Tom Skerritt, an award-winning actor whose iconic roles included the doomed captain of Ridley Scott’s Alien and Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the ’90s CBS drama Picket Fences, has passed away at the age of 93. He died of natural causes on October 21st, 2026.
In a statement shared by The Hollywood Reporter, his family writes that “we are heartbroken by his loss. While the world knew Tom Skerritt through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into our lives. He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.”
Early Career
Moving between TV and film for the entirety of his career, Skerritt made his screen debut in 1962 in two similarly themed projects: the movie War Hunt (also starring Robert Redford and Sydney Pollack) and the ABC drama Combat!, on which he played multiple characters. In 1970, he had a supporting role in Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H as Captain “Duke” Forrest, followed by a brief appearance in 1971’s Harold and Maude; later in the decade, he appeared in movies including The Turning Point and Up in Smoke.
One of his most significant roles came in 1979 with Alien — as Captain Arthur Dallas, Skerritt brought a steady presence to the screen. In a 2019 interview with Consequence, Skerritt said that he knew the movie would be a success with Ridley Scott as a director: “I remember we were one or two weeks into it, and one of the actors, I forget who, said, ‘Man, I feel like we could be making a classic,’ and I said, ‘We are, man.’”
Notable Roles and Legacy
Following Alien, Skerritt went on to feature in movies including The Dead Zone and Spacecamp, and also starred in the 1986 classic Top Gun, playing Mike “Viper” Metcalf, commanding officer of the Top Gun program. His other notable film projects included Steel Magnolias, A River Runs Through It, Singles, Contact, and an appearance as himself in the Seth Macfarlane comedy Ted.
Skerritt also made numerous TV appearances, including a recurring role on Cheers. For his role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on Picket Fences, created by David E. Kelley, he was nominated twice and won once for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He also guest-starred on a wide range of shows including The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters, Leverage, The Good Wife, and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (as himself).
He is survived by his third wife Julie Tokashiki; children Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin and Emiko; grandchildren Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa and Georgia; and great-grandchildren Marigold and Ravi.
In conclusion, Tom Skerritt leaves behind a legacy of iconic roles and memorable performances, and his passing is a loss for the entertainment industry and his fans. His contributions to film and television will continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences for years to come.
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