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Tom Skerritt, known for films such as ‘Alien’ and ‘Top Gun’, has died. He was 93 years old.
Skerritt died of natural causes Wednesday, according to his family.
“He was the beloved husband of Julie, father of Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin and Emiko, grandfather of Sarah, Madison, Sunny, Louisa and Georgia, and great-grandfather of Marigold and Ravi,” his family said in a statement to the media.
“We are heartbroken by his loss,” the statement continued. “The world knew Tom through his incredible acting career, but we also knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and love he brought to our lives. He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their voices.”
“We are truly grateful for the love and support shown by his friends, colleagues, and fans.” He continued, “We ask that the family’s privacy be protected due to their grief,” and added, “Memorial-related details will be shared at a later date.”
Born in Detroit on August 25, 1933, Skerritt served in the U.S. Air Force before studying at Wayne State University and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he pursued acting.
He made his feature film debut in the 1962 war drama “War Hunt,” and gained further attention in 1970 with Robert Altman’s anti-war satire “MAS*H.” He went on to appear in a string of major films, including playing starship captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic “Alien,” flight instructor Mike “Viper” Metcalf in “Top Gun” and the father of Brad Pitt’s character in “A River Runs Through It.” His other works include “The Dead Zone,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Harold and Maude.”
On television, Skerritt played Sheriff Jimmy Brock on CBS’s “Picket Fences,” an acclaimed drama that ran from 1992 to 1996. For his performance, he won the 1993 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and received two Golden Globe nominations.
In addition to acting, Skerritt helped found TheFilmSchool in Seattle to support emerging storytellers. He also co-founded the Red Badge Project, which uses writing and storytelling to help veterans overcome post-traumatic stress and other challenges.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children.