Actor Tom Skerritt, known for Top Gun and Alien, dies at 93

Summarised from 8 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 21:28 · Archive

Tom Skerritt, the actor best known for roles in Top Gun, Alien and the television series Picket Fences, has died at 93 of natural causes.

Tom Skerritt, the actor known for roles as Captain Dallas in Alien, Commander Mike 'Viper' Metcalf in Top Gun and Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the television series Picket Fences, has died at 93. His family confirmed his death on Wednesday from natural causes.

Skerritt had a six-decade career in film and television. His film roles included appearances in M*A*S*H, A River Runs Through It, Turning Point opposite Shirley MacLaine, Steel Magnolias as Sally Field's husband, Ted, and Contact. In 1979, he starred alongside Sigourney Weaver in the sci-fi film Alien, which spawned three sequels and several crossover projects. He played the tough flight instructor in the 1986 megahit Top Gun.

On television, Skerritt won an Emmy Award in 1993 for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work in Picket Fences, a drama created by David E Kelley. He was nominated for another Emmy for the same role in 1995. The ensemble cast of Picket Fences was nominated for SAG Awards in 1995 and 1996.

His family said in a statement that they are 'deeply saddened' and 'heartbroken' by his passing. 'While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humour, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives,' they said. They noted that he cared deeply about 'imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices'.

The BBC reports that Skerritt co-founded TheFilmSchool in Seattle to support next-generation filmmakers and storytellers. His family said he will be remembered 'for his belief that stories can help people heal, find purpose, and create change'. A quote in one outlet from a 1997 interview described him as 'a character actor locked in a leading man's body'.

Skerritt is survived by his wife Julie, whom he married in 1996, five children — Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin and Emiko — five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He had previously been married to Charlotte Shanks and Sue Oran. His family has asked for privacy as they grieve, noting that information regarding a memorial will be shared at a later date.

How it is being reported

• Tom Skerritt, Alien and Top Gun actor, dies aged 93The actor, who also had roles in M*A*S*H, A River Runs Through It and Picket Fences, dies of natural causes Tom Skerritt, the actor known for roles in Alien and Top Gun, has died at the age of 93. His publicist confirmed to Variety that he died from natural causes. Continue reading...The Guardian · 22 Oct, 21:19
• Actor Tom Skerritt, who played dads, cops and commanding officers, has diedSkerritt was Captain Dallas in Alien , Viper in Top Gun , and a small town sheriff in the TV series Picket Fences .NPR · 22 Oct, 21:12
• Emmy-winning US actor Tom Skerritt, known for ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Picket Fences’, dies at 93US actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles as the doomed caption in 1979's "Alien", a tough flight instructor in the 1986 megahit “Top Gun” and who won an Emmy award winner for his work in the television series “Picket Fences”, has died at 93, his family said in a statement.France 24 · 22 Oct, 21:11
• US actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in Picket Fences, Mash and Alien, dies aged 93The actor died on Wednesday of natural causes, his family said.BBC News · 22 Oct, 20:56
• 'Top Gun' star Tom Skerritt dead at 93"Top Gun" star Tom Skerritt died of natural causes on Wednesday, his family confirmed to Fox News Digital. The actor, also known for his roles in "Picket Fences and "M*A*S*H," was 93.Fox News · 22 Oct, 20:39
• Tom Skerritt, known for roles in "Alien," "Picket Fences," dies at 93Tom Skerritt died of natural causes, his family said in a statement.CBS News · 22 Oct, 20:39
• Tom Skerritt, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Steel Magnolias’ actor, dead at 93The actor also starred in the TV series "Picket Fences."New York Post · 22 Oct, 20:38
• Actor Tom Skerritt, known for roles in Top Gun and Alien, has diedActor Tom Skerritt, best known for roles in Top Gun and Alien, has died at the age of 93.Sky News · 22 Oct, 20:28

In this story: Tom Skerritt · Sigourney Weaver · Shirley MacLaine · Sally Field · David E Kelley · Seattle · TheFilmSchool

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