Julia Roberts Honors "Steel Magnolias" Co-Star Tom Skerritt
The actress remembered the late actor, who died at 93, as "a shining light."
Julia Roberts paid tribute to her "Steel Magnolias" co-star Tom Skerritt, affectionately remembering him as "a shining light" following his death at age 93. Roberts shared her tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of herself and Skerritt from an emotional scene in the 1989 film.
In the movie, Skerritt played Drum Eatenton, the father of Roberts' character, Shelby Eatenton Latcherie. The scene depicted was when Drum learned that Shelby was expecting a child. Roberts captioned the poignant image with "A shining light of a gentle man. RIP 💔."
Skerritt died of natural causes on October 21, his family confirmed in a statement. The family expressed that they are "deeply saddened" and "heartbroken" by his passing. They described Skerritt not only for his acting career but also for his "humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives."
Beyond his role in "Steel Magnolias," Skerritt was widely recognized for his portrayal of Commander Mike "Viper" Metcalf in the iconic film "Top Gun." His career spanned decades, including notable roles in "Alien" (1979), "The Dead Zone" (1983), and "A River Runs Through It" (1992). He also appeared in numerous television series throughout his career, such as "Combat!" and "Gunsmoke."
Skerritt's family also highlighted his passions, stating they included "imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices." The family concluded their statement by thanking fans and colleagues for their support and requesting privacy during their grief.
Skerritt is survived by his wife, Julia Tokashiki, five children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His last on-screen appearance was in 2025, in the western drama "Broke."