It’s hard to believe that Top Gun came out in 1986, over 35 years ago. For some of you, you weren’t even born yet, for others it’s going to make you feel really old. But, 36 years can do a lot to a person, and we have proof. Here are some before and after pictures of your favorite characters in Top Gun.
Tom Cruise – Maverick – He was only 24 years old when the movie came out, some might even say that Top Gun is what really got his acting career going. Among those who were considered for the role of Maverick were Sean Penn, Matthew Modine, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Matthew Broderick, Michael J. Fox, and Tom Hanks.
Anthony Edwards — Goose — His role on Top Gun brought him worldwide fame. He was reportedly the only one of the actors not to vomit when flying in the fighter jets.
Barry Tubb — Wolfman — It’s hard to believe that in Top Gun he was in his 20s. Time has flown by.
Kelly McGillis — Charlie — Although she acted in many more movies after Top Gun, Top Gun was the one she received a Golden Globe for. At 5’10”, Kelly McGillis was three inches taller than Tom Cruise.
Michael Ironside — Jester — He is now over 70 years old. Did you know he has survived cancer? Not once, but twice. First he had thyroid cancer and then prostate. He is a not only a commander in films but a fighter off screen too.
Tom Skerritt — Viper —It’s hard to believe, but Viper is 89 years old this year. He is famous for not only his role in Top Gun, but he was a lead character in the hit show MASH as well. He has been in several more movies from 1962 to this year.
Val Kilmer — Iceman — He started his career appearing in Broadway shows and once he finished Top Gun, a movie that grossed $344,700,000, he was a famous star and at the start of his incredible acting career.
A few more interesting facts about this classic movie… Did you know that every hour of F-14 flight cost Paramount $10,000? Top Gun was the highest grossing film in 1986 with $177 million just in the US. The second and third spots were taken by Crocodile Dundee and Platoon.