Tom Skerritt, best known for his roles in “Top Gun,” “M*A*S*H,” “Alien” and “Picket Fences” has died of natural causes. He was 93.
“We are heartbroken by his loss,” Skerritt’s family said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, 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.”
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They added, “We are incredibly grateful for the love and support being shown by his friends, colleagues, and fans. We ask for privacy as our family grieves. Information regarding a memorial will be shared at a later date.”
Skerritt’s legacy extended far beyond his work onscreen.
The Detroit native made his film debut in the 1962 film “War Hunt” and later worked with director Robert Altman in “MASH,” playing Capt. Augustus “Duke” Forrest.
His best-known movie roles included Capt. Dallas in “Alien,” Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in “Top Gun,” Drum Eatenton in “Steel Magnolias,” Rev. MacLean in “A River Runs Through It” and David Drumlin in “Contact.”
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On television, Skerritt starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on “Picket Fences,” a role that earned him an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993. He also appeared in shows including “Cheers,” “The West Wing,” “Brothers & Sisters” and “The Good Wife.”
Reflecting on his extensive career, Skerritt once said he felt “a great sense of gratitude and appreciation and good fortune” for the amount of projects he had been part of.
Skerritt was also deeply committed to storytelling and supporting the next generation of filmmakers. He helped found TheFilmSchool in Seattle and later co-founded the Red Badge Project, which helps veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression through writing and sharing their experiences.
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His passion for service extended to environmental conservation. Inspired in part by his experience filming “A River Runs Through It,” Skerritt helped create and champion “Reflections of the River,” a documentary series exploring the health of America’s rivers and the importance of protecting them. He also supported river conservation through partnerships with the Wildlands Festival, American Rivers and the Gallatin River Task Force.
