I have not been totally paying attention file: Kelly McGillis and Kathleen Turner.
The release of the long-awaited sequel to Top Gun, got me thinking again about Kelly McGillis who played the love interest to Tom Cruise in the original movie. Apparently, there was no consideration to having her return in the sequel. Kelly said the reason, was “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," The producers of the movie said they just wanted to focus on the male characters. Anyway, the point of this post is that in my mind I keep conflating Kelly McGillis and Kathleen Turner. Both are successful 80's actresses known for the looks and talent, who have " aged appropriately", and have actually talked about it. Actresses in Hollywood movies often face problems getting roles after they hit a certain age-and they have to decide whether or not to just walk away (which many do), get plastic surgery, or soldier on as they are. Some walk away for a while and come back. Very few actresses continue on with same level of success. It happens to men, as well but not as much. The reality is that most people age in ways that changes their looks. But Hollywood is much quicker to stop offering good roles to middle aged women.
