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Actor Tom Skerritt, who played dads, cops and commanding officers, has died
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- Tom Skerritt, known for his rugged roles and distinctive mustache, passed away at age 93 from natural causes, according to his representative.
- He was famous for iconic roles such as Captain Dallas in "Alien," Viper in "Top Gun," and a Vietnam veteran in "Up In Smoke," as well as winning an Emmy for "Picket Fences" in 1993.
- Skerritt portrayed authoritative figures including commanding officers, sheriffs, and fathers in films like "Ice Castles," "Steel Magnolias," and "A River Runs Through It."
- A blue-collar Detroit native and Air Force veteran, Skerritt studied theater at UCLA and began his career with TV appearances, collaborating with notable figures like Robert Redford and Hal Ashby.
- Later in life, he supported independent film and theater in the Pacific Northwest and co-founded The Red Badge Project, helping veterans share their stories through storytelling courses.
