Tom Skerritt, 'Top Gun' and 'Alien' star, dies at 93
The actor appeared in more than 150 roles but won an Emmy for just one (a still from a movie)
American actor Tom Skerritt died at age 93. Over his decades-long career, he appeared in more than 150 film and television roles and won an Emmy Award, according to People.
Details available about Tom Skerritt's death
The actor died of natural causes on October 21, his family announced in a statement. They remembered him as a talented performer and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
"We knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives," the statement said.
His family also recalled his passion for the arts, his support for veterans, his care for the environment, and his efforts to help others find their own voices.
"We are incredibly grateful for the love and support being shown by his friends, colleagues, and fans," they added.
The star dies at 93 (a still from a movie)
Life path and career
The actor was born on August 25, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Air Force, where he served as a personnel classification specialist.
Skerritt later studied at Henry Ford College, Wayne State University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He initially studied English literature and directing, seeing acting as a way to overcome his shyness.
Film industry representatives noticed him during a university production of the play "The Rainmaker." Skerritt made his feature film debut in the 1962 movie "War Hunt."
Director Robert Altman later played an important role in his career, casting him in the 1970 military comedy "M*A*S*H." Skerritt subsequently played Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott's science fiction film "Alien" (1979).
In 1986, Skerritt portrayed Commander Mike "Viper" Metcalf in "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise. The film became one of the era's biggest hits and cemented Skerritt's popularity with a wide audience.
Another notable role came in the comedy-drama "Steel Magnolias," in which he played Drum Eatenton. Other notable Skerritt films include "The Turning Point," "Poison Ivy," "A River Runs Through It," and others.
Tom Skerritt appeared in more than 150 roles (a still from a movie)
Which role earned Skerritt an Emmy
One of the actor's greatest professional achievements was his role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the drama series "Picket Fences," which aired on CBS.
In 1993, Skerritt won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe in 1994 and 1995 and received two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
After the series ended, the actor continued working in film and television. His career ultimately included more than 150 acting credits.
Skerritt's personal life
The actor was married three times. His first marriage, to Charlotte Shanks, lasted from 1957 to 1972, and they had three children: Andy, Erin, and Matt.
Skerritt later married Sue Oran. They had a son, Colin, and divorced in 1992.
In 1998, he married Julie Tokashiki, who works in film and television. They met on the set of "Picket Fences" and raised an adopted daughter, Emiko.
The actor is survived by his wife, five children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
