Glen Thomas Powell Jr. produces, writes, and most recently can be seen acting in the new hit movie 'Top Gun: Maverick'. While he's been around for a while, you might not know that Powell was born and raised in Central Texas.

Top Gun: Maverick Actor Grew Up in Central Texas

Powell graduated from Westwood High School in northwest Austin, which is part of Round Rock ISD. While attending the University of Texas at Austin, he was an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and majored in Radio/TV/Film. Powell was also part of the 'Broadway Texas Players' from 1999–2003, according to empireonline.com.

Tom Cruise Convinced Him to Take Top Gun Sequel Role

Glen Powell almost said no to the Tom Cruise blockbuster 'Top Gun: Maverick', the sequel to the 1986 film that just made an estimated $124 million in its opening weekend.

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In the new film, Tom Cruise reprises his role as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, who returns to the naval flight academy to train a new class of pilots. One of them happens to be bad-boy pilot Lt. Jake 'Hangman' Seresin, played by Powell, who was born in Austin. He told People magazine how he first felt about the role :

I auditioned for Miles Teller's role ['Rooster' Bradshaw, the son of ill-fated pilot 'Goose' Bradshaw from the 1986 film]. When I didn't get that role, I was offered a different role. And when I read the script, it just didn't really seem like a role that connected, one that I felt super excited to play.

-Glen Powell

Powell said after discussing the part with Tom Cruise, he changed his mind. He has since leaned into his Top Gun pilot training for the film, and got a real pilot's license, according to KXAN.

 

Who Are The 5 Richest People in Texas, Not Counting Elon Musk?

There are more billionaires in America than in any other country, according to Stacker. For some people, the money just keeps pouring in, as Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is projected to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2026.

However, Bezos is not the world's richest person right now. That title goes to the founder of SpaceX, Tesla, and the new owner of Twitter, Elon Musk. Musk owns a mansion in Austin but says his main home is a $50,000 rental from SpaceX in Boca Chica, Texas.

Forbes lists 63 billionaires in Texas, including Elon Musk. Let's find out who's at the top of the list in the Lone Star State for 2022, right behind Musk.

Love the TV Show 'Friends'? This Texas House Could Be Your Dream Home!

Here's your chance to live just like Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, and Ross!

This 'Friends'-themed townhouse in Houston was listed on Airbnb and just hit the real estate market. Diana Hu, an agent at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Houston, said this is the first time in 16 years that she's listed a home with a pop culture theme, according to the Today show.

The living room and kitchen will be familiar to 'Friends' fans as you will see from the real estate photos. At the top of the stairs, you’ll see a foosball table that looks a lot like the one in Joey and Chandler's apartment, surrounded by a comfy couch.

The three-story house also has a two-car garage with a Tesla charger. It's located at 1706 Bevis Street in Houston, and the asking price is $330,000.

Shall we take a look around, friends?

What’s the Best Thing About the Most Expensive House in Texas? Being Safe

The most expensive house for sale in Texas includes a private marina, multiple waterfalls, a media room, 25 acres of amazing views on Lake Travis, and a safe room.

You really need to see Villa Del Lago to appreciate all these amazing features. Of course, luxury doesn't come cheap! The property comes with a price tag of $45 million.

Ready for the tour?

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