Tom Skerritt, Actor Known for 'Top Gun' and 'Alien', Dies at 93
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 5:28 am – 6:11 am AEST
Tom Skerritt, a US actor recognized for his roles in films like 'Top Gun' and 'Alien', and the television series 'Picket Fences', died at the age of 93. His family described him as a man of humor, curiosity, and generosity.
What happened
- Actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles in "Top Gun," "M*A*S*H," "Alien" and "Picket Fences," died of natural causes at the age of 93.
- His family stated, "While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives."
- Skerritt had a six-decade career, appearing in films such as "Turning Point" with Shirley MacLaine, "Steel Magnolias" with Sally Field, and "Contact" with Jodie Foster.
- He received an Emmy Award in 1993 for his performance in "Picket Fences."
- Skerritt’s early life included growing up in a middle-class Detroit family, with his father a small businessman and his mother a housewife.
- He served four years in the Air Force and attended Wayne State University and the University of California, Los Angeles, studying filmmaking after being inspired by "Citizen Kane."
Original reporting
- BBC: US actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in Picket Fences, Mash and Alien, dies aged 93
2026-10-22T19:41:30.930000+00:00 - Fox News: 'Top Gun' star Tom Skerritt dead at 93
2026-10-22T19:39:46+00:00 - Sky News: Actor Tom Skerritt, known for roles in Top Gun and Alien, has died
2026-10-22T19:28:00+00:00 - CBS News: Tom Skerritt, known for roles in "Alien," "Top Gun" and TV's "Picket Fences," dies at age 93
2026-10-22T19:39:00+00:00 - France 24 English: Emmy-winning US actor Tom Skerritt, known for ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Picket Fences’, dies at 93
2026-10-22T20:11:54+00:00