Tom Skerritt: Top Gun and Picket Fences actor dies aged 93
Key Points:
- Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor known for roles in Top Gun, Picket Fences, and Alien, has died at age 93 from natural causes, his family confirmed.
- Skerritt won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993 for Picket Fences and was twice nominated for the show; he was celebrated for portraying solid, authoritative characters.
- His career highlights included roles in Turning Point, Steel Magnolias, and Contact, as well as notable stage performances including his Broadway debut in A Time to Kill.
- Skerritt began his career after serving in the Air Force and studying filmmaking, with early work including War Hunt alongside Robert Redford, who became a lifelong friend.
- He is survived by his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children, and is remembered by family for his humor, generosity, and commitment to creativity and storytelling.