Tom Skerritt, one of Hollywood’s most dependable and respected actors, died of natural causes on October 22, 2026. He was 93.

He first turned heads as Duke Forrest, the wisecracking surgeon in Robert Altman’s MASH (1970). Then came Alien (1979), in which he played Captain Dallas, crawling through the dark with a flamethrower and leaving audiences breathless. In Top Gun (1986), he was Viper, the cool flight instructor who reminded a roomful of hotshots that “there are no points for second place.” He brought warmth to Steel Magnolias (1989) as Sally Field’s steady, loving husband, and quiet authority to A River Runs Through It (1992) as Rev. John Maclean, a stern minister with a soft spot for fly-fishing. In Contact (1997), he showed his range as the smooth operator standing in Jodie Foster’s way.

Skerritt grew up in Detroit and served in the Air Force before stepping onto a set. His first film role came in 1962, and he worked for six decades across film, television, and theater.

His crowning moment came on Picket Fences. As Sheriff Jimmy Brock, he won the 1993 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

He never chased the Hollywood spotlight. He made his home in Seattle, where he championed local film and theater and helped veterans share their stories.

Skerritt will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Copyright ©️2026 by Frank Gaimari