Emmy-winning actor Tom Skerritt dies of natural causes at 93

Tom Skerritt, the prolific actor known for his roles in 'Alien,' 'Top Gun,' and the television series 'Picket Fences,' has died at the age of 93. His family and publicist confirmed he passed away on Wednesday from natural causes.

Skerritt's family released a statement expressing their heartbreak, describing the actor as a man of humor, curiosity, and wisdom. They noted his deep commitment to veterans, storytelling, and the natural world. Fox News reported that the family has requested privacy and will share information regarding a memorial service at a later date.

During a career that lasted more than 60 years, Skerritt appeared in over 170 productions. He was widely recognized for playing Captain Dallas in the 1979 science fiction film 'Alien' and Commander Mike "Viper" Metcalf in the 1986 hit 'Top Gun.' On television, he won an Emmy Award in 1993 for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the drama 'Picket Fences.'

According to The Guardian, Skerritt originally hesitated to join the cast of 'Alien' due to its low budget but eventually took the role after his early training with directors like Robert Altman. His breakthrough had come years earlier in Altman's 1970 film 'M*A*S*H.' Later notable film credits included 'Steel Magnolias,' 'A River Runs Through It,' and 'Contact.'

Beyond acting, Skerritt was active in the Seattle area, where he founded the digital media company Heyou Media in 2016. Fox News noted his work co-founding the Red Badge Project, an initiative designed to help veterans manage PTSD through the power of storytelling. He is survived by his wife, Julie, five children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Background

Born in Detroit in 1933, Skerritt served four years in the Air Force before studying filmmaking at UCLA. He made his professional film debut in the 1962 Korean War movie 'War Hunt' alongside other future stars like Robert Redford and Sydney Pollack.