Tom Skerritt, Star of 'Alien' and 'Top Gun,' Dies at 93

Actor Tom Skerritt, celebrated for his roles in iconic films like "Alien" and "Top Gun," has died at the age of 93. His death on Wednesday, October 21, was attributed to natural causes, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Julia Roberts, who starred alongside Skerritt in the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias" where he played her father, shared a throwback photo and remembered him as "a shining light of a gentle man." The actress added a broken heart emoji to her tribute.

Kathy Baker, who worked with Skerritt on the 1990s drama series "Picket Fences," expressed her heartbreak, stating, "He taught me so much during our four years on Picket Fences." Baker played Dr. Jill Brock, while Skerritt portrayed Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the show, which aired from 1992 to 1996. "I couldn't have asked for a more gracious and kind actor to work with," she added.

Lauren Holly, another "Picket Fences" castmate, recalled Skerritt as "our leader" whose example made the years on the show a joy. She noted his deep care for his family, both at home and at work, and for the planet and its inhabitants. "He had a huge impact on my life," Holly wrote, remembering "fits of crippling laughter" they shared.

Justin Shenkarow, who played Matthew Brock on "Picket Fences," also paid tribute, writing, "Rest easy Tom. You'll be incredibly missed, thank you for gracing us with your presence and it was such a privilege working with you on Picket Fences." He described Skerritt as "a legend" who was loved by many.

Skerritt's family told The Hollywood Reporter that while the world knew him for his acting career, they knew him for his "humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into our lives." They added that he cared deeply about "imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices."

Throughout his six-decade career, Skerritt gained recognition for a wide array of roles. His portrayal of Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott's 1979 science-fiction masterpiece "Alien" is considered a landmark performance. He also played Commander Mike 'Viper' Metcalf in the 1986 film "Top Gun" alongside Tom Cruise.

Other notable film credits include "Steel Magnolias," Robert Redford's "A River Runs Through It," "The Turning Point" (1977), and Robert Altman's "MAS*H" (1970), where he played Captain Augustus 'Duke' Forrest.

On television, Skerritt won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in "Picket Fences." He also appeared in "Cheers," "Brothers & Sisters," "The West Wing," and "Will & Grace," among other series.

Skerritt's career extended to the stage, with appearances in "Our Town" and a Broadway debut in "A Time to Kill." His recent work included the upcoming Western drama "Broke."

Beyond his acting achievements, Skerritt was a supporter of military veterans and helped establish the Red Badge Project, an organization that uses storytelling to assist veterans. He received the International Press Academy's honorary Mary Pickford Award in 2022 for his artistic contributions.

Skerritt is survived by his wife, Julie Tokashiki, his five children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.