Tom Skerritt, the beloved actor known for his performances in iconic films such as Top Gun, Picket Fences, and Alien, has died at the age of 93. His family announced that he passed away on October 21, 2026, from natural causes, according to a statement provided to People.
In their heartfelt message, the family expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “Our family is profoundly saddened to announce that Tom Skerritt passed away on October 21, 2026, due to natural causes. He was a loving husband to Julie, a father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko, a grandfather to Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia, and a great-grandfather to Marigold and Ravi. We are devastated by his loss.”
The family continued, “While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, and generosity, as well as the love he gave us.”
Skerritt’s memorable roles included appearances in Thieves Like Us and Big Bad Mama, both released in 1974, and The Turning Point (1977). His portrayal of Captain Dallas in the 1979 film Alien solidified his status in Hollywood. He also starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the popular series Picket Fences, a performance that earned him an Emmy Award.
In a 2019 interview with The A.V. Club, Skerritt reflected on the filming of Alien, describing it as “one of the most memorable things” in his career. He recognized that the team was creating something extraordinary under the direction of Ridley Scott.
Born on August 25, 1933, in Detroit, Skerritt was raised by his father, Roy, who owned a small business, and his mother, Helen, a homemaker. After graduating from David Mackenzie High School in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.
Reflecting on his youth in a 2016 interview with Film Comment, Skerritt recounted a time when he and friends, unsure of their next steps after high school, decided to enlist after sharing a few beers. “We wanted to travel, we had no money, and we wanted to get out of there. The next day, four of us enlisted at the same time. It was a four-year commitment,” he shared.
