Emmy-winning actor Tom Skerritt, of Alien and Top Gun, dies at 93
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The gist
American actor Tom Skerritt, known for Alien, Top Gun and Picket Fences, died of natural causes at 93.
His 60-plus-year career spanned supporting roles and an Emmy-winning TV lead.
Background
Tom Skerritt was an Emmy-winning American actor whose credits included "Alien," "Top Gun," "Picket Fences," "M\A\S\H" and "Steel Magnolias." He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, made his feature debut in 1962's "War Hunt," and broke through in Robert Altman's 1970 film "M\A\S\H." Over a 60-plus year career he was often memorable in supporting roles, and on "Picket Fences" he played the lead, Sheriff Jimmy Brock, winning an Emmy for best lead actor in a drama series.
How it unfolded
- Aug 25, 1933Tom Skerritt was born in Los Angeles, California.
- 1962He made his feature film debut in "War Hunt."
- 1970He played Captain Augustus Bedford "Duke" Forrest in Robert Altman's "M\A\S\H," his first big break in film.
- 1979He played the doomed Captain Dallas in the science-fiction thriller "Alien."
- 1986He starred alongside Tom Cruise in "Top Gun" as Cdr. Mike "Viper" Metcalf.
- 1992 -96He played small-town Wisconsin sheriff Jimmy Brock on the CBS series "Picket Fences," winning an Emmy for best lead actor in a drama series.
- Oct 21, 2026Skerritt died of natural causes, according to his family.
- Oct 22, 2026His publicist confirmed the death to CBS News; he was 93. His family confirmed it to NBC News, Deadline and People, and a funeral home obituary announced a service that day.
Who’s saying what
- Family
- In a statement, the family said they are "heartbroken" and that while the world knew him through his acting career, they knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and love.
- Family
- The family told NBC News he "cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices."
- Family
- The family told People they are "incredibly grateful" for the support of friends, colleagues and fans and asked for privacy while they grieve, saying memorial details will come later.
Still unverified
Sources differ on the date of death: CBS, NBC, ABC News, ABC7, the New York Times and Page Six say he died Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2026), while a funeral home obituary says he passed away on October 22, 2026. The New York Times says the family's statement provided no further details, and CBS News, NBC News and ABC News label their reports as breaking or developing stories subject to updates.