Tom Skerritt Dies: Alien and Top Gun Actor Was 93

Tom Skerritt, the veteran actor known for his roles in Top Gun and Alien, has died at the age of 93. His family released a statement expressing their deep sorrow, noting that Skerritt was beloved for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and his profound impact on those around him. Skerritt began his career in the 1970s, beginning with a comedic role in M*A*S*H, before landing a pivotal part in Ridley Scott's Alien, where he portrayed Captain Arthur Dallas.

His career spanned decades, with notable appearances in films such as Steel Magnolias, SpaceCamp, and A River Runs Through It. Skerritt's portrayal of Commander Mike Viper in Top Gun became iconic, overseeing the training of top Navy pilots including Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to be a versatile actor, appearing in a range of films including A River Runs Through It and Singles.

A significant portion of Skerritt's career was on television, notably as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the Emmy-winning series Picket Fences. Skerritt was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1933 and served in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He was married three times and had five children.