Veteran Actor Tom Skerritt Dies at 93 After Six Decades of Film and TV Work

Tom Skerritt, a 93-year-old actor celebrated for his rugged presence in movies like M*A*S*H, Alien and Top Gun, died of natural causes on Wednesday, according to his family. The family described him as humorous, curious and generous, emphasizing his dedication to imagination, storytelling and helping others. Skerritt’s breakout came with the 1970 film M*A*S*H, after which he built a six-decade career that included a starring role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the 1990s series Picket Fences, earning an Emmy in 1993 and a second nomination in 1994.

His film credits also feature The Turning Point, A River Runs Through It and a 2000 TBS remake of High Noon. Earlier in life he served in the Air Force, studied English at Wayne State University, and later attended UCLA where he began acting. He is survived by his children Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin and Emiko, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.