Emmy-winning actor Tom Skerritt, with roles in Alien and Top Gun, dies at 93
Acclaimed actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles in Alien, Top Gun, and the series Picket Fences, has died at age 93. His family remembered him for his dedication to storytelling, his service in the Air Force, and his versatile career spanning film and television.
Why it matters
Skerritt was a respected figure in Hollywood, bridging the gap between character acting and leading roles for decades.
Skerritt died Wednesday of natural causes, his family said in a statement.
"While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humour, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into our lives. He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices," the statement said.
Skerritt was twice nominated for an Emmy — both for Picket Fences , winning outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993. Other career highlights included playing Shirley MacLaine's patient husband in The Turning Point , Sally Field's husband in Steel Magnolias and a scheming opportunist who stands in the way of Jodie Foster's attempt to communicate with extraterrestrial life in Contact .
Headlinne story · 6 newsrooms
Tom Skerritt Dies at Age 93 After Storied Acting Career
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