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Tom Skerritt, Emmy-winning actor with roles in ‘Picket Fences,’ ‘Alien’ and ‘Top Gun,’ dies at 93

His family said the Emmy-winning actor died of natural causes after a six-decade career in film and television.

  • Actor Tom Skerritt died Wednesday of natural causes at age 93, his family announced on Thursday. The beloved performer left behind a six-decade career spanning blockbuster films and acclaimed television.
  • Skerritt's breakthrough came in the 1970 feature "M*A*S*H," where he played Southern surgeon Duke Forrest. He later gained widespread acclaim for roles in "Alien," "Top Gun," and as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in "Picket Fences."
  • Beyond blockbuster hits, Skerritt earned praise for dramatic turns in "A River Runs Through It" and "The Turning Point." He also portrayed the father in "Steel Magnolias" and a motorcycle cop in "Harold and Maude."
  • Outside acting, Skerritt co-founded the Red Badge Project to help veterans work through PTSD, anxiety, and depression. His family, including wife Julie Tokashiki, remembered his "humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought."
  • Born in Detroit in 1933, Skerritt served in the Air Force before studying English at Wayne State University. His early military experience and education shaped his approach to storytelling and character creation throughout his career.
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Tom Skerritt, the actor known for the roles of Top Gun, Picket Fences, Fighting Back, M*A*S*H and Alien – The eighth passenger, died at the age of 93. The actor, winner of the Emmy Prize, died on Wednesday, October 21, from natural causes, confirmed his family in a statement transmitted to the People publication. "Our family is deeply grieved ...

·Romania
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Actor Tom Skerritt debuts his new film "Whiteout" in Los Angeles on September 9, 2009 REUTERS/Fred Prouser Actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in movies like "Top Gun" and "Alien", died at the age of 93. Skerritt, whose Hollywood career spanned the 1960s to the 2020s, died on Wednesday (21) of natural causes, quoted ABC7, citing a statement from his family. Known for his ability to shine in various genres, Skerritt delivered memorable performances i…

·Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Tom Skerritt, who starred in 'Alien' and 'Top Gun,' dies at 93

Skerritt died Wednesday of natural causes, his family said in a statement.

·United States
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TMZ broke the news in Burbank, United States on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
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