Tom Skerritt, actor known for 'Alien' and 'Top Gun', dies aged 93

US actor Tom Skerritt has died at the age of 93. He died of natural causes. His family said in a statement that he died on Wednesday.

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not give a calendar date of death. They do not say where he died or describe the circumstances beyond natural causes. They do not include funeral or memorial arrangements.

According to Reuters, his manager confirmed his death. According to The Guardian, his publicist confirmed to Variety that he died of natural causes.

A six-decade career

Skerritt was from Detroit. He served four years in the US Air Force before he started acting. According to France 24, he studied at Wayne State University and then studied filmmaking at the University of California, Los Angeles.

His screen career began in the 1960s and lasted roughly six decades. His first film role was in the 1962 war film 'War Hunt', with Robert Redford and Sydney Pollack. He appeared in Robert Altman's 'MAS*H'. He was best known for 'Alien' and 'Top Gun'. His other films included 'Harold and Maude', 'Thieves Like Us', 'The Turning Point', 'Steel Magnolias', 'A River Runs Through It', directed by Redford, and 'Contact' with Jodie Foster.

On television, he won an Emmy for 'Picket Fences', created by David E. Kelley. The series ran for four seasons. He also had a role in 'Brothers & Sisters'.

According to The Guardian, he had more than 170 film and television credits. The Guardian also reports that he first turned down 'Alien' because of its low budget. It says his last film was the 2025 western drama 'Broke' with Dennis Quaid. In 2012, it reports, he co-founded the Red Badge Project to help veterans process PTSD through storytelling.

According to France 24, he won outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993. France 24 also reports that he made his Broadway debut in 2013.

Skerritt told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in 1997, according to France 24: "A writer once described me as a character actor locked in a leading man’s body, and I’ve always loved that."

What is disputed

The Guardian says his breakout came in 1970 with 'MAS*H'. France 24 describes that role as small. It says his career changed with 'The Turning Point'.

The Guardian calls 'Picket Fences' a family drama. France 24 calls it a comedy.

What each side says

His family said in a statement, quoted by France 24: "While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humour, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into our lives." The family said he cared deeply about storytelling, service, veterans and the natural world.

Analysis

Skerritt's career covered several eras of US film and television. It ran from 1960s war films to blockbusters such as 'Alien' and 'Top Gun', and later to network drama. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi give different accounts of when his career took off. These accounts may reflect editorial judgement rather than a factual conflict. All reports rest on statements from his family or representatives. Several basic details remain unreported, including the date and place of death and any memorial plans. Further statements from his family or colleagues could clarify these points. His work with veterans may also receive more attention.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.