Why 'The Big Chill' Star Meg Tilly Left Hollywood-and What She Looks Like Now at 66
Meg Tilly, who starred in the classic 1983 film The Big Chill, may not be an actress anymore, but the gray-haired stunner is having the time of her life alongside her sisterJennifer Tilly in Italy.
Meg, 66, skyrocketed to fame in The Big Chill, the beloved '80s film that told the story of a group of former college friends who gathered for the funeral of Alex, one of their own, after his suicide. Starring Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, Tom Berenger, William Hurt, Jeff Goldblum, JoBeth Williams, and Mary Kay Place, the film became instantly associated with the baby boomer generation and their attempts to recapture their past. Tilly played Alex's young girlfriend, who is still living on the property as the former University of Michigan students gather in his honor. She earned acclaim for her role and went on to earn an Oscar nomination for her next role in Agnes of God. But since then, Tilly has shied away from the spotlight, preferring to leave the bright lights of Hollywood to her older sister, Jennifer. She's even started a whole new career!
On her Instagram page, Jennifer surprised followers by featuring Meg in a post.
"Our first night in Taormina. #Sicily#Italy," Jennifer captioned the sweet sister photo, which showed the duo soaking up the Italian scene.
Meg Tilly is a Successful Novelist
Growing up in Canada, money was tight for the Tilly family. Meg told the New York Times last year that they "could never have friends sleep over when we were growing up because there wouldn't be enough for everyone to eat."
However, she found plenty of success as an adult. While she has no interest in life on the film or the TV screen, Tilly is a successful novelist who has published six standout young adult and literary women's fiction novels, according to the Penguin Random House website. She also has three grown children and lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. Still, she managed to leave her mark on The Big Chill forever:
Here's a look at her incredible turn in Agnes of God alongside Jane Fonda:
Jennifer Tilly Rose to Stardom
Meg may not be one for acting these days, but Jennifer still thrives in front of the camera. Known for roles in Bound, Bullets Over Broadway, and Bride of Chucky, Tilly is currently making waves on TheReal Housewives of Beverly Hills.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 10:03 AM.