Actor Tom Skerritt had memorable roles in films like Top Gun. Alien, and A River Runs Through It, plus the TV series Picket Fences. He died at the age of 93 on Wednesday, October 21. His no-nonsense manner and rugged good looks made Skerritt a standout in anything he did. The reason given for his death was natural causes, per a family statement via People.
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Skerritt's Family Issued a Statement
The statement reads as follows. "Our family is deeply saddened to share that Tom Skerritt passed away on October 21, 2026, from natural causes. He was a loving husband to Julie; father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko; grandfather to Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia; and great-grandfather to Marigold and Ravi. We are heartbroken by his loss.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."
Additionally, he was known for having many admirable traits. They included "imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices."
Tom Skerritt's loved ones also expressed their gratitude for the "love and support" they are receiving at this painful time.
He Was Guided Years Ago by Two Great Directors
The actor, a Detroit native, was mentored by a pair of towering figures in the film directing profession - Robert Altman and Hal Ashby. In fact, it was Altman who spotted Skerritt's early acting promise and gave him a part in the 1970 classic M*A*S*H. Hal Ashby was another influence on Skerritt as his career came together.
Skerritt seemingly had a special affinity for Altman, though. He said on the book Robert Altman: The Oral Biography by Mitchell Zuckoff, "I just loved the guy from the first," per The Hollywood Reporter. "He made me realize early on that you could do no wrong, as long as you tried."
Some of his other exceptional parts were in films like Steel Magnolias, The Turning Point, and Poison Ivy. Tom Skerritt also played a sheriff in Picket Fences, landing an Outstanding Lead Actor Emmy for his performance in 1993.
