American actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles in Picket Fences and Top Gun, has died at age 93.
His family issued a statement saying they were heartbroken by his death.
“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,” the family said.
“He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.”
Skerritt’s film and television career spanned more than six decades and over 170 productions.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1933, and served four years in the US Air Force before studying at university and pursuing acting.
He made his film debut in War Hunt (1962) before gaining widespread recognition playing Duke Forrest in the firm version of M*A*S*H (1970).
His other film roles included The Turning Point (1977), Up in Smoke (1978) and the science-fiction film Alien (1979), in which he played Captain Dallas.
He also appeared in The Dead Zone (1983) and played Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf with Tom Cruise in the blockbuster Top Gun (1986).
Other notable films included Steel Magnolias (1989), A River Runs Through It (1992), Contact (1997) and Tears of the Sun (2003).
His early television career included appearances in Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Virginian, The Fugitive and 12 O’Clock High.
He later played businessman Evan Drake in the popular sitcom Cheers during its sixth season in 1987–88.
His best-known television role was Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the drama series Picket Fences (1992–1996), which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe nominations.
Skerritt continued acting into his 90s, with later appearances including Brothers & Sisters, Leverage, Lucky (2017), East of the Mountains (2021) and Broke (2025).
