Tom Skerritt, the Emmy‑winning actor known for his roles in "M*A*S*H," "Alien," "Top Gun," "Steel Magnolias" and the TV series "Picket Fences", died Wednesday at 93. The Detroit native began his career after serving in the Air Force and studying at Wayne State and UCLA. He broke into film with "War Hunt" (1962) alongside Robert Redford and Sydney Pollack, then appeared in TV series like "Combat!", "Death Valley Days" and "12 O’Clock High".
His best‑known film parts include Duke Forrest in Robert Altman’s "M*A*S*H", the pragmatic spaceship captain in "Alien", and the gruff instructor Viper in "Top Gun". He earned an Emmy for his lead role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on "Picket Fences" and received a National Board of Review award for supporting work in "The Turning Point". Over six decades, Skerritt portrayed authoritative figures—lawmen, military officers, fathers—often embodying a relatable, quintessentially American demeanor.
He remained active in television into the 2000s, appearing in "Cheers" and "Brothers & Sisters". In a 2016 interview, he reflected that acting was a means to learn directing, a goal he eventually pursued.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing