Tom Skerritt dead at 93 leaves behind over 170 screen roles
From his breakout turn in MASH to his Emmy win for Picket Fences, the actor built a prolific body of work while quietly giving back to military veterans.
Actor Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning star known for his roles in Alien, Top Gun and Picket Fences, died of natural causes on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He was 93 years old.
His family confirmed his death on Thursday, sharing their grief and celebrating his life in a statement published by Extra and The Hollywood Reporter.
“Our family is deeply saddened to share that Tom Skerritt passed away on October 21, 2026, from natural causes,” his family said. “He was a loving husband to Julie; father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin, and Emiko; grandfather to Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia; and great-grandfather to Marigold and Ravi. We are heartbroken by his loss.”
A six-decade career on screen
Born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 25, 1933, Skerritt built an acting career that spanned more than 60 years. Over those six decades, he appeared in over 170 film and television productions, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Extra.
His notable film roles included Capt. Augustus Bedford “Duke” Forrest in M*A*S*H in 1970. In 1979, he took on the role of Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic Alien.
Skerritt also starred as Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in 1986’s Top Gun. His other famous film credits included Thomas “Drum” Eatenton in Steel Magnolias in 1989 and the Reverend Maclean in A River Runs Through It in 1992.
Television acclaim and community work
On television, Skerritt starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the CBS drama series Picket Fences from 1992 to 1996. The role earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993.
He also had a recurring role as Evan Drake on season 6 of Cheers between 1987 and 1988.
Outside of acting, Skerritt founded the digital media company Heyou Media, co-founded The Film School in Seattle, and worked with storytelling programs for military veterans.
Tributes and memories
In their statement, his family remembered his character, passions and generosity beyond the screen.
“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,” his family said. “He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.”
Skerritt is survived by his wife Julie Tokashiki; children Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin, and Emiko; grandchildren Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia; and great-grandchildren Marigold and Ravi.
“We are incredibly grateful for the love and support being shown by his friends, colleagues, and fans. We ask for privacy as our family grieves. Information regarding a memorial will be shared at a later date,” his family added.
Individual tributes and statements from Hollywood colleagues have not yet been formally collated in initial breaking coverage. The precise geographical location where he passed away and the scheduling details for his upcoming memorial service have not been announced.
