Tom Skerritt, Star of Alien and Picket Fences, Dies at 93

Tom Skerritt, the veteran actor known for his rugged charm and memorable performances in major cinematic and television hits such as Alien, Top Gun, and Picket Fences, died on Wednesday in Seattle at the age of 93. His family confirmed the passing, noting that he died from natural causes.

In a career spanning over six decades, Skerritt built a reputation as a reliable and commanding presence across more than 170 screen credits. Born in Detroit in 1933, he served a four-year tour in the U.S. Air Force before studying at Wayne State University and later transferring to UCLA to study filmmaking. His acting career launched unexpectedly after he was spotted in a local theater production, leading to his feature film debut in the 1962 independent war film War Hunt.

Skerritt achieved his major breakthrough in 1970 when he starred as Southern surgeon Duke Forrest in Robert Altman’s anti-establishment Korean War comedy M*A*S*H. The film became a massive box office hit and earned multiple Academy Award nominations. He went on to work with many of Hollywood's premier directors, appearing in Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude and Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking 1979 science-fiction masterpiece Alien, where he portrayed Captain Dallas of the Nostromo.

Reflecting on his decision to join Alien, Skerritt noted that he was initially hesitant due to the low budget, but changed his mind after viewing Scott's directorial debut, The Duellists. He also appreciated the script's focus on heroism, stating in a later interview that he liked the idea of the woman becoming the hero. Throughout his film career, he frequently collaborated with prominent directors and appeared alongside major stars, playing Air Force instructor Mike "Viper" Metcalf in 1986's Top Gun and portraying the patriarch of the MacLean family in Robert Redford's A River Runs Through It.

On television, Skerritt achieved widespread acclaim for portraying small-town sheriff Jimmy Brock in David E. Kelley’s quirky 1990s drama series Picket Fences. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993. His extensive television resume also featured memorable recurring roles as Evan Drake, Rebecca Howe's boss on Cheers, and as family patriarch William Walker on Brothers & Sisters, alongside guest appearances on popular shows including The West Wing and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Beyond his work on screen, Skerritt dedicated much of his later life to mentoring younger generations and supporting military veterans. He co-founded TheFilmSchool in Seattle to assist aspiring filmmakers and established the Red Badge Project, an initiative designed to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder through storytelling and creative writing.

Skerritt is survived by his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, whom he married in 1998, as well as his five children—Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin, and Emiko—along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Remembering him, his family stated, "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."