Beloved veteran actor Tom Skerritt, known for roles in movies such as Top Gun and Alien, has died at age 93. His family has shared an emotional statement following his passing.
The acting world has lost a great one. Tom Skerritt died on October 21 from natural causes, his family confirmed.
“We are heartbroken by his loss,” the family said, per CBS. “While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives.”
Skerritt built an impressive career in Hollywood, appearing in more than 170 film and television productions. Born on August 25, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, he served in the US Air Force before pursuing an acting career.
He used his Air Force experience in his acting career, starring in many military roles.
Perhaps one of his most famous roles was exactly that. Skerritt starred in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, where he played Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf, the instructor who trained Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick.
Tom Skerritt, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘M*A*S*H’ star, dies at 93
He also starred as Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s 1979 science-fiction horror film Alien, becoming part of one of the genre’s most memorable casts.
On television, Skerritt was widely recognized for playing Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993. Other credits included Steel Magnolias and M*A*S*H.
While Tom Skerritt built an amazing acting career, he never forgot his military roots. He spent much of his career supporting veterans. For example, in 2012, he co-founded the Red Badge Project, an initiative that uses storytelling to help veterans dealing with the effects of trauma.
Skerritt’s final film role was in the 2025 Western drama Broke, alongside Dennis Quaid and Wyatt Russell. He is survived by his wife, Julie Tokashiki, five children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Rest in peace, Tom Skerritt. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Read more:
