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Tom Skerritt, who became famous for his work in films like “Alien” and “Top Gun” has died. He was 93.
According to his family, Skerritt died on Wednesday of natural causes.
“He was a beloved husband to Julie; father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko; grandfather to Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia; and great-grandfather to Marigold and Ravi,” his family said in a statement to the media about his death.
“We are heartbroken by his loss,” the statement continued. “Although the world knew Tom through his amazing career, we knew him for his humor, his curiosity, his wisdom, his generosity and the love he brought into our lives.
“We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown by his friends, colleagues and fans,” the statement concluded. “We ask for privacy while our family grieves. Information about a memorial will be shared at a later date.”
Born on August 25, 1933 in Detroit, Skerritt served in the US Air Force before studying at Wayne State University and the University of California, Los Angeles, and pursuing acting.
He made his feature film debut in the 1962 war drama “War Hunt” and gained wider attention in Robert Altman’s 1970 antiwar satire “MAS*H.” He went on to appear in a string of feature films, playing spaceship captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic “Alien,” flight instructor Mike “Viper” Metcalf in “Top Gun” and the father of Brad Pitt’s character in “A River Runs Through It.” His other credits included “The Dead Zone,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Harold and Maude.”
On television, Skerritt found one of his breakout roles as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on CBS’ “Picket Fences,” the acclaimed drama that ran from 1992 to 1996. His performance earned him a 1993 Primetime Emmy Award for lead actor in a drama series, along with two Golden Globe nominations.
In addition to acting, Skerritt helped found TheFilmSchool in Seattle to support emerging storytellers. He also co-founded the Red Badge Project, which uses writing and storytelling to help veterans work through post-traumatic stress and other challenges.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children.
