Tom Skerritt, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Alien’ actor, dead at 93
Actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles in “Top Gun,” “Alien” and “MASH,” has died, his family announced. He was 93 years old.
Skerritt died of natural causes on Wednesday, according to a family statement shared with People and The Hollywood Reporter.
Skerritt’s film career spanned more than six decades. He played Army surgeon Duke Forrest in the 1970 film “MASH” and Dallas, captain of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, in Ridley Scott’s 1979 science fiction horror film “Alien.”
In “Top Gun,” released in 1986, he played Mike “Viper” Metcalf, the veteran fighter pilot and instructor who oversees the training of Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick. His other films included “Steel Magnolias,” “A River Runs Through It” and “Contact.”
On television, Skerritt starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in “Picket Fences,” a drama centered on a small Wisconsin town. The role earned him an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993.
“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 livesm” the family said. “He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.”
Skerritt is survived by his wife, Julie; five children, Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin and Emiko; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
“We are incredibly grateful for the love and support being shown by his friends, colleagues, and fans,” the family said.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
