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The short version

  • Tom Skerritt died at age 93 from natural causes, his family confirmed in a statement.
  • He was best known for roles in 'Alien,' 'Top Gun,' and the TV series 'Picket Fences,' for which he won an Emmy.
  • Skerritt's career spanned decades, including notable stage work and collaborations with Robert Redford.

Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor renowned for portraying solid, wry authority figures in some of cinema and television's most memorable productions, has died. He was 93. His family announced that he passed away on Wednesday from natural causes. In a statement, they described him as a man defined by humor, curiosity, wisdom, and generosity, noting his deep care for storytelling, veterans, and the natural world.

Skerritt's career was marked by versatility, allowing him to move seamlessly between television and feature films. He is perhaps best known for his role as Captain Dallas in the 1979 sci-fi horror classic 'Alien' and as Major Mike 'Iceman' Metcalf, the flight instructor in 'Top Gun.' On television, he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993 for his portrayal of Sheriff Jim Howie in 'Picket Fences.' He received two Emmy nominations for the role.

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Born into a middle-class family in Detroit, Skerritt grew up with two brothers and a sister who died in childhood. His father was a small businessman, and his mother was a housewife. After spending four years in the Air Force, he attended Wayne State University before transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles, to study filmmaking. He cited viewing 'Citizen Kane' as the inspiration for his pursuit of film.

His entry into acting began with a theater production of 'The Rainmaker' in Los Angeles, which led to his first film role in 'War Hunt,' a 1962 independent Korean War movie. The film marked the debuts of Skerritt, Robert Redford, Sydney Pollack, and Francis Ford Coppola. Although Redford won the lead role that Skerritt had also auditioned for, the two men developed a lifelong friendship. Redford later cast Skerritt in 'A River Runs Through It,' giving him the role of Rev. John Maclean.

Skerritt's filmography includes significant supporting roles in major productions. He played the patient husband of Shirley MacLaine in 'Turning Point' and Sally Field's husband in 'Steel Magnolias.' In 'Contact,' he portrayed a scheming opportunist who obstructed Jodie Foster's character from communicating with extraterrestrial life. His ability to balance leading man presence with character actor depth was noted by critics and peers alike.

Beyond screen work, Skerritt had a notable stage career. He served as the narrator in 'Our Town' at Seattle's Intiman Theatre in 2004. He made his Broadway debut in 2013 in an adaptation of John Grisham's 'A Time to Kill,' playing a disgraced and drunken lawyer. The Associated Press praised his performance, noting he nicely pulled off the charming yet flawed character.

Skerritt often reflected on his unique position in the industry. In a 1997 interview with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, he shared that a writer once described him as 'a character actor locked in a leading man's body,' a compliment he cherished. This duality allowed him to navigate various genres and mediums throughout his long career.

His friendship with Robert Redford was particularly significant. Redford, who died last year, spoke highly of Skerritt's integrity and shared values. 'There was such a deep connection we made with each other that it matured into a level-headed friendship,' Redford said in 2007. This bond highlighted the personal connections that sustained Skerritt through his professional journey.

As tributes pour in, colleagues remember Skerritt as a shining light in the entertainment industry. His contributions to film and television have left an indelible mark on popular culture. From the tense corridors of the Nostromo in 'Alien' to the small-town dynamics of 'Picket Fences,' Skerritt brought authenticity and depth to every role.

The loss of Tom Skerritt marks the end of an era for classic Hollywood talent. His legacy will endure through his extensive body of work, which continues to entertain and inspire new generations of viewers. The industry mourns a man who not only entertained but also embodied the professionalism and grace that defined his generation of actors.

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Go to the original reporting

  • PBS NewsHour↗Tom Skerritt, Emmy-winning actor with roles in 'Alien', 'Top Gun' and 'Picket Fences,' dies at 93
  • People.com↗Tom Skerritt Remembered by His Costars After His Death at 93: ‘A Shining Light’
  • Variety↗Tom Skerritt, ‘Picket Fences’ and ‘Alien’ Star, Dies at 93
  • NPR↗Actor Tom Skerritt, who played dads, cops and commanding officers, has died