Meg Ryan / Carole Bradshaw
She played Goose’s wife in Top Gun. In the ‘90s, she starred in many movies, placing her as one of the top romantic comedy actresses of all time. Who can forget When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle or You’ve Got Mail? She has also played some more dramatic roles and continues to be a famous actress today. She was previously married to actor Dennis Quaid. They had one son together and Meg adopted a daughter named Daisy in 2004. She has an on and off relationship with musician John Mellencamp, although reports say they split for good last year. Now, she also works as a producer.
Tim Robbins / Lt. Sam “Merlin” Wells
Of course, Tim is perhaps best known for his role in Shawshank Redemption, which came out eight years after Top Gun. He also starred in Bull Durham with Susan Sarandon and the two married in real life. They had two sons together but split up in 2009. Tim still works today and stays pretty active in politics. He founded the Actors’ Gang Theater Group and currently stars on the show Castle Rock.
Adrian Pasdar / Lt. Charles “Chipper” Piper
After Top Gun, he starred in Heroes, Colony, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and more. He is also the voice of Tony Stark and Iron Man in animated series. Most recently he starred in Grand Hotel and A Fall From Grace. It seems he loves superhero shows and films! He has one son with his ex-wife and Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines.
Michael Ironside / Lt. Cmdr. Rick “Jester” Heatherly
He played Maverick’s flight instructor. He had a successful career after Top Gun and starred in movies such as The Next Karate Kid, Total Recall, Terminator: Salvation, and X-Men: First Class. Michael also starred on shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger, ER, Vegas, and Hawaii Five-O. He has three children, one with an ex-wife and two with his current wife Karen Dinwiddie. They married the same year that Top Gun came out. He has also survived both thyroid and prostate cancer.
Tom Skerritt / Cmdr. Mike “Viper” Metcalf
He started acting in the 1960s and appeared in the 1970 film MASH before Top Gun. Tom seems to be stuck in the roles of law enforcement officers, politicians, or military men. He was also a father in several films including Steel Magnolias. More recently, he has been seen on The Good Wife and Madam Secretary. He must like those kinds of roles! At 86 years old, his career is still going strong.
Who is your favorite character from Top Gun? Reminisce with a clip from the beloved movie below: