Kelly McGillis, an actress famous for her role in “Top Gun” stated that she was attacked at her North Carolina home, on June 17, 2016. McGillis, 58, posted a long message on her Facebook page divulging the details of the assault to her fans.
According to “USA Today,” McGillis posted on Facebook that she was returning to her home in Hendersonville, North Carolina, after a theological lecture when she noticed that her home light was on and the door was unlocked. The actress wrote that she was confronted by a screaming woman who accused McGillis of stalking her. When she began to run outside to call 911, the woman attacked her and they began to fight. When the woman made an attempt to get the actress’s phone from her hand, she threw McGillis’ phone to the ground. Then the actress was able to retrieve it and call for help.
The Hendersonville County Sheriff’s Office captured and arrested 38-year-old Laurence Marie Dorn on several charges, according to “People Magazine.” Dorn’s charges included second-degree burglary, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor stalking, assault and battery, and interfering with emergency communication.
The “Top Gun” actress survived the attack at her North Carolina home. She posted on Facebook that although she does not want it to happen again, she now has a gun to protect herself. The actress wrote that the attack left her scratched and bruised but otherwise she is alright. Following the incident, McGillis was rushed through the conceal and carry course and stated that she was “armed and ready.”
Many fans did not agree with the actress’s decision to get a conceal and carry permit but McGillis defended her decision by revealing to her fans past crimes she was victim to. “People Magazine” reported that McGillis told her fans that, at the young age of twelve, she was gang-raped by three men. In college, she was held at gunpoint and raped again by two men in 1979.
According to ‘People Magazine,” McGillis thought she would be able to move on after each attack and eventually find a “safe place,” but unfortunately, it has not yet happened. She claimed the June 17, 2016, incident was her breaking point. She refuses to be a victim, instead, she will be a survivor.
She noted that her attacks left her with feelings of PTSD.These feelings are making eating, sleeping and being alone difficult for her. Carrying a gun may make her feel safe; a feeling she has long desired.
McGillis was born on July 9, 1957, in Newport Beach, California. The actress dropped out of high school with high hopes of pursuing an acting career. She attended Julliard in Manhattan, as well as the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa, Monica California. She held various jobs, including waitressing, before landing any major roles.
She is best known for her work in “Witness,” “The Accused” and “Top Gun,” which gave her name major recognition. In spite of McGillis becoming well-known, she was never nominated for any major awards and is not being considered for any high-profile roles.
The actress became loyal to the stage and has acted in various theaters. McGillis owns a restaurant in Key West, Florida, called Kelly’s and has two daughters.
By: Angela Rightout
Edited by Jeanette Smith
Sources:
People Magazine: Kelly McGillis Obtains Conceal and Carry Permit
USA Today: Top Gun Actress Kelly McGillis attacked at Her North Carolina Home
People Magazine: How Top Gun Star Kelly McGillis Survived Sexual Assaults and emotional Struggles to Live a “Quiet, Normal Life
IMDB: Kelly McGillis
Image Courtesy of Robert Connolly’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
