Veteran Actor Tom Skerritt Dies at 93, Leaving Legacy in Film and Veterans' Advocacy
Tom Skerritt, the American actor known for roles in 'Alien,' 'Top Gun,' and the Emmy-winning series 'Picket Fences,' has died at age 93 from natural causes. His six-decade career included collaborations with Robert Redford, Sigourney Weaver, and Tom Cruise. Beyond acting, he co-founded the Red Badge Project to help veterans process trauma through storytelling and advocated for river conservation. His family and colleagues remembered him for his humor, wisdom, and dedication to both his craft and community.
Key points
- Tom Skerritt died on Wednesday at age 93 from natural causes, according to his family.
- He won an Emmy Award in 1993 for his role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in 'Picket Fences.'
- Skerritt co-founded TheFilmSchool in Seattle and the Red Badge Project, which uses storytelling to help veterans with PTSD.
- He was born in Detroit in 1933 and served in the US Air Force before attending UCLA and pursuing acting.
- His filmography includes 'M*A*S*H,' 'Alien,' 'Top Gun,' 'Steel Magnolias,' and 'A River Runs Through It.'
Background
Skerritt's career spanned six decades, beginning with his 1962 film debut 'War Hunt' alongside Robert Redford. He later re-teamed with Redford in 'A River Runs Through It' (1992). His breakthrough role was as Duke Forrest in 'M*A*S*H' (1970), which was nominated for five Academy Awards. He also starred in 'Alien' (1979), which earned two Oscar nominations and led to multiple sequels. In 1986, he played Commander Viper Metcalf in 'Top Gun' alongside Tom Cruise. On television, he won an Emmy in 1993 for 'Picket Fences' and had guest roles in 'The West Wing,' 'Madam Secretary,' and 'Cheers.'
How outlets are covering it
BBC, Deadline, and NPR all confirm Skerritt's death at 93 from natural causes and highlight his major film and TV roles. BBC emphasizes his family's tribute, noting his humor, curiosity, and belief in storytelling as a tool for healing. NPR focuses on his 'rugged' persona and his work with The Red Badge Project, while also mentioning his early career in theater and collaborations with directors like Hal Ashby. Deadline provides a visual timeline of his career, listing numerous films and TV shows from 1962 to 2021, but offers no additional narrative details beyond the photo captions. All sources agree on his co-founding of TheFilmSchool and his advocacy for veterans and environmental conservation, but only BBC and NPR detail his specific involvement in river conservation through the documentary series 'Reflections of the River.'
Why it matters
Skerritt's death marks the end of a significant era in American film and television, as he was a key figure in iconic projects like 'Alien' and 'Top Gun.' His work with The Red Badge Project highlights the intersection of entertainment and mental health advocacy for veterans, offering a model for using storytelling as therapeutic tool. His environmental activism, particularly his focus on river conservation, also underscores the role of public figures in promoting ecological awareness.
What to watch
There are no immediate next steps reported, as Skerritt's death is a final event. However, his legacy through TheFilmSchool and The Red Badge Project will continue to support filmmakers and veterans. Tributes from colleagues and family are expected to continue in the coming days.
- US actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in Top Gun, Steel Magnolias and Alien, dies aged 93 BBC
- Tom Skerritt Has Died. He Was Viper in ‘Top Gun’ and the Captain in ‘Alien.’ The New York Times
- Remembering Tom Skerritt: A Career in Photos Deadline
- Actor Tom Skerritt, who played dads, cops and commanding officers, has died NPR
- Tom Skerritt, Emmy-Winning Actor Known for Top Gun and Picket Fences , Dies at 93 People.com
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