Tom Skerritt, Picket Fences And Top Gun Star, Dead At 93

Actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles in Picket Fences, Top Gun, and Alien, has passed away at the age of 93 due to natural causes, his family announced. Born as Thomas Samuel Skerritt, he was revered for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, and generosity. His family emphasized his profound love for imagination, creativity, storytelling, veterans, nature, and helping others express themselves. Tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and fans, urging the Skerritt family to seek privacy during their grieving process.

Skerritt's acting journey began with a comedic role as surgeon Duke Forrest in the 1970 film M*A*S*H, which later became a beloved TV series. He then took on iconic sci-fi roles, such as Dallas, captain of the Nostromo, in Alien (1979), and Viper, Tom Cruise's flight instructor, in Top Gun (1986). His filmography also includes Steel Magnolias, Poltergeist III, A River Runs Through It, and Contact.

On television, Skerritt starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in David E. Kelley's Picket Fences, which aired from 1992 to 1996. The show earned critical acclaim, winning two Emmys for best drama series, and Skerritt himself took home the Emmy for best lead actor in a drama series in 1993. He also appeared in NBC's Cheers as Evan Drake, a recurring character in its sixth season. Other TV appearances include roles in Brothers and Sisters, Will & Grace, and The West Wing.

Tom Skerritt leaves behind a vast and influential body of work, having carved an enduring legacy in Hollywood over a six-decade-long career.