Tom Skerritt, the versatile and acclaimed actor whose career spanned more than six decades, died on October 21 at the age of 93. His family confirmed his passing, attributing it to natural causes.

Skerritt was widely recognized for his extensive work in both film and television. He first gained major attention in the 1970s with his role as Duke Forrest in Robert Altman’s 1970 war comedy “M*A*S*H,” a film that later inspired a successful television series. Later in the decade, he portrayed Dallas, the captain of the spaceship Nostromo, in Ridley Scott’s influential 1979 science fiction film “Alien.”

In the 1980s, Skerritt appeared alongside Tom Cruise in the blockbuster “Top Gun,” playing Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf. Reflecting on the enduring popularity of the film during its 30th anniversary in 2016, Skerritt noted how new generations continued to connect with the movie. His other notable film credits included “A River Runs Through It,” “The Dead Zone,” and “Contact.”

Skerritt also had a significant television career, winning an Emmy Award in 1993 for his portrayal of Jimmy Brock in the CBS family drama “Picket Fences,” which aired for four seasons. He appeared in various TV series such as “Gunsmoke,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Cheers,” where he played Evan Drake in its sixth season.

Born in Detroit in 1933, Skerritt served in the U.S. Air Force during the 1950s before embarking on his acting career. In a 2019 interview, he revealed that his initial ambition was to become a screenwriter and that acting became a way to better understand the experience of performers, which would inform his writing.

Skerritt continued to act well into his later years, appearing in the 2025 Western drama “Broke,” alongside Wyatt Russell and Dennis Quaid. His family’s statement highlighted the traits for which he was cherished personally—his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and deep commitment to storytelling, creativity, veterans’ causes, and the natural world.

They expressed gratitude for the support received from friends, colleagues, and fans while requesting privacy as they mourn his loss.