Tom Cruise as Maverick
Tom Cruise starred as Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a talented and reckless Navy fighter pilot. The role established Cruise as a leading action star and remains his most iconic character for many viewers.
Key Supporting Actors
Anthony Edwards played Lieutenant Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, Maverick's loyal Radar Intercept Officer. Kelly McGillis portrayed Charlie, the civilian instructor who challenges Maverick's attitude, while Val Kilmer appeared as the rival pilot Iceman.
Legacy of the Original Cast
The original cast of Top Gun helped turn the 1986 film into a cultural phenomenon, influencing aviation films and recruiting trends for the U.S. Navy. The ensemble's performances are frequently cited as a key reason the movie endures in pop culture.
For more background on the film, see the Top Gun Wikipedia entry.
