Tom Skerritt, Alien and Top Gun star, dies aged 93

Updated / Thursday, 22 Oct 2026 20:44

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The death has been announced of the American actor Tom Skerritt, best known for his roles in the films Alien and Top Gun and the television series Picket Fences. He was 93.

US entertainment trade publication The Hollywood Reporter says Skerritt's family announced that he died on Wednesday of natural causes.

"We are heartbroken by his loss," the family said.

"While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humour, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives.

"He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices."

Skerritt played Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott's Alien and Air Force instructor Mike 'Viper' Metcalf in Top Gun, which was directed by Ridley Scott's brother Tony.

Prior to his acting career, Skerritt had served in the United States Air Force in the 1950s.

In the 1990s TV series Picket Fences, the Detroit native played Sheriff Jimmy Brock for four seasons, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993.

On the big screen, his many films included M*A*S*H, The Turning Point, The Dead Zone, Steel Magnolias, A River Runs Through It, Contact, and Ted.

On television, his credits included The Virginian, Bonanza, The Fugitive, Cheers, The West Wing, and Brothers & Sisters.

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