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Tom Skerritt, best known for big-screen roles in “Top Gun” and “Steel Magnolias” as well as the TV series “Picket Fences,” has died. He was 93.
The actor’s family confirmed his death from natural causes on Wednesday in a statement to People, noting that they are “deeply saddened” and “heartbroken” by his passing.
“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 loved ones said.
Skerritt’s family remembered him for having a passion for “imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the love and support being shown by his friends, colleagues, and fans,” their statement concluded. “We ask for privacy as our family grieves. Information regarding a memorial will be shared at a later date.”
Skerritt is survived by his wife, Julie, and his five children — Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin and Emiko — as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He’d been married to Julie since 1996, having previously been wed to Charlotte Shanks and Sue Oran.
The actor was born in Detriot in 1933 and served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955.
Following his enlistment, he eventually made his feature film debut in the 1962 film “War Hunt” and went on to make his big break in the 1970 film “M*A*S*H,” in which he played Captain Augustus Bedford “Duke” Forrest.
Skerritt’s other major film roles included playing Captain Arthur Dallas in “Alien” (1979), Sheriff George Bannerman in “The Dead Zone” (1983), Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in “Top Gun” (1986), Drum Eatenton in “Steel Magnolias” (1989), Reverend MacLean in “A River Runs Through It” (1992) and National Security Advisor David Drumlin in “Contact” (1997).
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