Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor celebrated for his roles in Alien and Top Gun, has died at the age of 93. He passed away on Wednesday at his home in Seattle after a career that spanned 65 years.
His family confirmed that the actor died of natural causes. In a statement, they said: "While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humour, 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."
Early Life and Military Service
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1933, Skerritt served four years in the United States Air Force after graduating from high school. He then attended UCLA, where he majored in English but developed an interest in acting and directing.
After appearing in a production of The Rainmaker, he was quickly chosen for a part in the film War Hunt, which inspired him to leave university without obtaining his degree to pursue acting full time.
Breakthrough Roles in Film and Television
Following small roles in television series, Skerritt found fame when he was cast as Duke Forrest in Robert Altman's 1970 feature film M*A*S*H. He reportedly turned down the chance to reprise his role in the TV series, believing the story would not suit a half-hour sitcom format. The TV series went on to run for more than 250 episodes over 11 seasons, and its finale was, for almost 30 years, the most-watched broadcast in the United States.
In 1979, he held the leading role of Dallas in Alien opposite Sigourney Weaver. He later starred as Commander Mike Metcalfe in the 1986 film Top Gun.
Award-Winning Television Career
Skerritt also enjoyed television success, holding a recurring role as Evan Drake on the sitcom Cheers before winning an Emmy for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the family drama Picket Fences in the early 1990s.
In the 2000s, he appeared in series such as Will & Grace, Law and Order and The West Wing. His final screen appearance came in 2025, playing Cliff in the Western drama Broke alongside Wyatt Russell and Dennis Quaid.
Personal Life and Tributes
Skerritt was initially married to Charlotte Shanks from 1957 until 1972, with whom he had three children. He was later married to Sue Oran from the late 1970s until the early 1990s, with whom he had a son. He is survived by his wife Julie Tokashiki, whom he married in 1996, and their daughter.
Tributes poured in for the star, with one fan writing on X: "An endless credit of movies by Tom Skerritt, a great actor and person. Thank You Tom!" Another wrote: "Tom Skerritt was rarely your favorite character in a movie but he always seemed to be an important part of many people's favorite movies. So solid. RIP" A third said: "I think what made Tom Skerritt special was his ability to make every character feel authentic. He didn't need to dominate every scene to leave an impression. Sometimes, all it took was his presence, his voice, and the quiet authority he brought to the screen."
