to an intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital where further tests confirmed her serious injuries and it became clear she would suffer 'significant neuro-disability' in the long term. She remained in hospital for six weeks and upon her release was placed into the care of her maternal grandmother, Maria Kane. Over time, Primrose developed multiple problems related to her brain injury, including cerebral palsy, feeding issues, an inability to communicate verbally and drug resistant epilepsy. Despite her profound disability, Primrose went to a special school in Plumstead, south-east London, from the age of nearly three until her death and was described by her headteacher as 'characterful'. Following her death on May 16 2021, a post-mortem examination concluded it was the consequence of the traumatic head injury from when she was a baby. The court was told Kitchen had previous convictions for burglary, theft and possession of cannabis.
