Hollywood star Tom Skerritt, best known for ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Steel Magnolias,’ dies at 93
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Veteran Hollywood actor Tom Skerritt, known for roles in films like ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Steel Magnolias,’ ‘M*A*S*H,’ and ‘Alien,’ as well as the 1990s series ‘Picket Fences,’ has died at the age of 93.
The news of his demise was announced in a statement by his family, as per The Hollywood Reporter. They shared that the actor died of natural causes in Seattle, Washington, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Tom Skerritt’s family is ‘heartbroken’ after his passing
In a heartfelt statement, the Hollywood veteran’s family said “We are heartbroken by his loss.” They added, “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.”
The statement further mentioned, “He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.”
His family also said that Skerritt will be remembered “for his belief that stories can help people heal, find purpose, and create change.”
Tom Skerritt had a remarkable career spanning six decades
The Emmy-winning actor made his debut in Terry Sanders-backed ‘War Hunt’ in 1962. His breakthrough came with Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H (1970), where he played the role of Duke Forrest.
Skerritt starred in over 170 films and television productions between 1962 and 2025, including films like ‘The Turning Point’ (1977), ‘Up in Smoke’ (1978), ‘Ice Castles’ (1978), ‘Alien’ (1979), ‘The Dead Zone’ (1983), ‘Top Gun’ (1986), ‘Steel Magnolias’ (1989), and ‘A River Runs Through It’ (1992).
He went on to play the lead role of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the TV show ‘Picket Fences‘ between 1992 and 1996. The project earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, as well as two Golden Globe Award nominations. Skerritt also had a recurring role as Evan Drake on the sixth season of the beloved sitcom ‘Cheers.’
In his career spanning nearly six decades, the actor also won a Saturn Award and a Western Heritage Award and earned three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, a Genie Award nomination, and an American Television Award nomination. He also received the International Press Academy's honorary Mary Pickford Award for “Outstanding Artistic Contribution to the Entertainment Industry” in 2022.
