Tom Skerritt, the veteran actor best known for his roles in “Top Gun,” “Alien” and “Picket Fences,” has died.
His family confirmed that the Emmy-winning star died Wednesday of natural causes.
They said they are heartbroken by his loss and remembered him for his humor, wisdom and generosity.
The family added that while the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, they knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into their lives. They said he cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.
Skerritt’s Hollywood career spanned six decades, taking off with his breakout role in the 1970 war comedy “MAS*H.”
He went on to play Captain Dallas in the 1979 sci-fi classic “Alien” and Tom Cruise’s no-nonsense instructor, Viper, in 1986’s “Top Gun.”
On television, he starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on “Picket Fences,” earning an Emmy for the role in 1993. His other credits include “Steel Magnolias,” “A River Runs Through It,” “Cheers,” and “Ted.”
TMZ last caught up with Skerritt in 2009 at LAX, where they discussed his illustrious career and asked whether there would ever be a sequel to “Top Gun.”
Before Hollywood came calling, the Detroit native served in the U.S. Air Force and later became an advocate for veterans.
He was 93.
Rest in peace.
