The key facts

  • Tom Skerritt died on October 21 (Wednesday) at the age of 93 of natural causes
  • Over six decades of his career he appeared in Alien, Top Gun and Steel Magnolias, and won an Emmy in 1993 for Picket Fences
  • Julia Roberts and Lauren Holly posted condolences

Death and the family's statement

American actor Tom Skerritt, star of the films Alien and Top Gun and the TV series Picket Fences, has died at the age of 93. His family announced his death on Wednesday from natural causes, noting that 'the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career,' while those close to him valued his humor, curiosity, wisdom and generosity. This was reported by BBC News and euronews. The family added that he 'deeply valued the power of imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world' and helped others find their own voice.

A career spanning six decades

Skerritt was born in 1933 in Detroit and served in the US Air Force before his acting career. His debut was the 1962 Korean War film War Hunt, which also marked the screen debuts of Robert Redford, Sydney Pollack and Francis Ford Coppola. Redford, who died last year, became his lifelong friend — in a 2007 interview with the Seattle Times he spoke of a 'deep connection' and the closeness of their values. Skerritt's breakthrough came with the role of military surgeon Duke Forrest in the 1970 comedy M*A*S*H, which received five Oscar nominations. Then came the ship's captain in Alien (1979) with Sigourney Weaver, instructor Viper in Top Gun (1986) with Tom Cruise, the husband of Sally Field's heroine in Steel Magnolias, and a role in Contact with Jodie Foster. On television, he won an Emmy in 1993 as best actor in a drama series for his role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in David E. Kelley's Picket Fences — both of his Emmy nominations were connected specifically with that series. Among his later works are the drama Brothers & Sisters (2007–2009) and guest roles in The West Wing, Mad Men and other series.

Condolences and remembrance

Julia Roberts, who played Skerritt's daughter in Steel Magnolias, posted a photo of them together and called the actor 'a shining light of a gentle, delicate man.' Lauren Holly, who played his deputy in Picket Fences, called him 'our leader' and recalled how he cared for his family — both his home family and his 'work family' — as well as for the planet and its inhabitants. Beyond acting, Skerritt co-founded the film school TheFilmSchool in Seattle and the Red Badge Project, which helps veterans work through PTSD, anxiety and depression through writing. According to the BBC, the actor was inspired in part by filming A River Runs Through It, and created the documentary series Reflections of the River about America's rivers, supporting their preservation. Skerritt is survived by his third wife Julie Tokashiki, five children and several grandchildren.

Actor Tom Skerritt is seen with his mouth open, apparently talking, and smiling. He is wearing a black buttoned-up shirt, rimless glasses and a grey suit coat. He appears to be outside.Image source, REUTERS/Fred Prouser/File Photo
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Skerritt served in the US Air Force before pursuing an acting career

Actor Tom Skerritt in a scene from the movie 'Alien' in 1979.Image source, Getty Images
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Actor Tom Skerritt in a scene from the movie 'Alien' in 1979

Julia Roberts and Tom Skerritt attend the premiere of 'Steel Magnolias' at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on November 5, 1989.Image source, Getty Images
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Skerritt starred with Julia Roberts in the film Steel Magnolias

(L-R) English actress Joan Collins, American actor Morgan Freeman, English and American actress Jessica Tandy and American actor Tom Skerritt in the press room during the 47th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, 20th January 1990.Image source, Getty Images
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Skerritt was seen with fellow actors Joan Collins, Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy at the 47th Golden Globe Awards in January 1990