Hollywood icon Kelly Lynch, once famed as a blonde bombshell of the 1980s, stepped out in stunning style this week, showcasing her transformation into a radiant redhead. The 66-year-old actress attended the Los Angeles screening of Dead Man's Wire at the AMC The Grove 14 on Wednesday evening, accompanied by her husband of over three decades, screenwriter Mitch Glazer.
From Catwalk to Camera: A Star is Born
Before captivating audiences on screen, Kelly Lynch made her mark in the world of high fashion. She modelled for elite brands including Versace and Dolce & Gabbana, even gracing the cover of German Vogue. Her transition to acting led her to Hollywood, where her breakthrough role came swiftly.
In 1988, she starred opposite Tom Cruise in the hit film Cocktail, playing the lover to Bryan Brown's character. She followed this success the very next year by starring with Patrick Swayze in the cult classic Road House, where her character romanced Swayze's tough bouncer.
A Resilient Career and a Life-Changing Ordeal
Lynch's career flourished throughout the 90s and 2000s with roles in films like Drugstore Cowboy, Desperate Hours, Charlie's Angels, and The Jacket. On television, she became a familiar face with recurring roles in Showtime's The L Word and Starz's Magic City, the latter created by her husband.
However, her path to stardom was almost derailed by a horrific event. In 1980, at age 20, she was involved in a head-on collision on a Minnesota freeway. The accident was catastrophic: her upper body went through the windshield, and the steering wheel crushed both of her legs, breaking each one.
Hospitalised for nearly a year, doctors warned she might need double amputation to avoid gangrene. Her mother intervened, finding a surgeon willing to save her legs. Lynch later reflected on the trauma, stating she felt her intelligence was in her athletic body, and its potential loss was devastating.
Enduring Legacy and Red Carpet Glamour
Today, Kelly Lynch remains a figure of grace and resilience in the industry. At the recent premiere, she looked fabulous in a sleeveless, floor-length copper sequined gown, her reddish hair styled in soft waves. Her husband, Mitch Glazer, 72, cut a dapper figure beside her in a black suit.
Born in Golden Valley, Minnesota, Lynch's journey from flight attendant to Elite model to beloved actress is a testament to her determination. Reflecting on her early career with Cruise and Swayze, she told People in 2017, "They were really, really fun" to work with. From a near-fatal crash to Hollywood fame, Kelly Lynch's story is one of remarkable survival and enduring star power.
