Tom Skerritt, the face of ‘Top Gun’s’ toughest teacher, dies at 93

Tom Skerritt, the iconic US actor known for his roles in Top Gun, Alien, and A River Runs Through It, has passed away at the age of 93. According to his family, he died last Wednesday due to natural causes. In a statement, they paid tribute to his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and love, which enriched their lives. Skerritt grew up in Detroit, the son of a businessman and a housewife, and later studied filmmaking at UCLA after serving in the US Air Force.

He began his acting career with a role in the 1962 film War Hunt, where he played a sergeant alongside Robert Redford. Despite early setbacks, Skerritt's career blossomed with roles in M.A.S.H., Thieves Like Us, and the acclaimed Alien. He is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of the strict flight instructor in Top Gun, where he famously told his students, "No points for second place."

Skerritt also had a successful run in television, notably as the kind-hearted sheriff in Picket Fences and the husband in Steel Magnolias. His career extended to theatre, directing and starring in Our Town and A Time to Kill. Skerritt is survived by his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children.