Tom Skerritt, whose screen career encompassed Alien, Top Gun and the television drama Picket Fences, has died aged 93. His family announced that he died on Wednesday from natural causes, remembering his humour, curiosity and generosity, together with his commitment to storytelling, the natural world and helping others express themselves. He is survived by his wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children.
Born and raised in Detroit, Skerritt served four years in the United States Air Force before developing an interest in theatre at UCLA. Although initially drawn to directing, he established a career in acting, making his film debut in War Hunt in 1962. Robert Altman subsequently cast him as Duke Forrest in M*A*S*H. His performance as Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott's 1979 Alien placed a familiar actor in what initially appeared to be the conventional heroic role. Dallas's death shocked early audiences as Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, emerged as the central hero. Skerritt later became closely associated with mentors and authority figures, including the flight instructor in Top Gun and the Presbyterian minister in A River Runs Through It.
On television, his portrayal of a stern but fair sheriff in Picket Fences earned two Emmy nominations and the 1993 award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series. His film credits also included Steel Magnolias, in which Julia Roberts played his daughter. Following his death, Roberts posted a photograph of them together and paid tribute to his gentleness.
