Veteran actor Tom Skerritt, known for his performances in Alien and Top Gun and whose Hollywood career spanned from the 1960s to the 2020s, has died at the age of 93. His family confirmed in a statement that he died of natural causes on October 21.
Emmy-winning actor Tom Skerritt has died of natural causes
His family expressed their grief, remembering his humor, wisdom, and generosity. “We are heartbroken by his loss,” they said, as stated by TMZ. The family said, “While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives. He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices.”
Following his death, several of his former co-stars paid tribute to him. Julia Roberts, who appeared alongside Skerritt in Steel Magnolias in 1989, honored the late Emmy-winning actor on Instagram. She wrote, “A shining light of a gentle man. RIP.”
Lauren Holly reflected on her time working with Skerritt on Picket Fences in an Instagram post featuring a photo of the two from the series. She wrote, “I adored Tom Skerritt. I was lucky enough to work with him on more than one project, but the first was Picket Fences. He was our leader. His example made those years such a joy, and we all loved and respected him so much. He cared deeply for his family—both the one at home and the one at work.”
Justin Shenkarow, who appeared as Matthew Brock in the drama series, posted a clip from the show on Instagram. He paid tribute to Skerritt, saying that he would be greatly missed and that it had been a privilege to work with him on Picket Fences.
Born on August 25, 1933, in Detroit, Skerritt won an Emmy for his performance in David E. Kelley’s family drama Picket Fences, which ran for four seasons. Before making a name for himself in Hollywood, Skerritt served four years in the US Air Force. He made his film debut in the 1962 war movie War Hunt. The film also starred Robert Redford and Sydney Pollack. Skerritt’s breakthrough came eight years later. He appeared in Robert Altman’s MASH*, released in 1970. The film also received a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
