Tom Skerritt Dies at 93 After Six-Decade Career

Veteran actor Tom Skerritt has died at the age of 93 following natural causes. His family announced his death on Wednesday, expressing heartbreak over losing an individual known for humor and generosity.

Born in Detroit in August 1933, Skerritt served in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing acting. He made his film debut alongside Robert Redford in "War Hunt" (1962) and later appeared in Ridley Scott's horror classic "Alien" as a crew member on board the Nostromo.

His career spanned more than six decades, featuring prominent roles opposite Tom Cruise in "Top Gun," Sally Field and Julia Roberts in "Steel Magnolias," and Donald Sutherland in Robert Altman's M*A*S*H. On television, he achieved significant success as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the CBS series Picket Fences (1992–1996), a performance that earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.

Skerritt also directed his own film and co-founded TheFilmSchool in Seattle to support aspiring filmmakers. Additionally, he helped establish the Red Badge Project to assist military veterans with mental health challenges.