Actor Tom Skerritt, Star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Alien,’ Dies at 93

WHO:

Los Angeles Times - Skerritt was born in Detroit and is survived by his wife, Julie, and children Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin and Emiko.

Yahoo - Julia Roberts described Tom Skerritt as “A shining light of a gentle man.”

Yahoo - Kathy Baker called Skerritt her “dear friend” and said he taught her a great deal while they worked together on “Picket Fences.”

BBC - Holly said Skerritt’s example made those years “such a joy” and recalled sharing “fits of crippling laughter” with him.

CBS News Entertainment - Skerritt was an Air Force veteran and father of five.

CNN - Tom Skerritt, an actor known for “Alien,” “Top Gun,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Picket Fences,” died at age 93.

CBS News US - Skerritt’s family said he died of natural causes.

Fox News - Skerritt’s family confirmed his death to Fox News Digital.

NY Post - Skerritt starred in “Top Gun,” “Steel Magnolias” and the television series “Picket Fences.”

Rolling Stone TV Movies - The Emmy-winning actor also appeared in “M*A*S*H,” “Contact” and an arc on “Cheers.”

Deadline - Skerritt had a career spanning more than 60 years and was known for a quiet, powerful screen presence and infectious smile.

ABC News - Skerritt was a veteran actor who appeared in “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias.”

TMZ - Skerritt’s family confirmed his death; the Emmy-winning actor was known for “Top Gun,” “Alien” and “Picket Fences.”

Variety - Skerritt’s publicist confirmed his death; he was 93.

CNN - Skerritt is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

WHAT:

Los Angeles Times - Skerritt had more than 170 film and television credits, according to his IMDb page.

Los Angeles Times - Skerritt received a second Emmy nomination for “Picket Fences” in the year after his 1993 win.

Los Angeles Times - Skerritt said at the 2022 Satellite Awards, “It is so responsible for us to do the best work we possibly can for the audience who comes in to pay the tickets. I’ve always seen it that way.”

Los Angeles Times - Skerritt had directing and producing credits and devoted time to environmental conservation, aspiring filmmakers and veterans.

Yahoo - Skerritt played Drum, the father of Julia Roberts’ character, Shelby, in “Steel Magnolias.”

Yahoo - In a scene from “Steel Magnolias,” Drum announced that he was going to be a grandfather after Shelby revealed she was expecting.

Yahoo - Skerritt’s character fired shots into his yard to scare away birds before Shelby’s wedding to Jackson, played by Dylan McDermott.

CNN - Skerritt’s family said, “We are heartbroken by his loss.”

CNN - Skerritt’s “A River Runs Through It” advice continued: “And so it’s those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them – we can love completely without complete understanding.”

BBC - Holly said Skerritt cared deeply for his family, including “the one at home and the one at work,” and for the planet and its inhabitants.

IJR - Skerritt supported storytelling and veterans through organizations he helped found.

CNN - In “Steel Magnolias,” M’Lynn says her husband could not be in the room when their daughter died: “Men are supposed to be made out of steel or something.”

CNN - Skerritt’s role in “Alien” was Captain Dallas, one of the crew members who aligned with Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley.

Boston.com - Skerritt was nominated for two Emmys for “Picket Fences” and won outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993.

CNN - In “Steel Magnolias,” Skerritt played the husband of Sally Field’s character and father of Julia Roberts’ character, Shelby.

CNN - Skerritt appeared in the 1977 Oscar-nominated film “The Turning Point,” starring Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine.

CNN - Skerritt appeared in “The Turning Point,” the 1977 Oscar-nominated film starring Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine; “The Dead Zone”; “Poison Ivy”; “Brothers & Sisters”; “Will & Grace”; “Ted”; and “A Hologram for the King.”

CNN - In “Top Gun,” Skerritt’s character Viper initially disapproved of Maverick’s bravado before taking him under his wing.

CNN - Skerritt played the patriarch and husband to Sally Field’s character in “Steel Magnolias.”

CNN - In “A River Runs Through It,” Skerritt’s character delivered the line, “For it is true, we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don’t know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted.”

Boston.com - Skerritt was nominated for two Emmys, both for “Picket Fences.”

CNN - Skerritt won a Primetime Emmy for outstanding lead actor for “Picket Fences,” in which he played a sheriff in a small town.

CNN - He played surgeon Duke Forrest in the 1970 film “M*A*S*H,” Captain Dallas in “Alien,” Viper in “Top Gun,” and a reverend in “A River Runs Through It.”

Variety - Skerritt won an Emmy in 1993.

CNN - His last acting credit was the film “Broke.”

WHERE:

Los Angeles Times - “Picket Fences” was set in Rome, a small town in Wisconsin.

Yahoo - “Steel Magnolias” is about a close-knit group of women living in small-town Louisiana.

Epoch Times Entertainment - Skerritt was photographed at the AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Shirley MacLaine in Culver City, California.

CNN - Skerritt’s early screen credits included Westerns, and he appeared in the television series “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.”

CNN - Skerritt studied at UCLA, where a college screening of “Citizen Kane” affected him.

WHEN:

Los Angeles Times - Skerritt’s acting career spanned from the early 1960s to the 2020s.

CNN - Skerritt’s final film credit, “Broke,” was released in 2025.

CNN - Skerritt said in 2020 that seeing “Citizen Kane” while attending UCLA profoundly affected him.

CNN - “Picket Fences” ran from 1992 to 1996.

WHY:

NBC News - Skerritt was remembered as believing stories can help people heal and create change.

CNN - Skerritt said he was “basically shy” and hoped playing someone unlike himself could help him become more outgoing and learn what it felt like to be on stage.

CNN - Skerritt said he was unable to speak in front of people and hoped acting could help him overcome his shyness and become more outgoing.

CNN - Skerritt said he hoped acting might help him overcome his shyness and become more outgoing.

CNN - Skerritt’s family said he died of natural causes.

CNN - Skerritt said he was shy and hoped acting could help him become more outgoing; he described himself as “a story guy.”

HOW:

Los Angeles Times - In “Top Gun,” Skerritt’s Viper told Maverick, “You have a confidence problem,” and advised him to evaluate what happened so he could apply what he learned.

CNN - Skerritt said he learned acting and filmmaking on the job, observing filmmakers Robert Altman and Ridley Scott early in his career.

CNN - Skerritt cofounded the Red Badge Project to help veterans address PTSD, anxiety and depression through writing and sharing their experiences.

CNN - He helped create and promote “Reflections of the River,” a documentary series about America’s rivers and protecting them.

CNN - His family described him as valuing “humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity” and said he cared about imagination, storytelling, service, veterans, nature and helping people share their voices.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 20:00 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, known for “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Picket Fences,” has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes. Across a career of more than 60 years and over 170 film and television credits, Skerritt brought a quiet authority to roles ranging from Captain Dallas in “Alien” to Viper in “Top Gun.” He won an Emmy for playing a small-town sheriff in “Picket Fences,” and appeared as the father of Julia Roberts’ character in “Steel Magnolias.” Skerritt was an Air Force veteran who also directed and produced, and supported veterans, aspiring filmmakers and environmental conservation. He cofounded a project using writing and shared stories to help veterans facing trauma and mental health challenges. Julia Roberts called him “a shining light of a gentle man,” while Kathy Baker remembered him as a dear friend and mentor. Skerritt is survived by his wife, five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 14:19 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, known for “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias,” has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes and called themselves heartbroken; he is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Across a career spanning more than 60 years, Skerritt also starred in “M*A*S*H” and “Picket Fences,” earning a Primetime Emmy for his role as a small-town sheriff. In “Steel Magnolias,” he played the husband of Sally Field’s character and father of Julia Roberts’ Shelby. Roberts remembered him as “a shining light of a gentle man,” while Kathy Baker called him a dear friend and praised what he taught her. Skerritt was an Air Force veteran and father of five. He cofounded a project supporting veterans and helped promote a documentary series about protecting America’s rivers. His final film credit was “Broke,” released in 2025.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 06:02 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, known for “Alien,” “Top Gun,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Picket Fences,” has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes and called his loss heartbreaking. Skerritt’s career spanned more than six decades, with a quiet, powerful screen presence and an infectious smile. He played Captain Dallas in “Alien,” Viper in “Top Gun,” and a small-town sheriff in “Picket Fences,” winning a Primetime Emmy for the role. He also appeared in “M*A*S*H” and “A River Runs Through It,” where his character’s reflections on love and understanding remain memorable. An Air Force veteran and father of five, Skerritt supported veterans through a project he cofounded to help people share experiences and address trauma. He also championed storytelling and environmental protection. His family said he valued humor, curiosity, generosity and service. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 05:04 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, known for “Alien,” “Top Gun,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Picket Fences,” has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes. An Air Force veteran and father of five, Skerritt built a career spanning more than 60 years, earning an Emmy for playing a small-town sheriff in “Picket Fences.” He also appeared in “M*A*S*H,” “The Turning Point” and “A River Runs Through It,” and played Viper, the mentor to Maverick in “Top Gun.” In “Steel Magnolias,” he portrayed the husband of Sally Field’s character and father of Julia Roberts’ character. Skerritt’s family remembered his humor, generosity, curiosity and care for nature, veterans and storytelling. He cofounded the Red Badge Project, which uses writing and shared experiences to support veterans facing trauma and mental health challenges. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 01:28 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, known for films including “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias,” has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes. Across a career of more than 60 years, Skerritt brought a steady presence to roles ranging from Captain Dallas in “Alien” to Viper in “Top Gun.” He played the sheriff at the center of “Picket Fences,” earning two Emmy nominations and winning the lead actor award in 1993. In “Steel Magnolias,” he portrayed the husband of Sally Field’s character and father of Julia Roberts’ Shelby. Skerritt was an Air Force veteran and father of five, and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also cofounded the Red Badge Project, which supports veterans coping with trauma and mental health challenges through storytelling. His final film credit was “Broke,” released in 2025.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 00:06 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, known for roles in “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias,” has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes; he is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Across a career spanning more than 60 years, Skerritt played Captain Dallas in “Alien” and Viper in “Top Gun.” In “Steel Magnolias,” he was the husband of Sally Field’s character and father of Julia Roberts’ character. He also starred as a small-town sheriff in “Picket Fences,” earning two Emmy nominations and winning the 1993 award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series. His screen credits included “M*A*S*H,” “The Turning Point” and “A River Runs Through It.” Beyond acting, Skerritt cofounded a project supporting veterans with PTSD and promoted a documentary series about America’s rivers. His last acting credit was the film “Broke.”

(UPDATED October 22, 2026 23:04 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, whose career spanned more than 60 years, has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes; he is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Skerritt was known for a quiet, powerful screen presence and roles in “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias.” In “Top Gun,” he played Viper, the flight instructor who initially challenged Maverick before taking him under his wing. He also appeared in “M*A*S*H,” “The Turning Point” and “A River Runs Through It.” Skerritt won a Primetime Emmy for playing a small-town sheriff in “Picket Fences,” which ran from 1992 to 1996. He once said he turned to acting hoping to overcome his shyness, and described himself as “a story guy.” Beyond acting, he cofounded a project supporting veterans with PTSD and helped promote a documentary series about America’s rivers.

(UPDATED October 22, 2026 22:09 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, whose screen career spanned more than six decades, has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes, and he is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Skerritt was known for roles in “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias,” as well as playing a small-town sheriff in “Picket Fences.” He won a Primetime Emmy for that series, which ran from 1992 to 1996. His other credits included “M*A*S*H,” “A River Runs Through It,” “The Dead Zone” and “Cheers.” Early in his career, he appeared in Westerns and television series including “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.” Beyond acting, Skerritt cofounded a project supporting veterans dealing with trauma and helped promote a documentary series about America’s rivers. His family said he valued humor, curiosity, generosity, service and storytelling.

(UPDATED October 22, 2026 21:06 UTC)

Actor Tom Skerritt, whose career spanned more than 60 years, has died at 93. His family said he died of natural causes. Skerritt was widely known for roles in “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias,” as well as the television series “Picket Fences.” He won a Primetime Emmy in 1993 for playing a small-town sheriff on the show, which ran from 1992 to 1996. His other credits included “M*A*S*H,” “Contact,” “Cheers” and “A River Runs Through It”; his last acting role was in the film “Broke.” Beyond acting, Skerritt cofounded the Red Badge Project, helping veterans address mental health challenges through writing and sharing their experiences. He also helped create a documentary series about America’s rivers and their protection. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.