--- title: "Veteran actor Tom Skerritt passes away at 93 due to natural causes" url: https://noti.group/veteran-actor-tom-skerritt-passes-away-at-93-due-to-natural-causes/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-10-22T18:52:07.000Z updated: 2026-10-23T07:41:37.191Z id: 9de7367b-79b1-4bc2-9daf-51a57aac21ba source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tom-skerritt-dead-picket-fences-alien-mash-1236738429/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/veteran-actor-tom-skerritt-passes-away-at-93-due-to-natural-causes/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Veteran actor Tom Skerritt passes away at 93 due to natural causes Tom Skerritt's acting career spanned six decades, including notable roles in M*A*S*H, The Turning Point, and Top Gun. Veteran actor Tom Skerritt has passed away at the age of 93 due to natural causes. His family made the announcement on Wednesday, expressing their deep sadness over his loss. They described him as a man who brought immense love and positivity into their lives through his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and creativity. Skerritt's acting career spanned six decades during which he appeared in numerous notable films. He was often cast in authoritative roles that showcased his rugged masculinity, including sheriff Jimmy Brock in the 1990s TV series Picket Fences. In addition to his starring role as a small-town sheriff, Skerritt had memorable parts in several iconic movies. These include The Turning Point (1977), where he played Shirley MacLaine's husband, and Top Gun (1986), where he was Tom Cruise's Air Force instructor Mike "Viper Metcalf. Skerritt's breakout role came in the 1970 feature M\*A\*S\*H as Southern surgeon Duke Forrest. He stole a jeep with co-conspirator Hawkeye Pierce to reach their assignment at the mobile hospital, where they treated injured U.S. soldiers during the Korean War. Throughout his career, Skerritt was known for his distinctive features and bushy mustache that became an integral part of his on-screen persona. Skerritt's breakthrough role came when he joined forces with Elliott Gould in a comedy directed by Robert Altman, which became one of the year's most popular films and spawned a long-running CBS series. The film's success was a testament to Skerritt's ability to bring his character to life, despite being one of the few not included in the television adaptation. His portrayal demonstrated that he had star power, which would serve him well in future endeavors. Skerritt credited Altman with giving him the freedom to create his character, saying that he made him realize you could do no wrong, as long as you tried. He also emphasized the importance of being willing to take risks and make mistakes as an actor. After his success with M\*A\*S\*H , Skerritt began landing roles in a string of films, including Wild Rovers (1971), Fuzz (1972), Big Bad Mama (1974) and Ice Castles (1978). He also had the opportunity to work again with Altman in Thieves Like Us (1974). Skerritt's versatility as an actor was further showcased in his role as Strawberry, a shell-shocked Vietnam veteran, in Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke (1978), which added to his growing body of work. Initially hesitant due to budget concerns, Skerritt eventually reconsidered and took on the role of Captain Dallas in Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott, after learning that the acclaimed director had signed on board. Skerritt's early encounter with Ridley Scott's work had a profound impact on him. He recalled being introduced to The Duellists, Scott's 1977 feature debut, and being blown away by its production value. Described as a painting from beginning to end", the film left an indelible mark on Skerritt, who was eager to be a part of something similar. This exposure played a crucial role in his decision to join the cast of Alien (1979), directed by Scott himself. The experience would go on to shape his career in ways he could never have imagined. With its groundbreaking visuals and gripping storyline, Alien cemented Skerritt's status as a versatile actor capable of adapting to diverse roles. Before making waves in science fiction, Skerritt had already made a name for himself in television. He spent four seasons playing the role of Sheriff Jimmy Brock on CBS's drama series Picket Fences, which aired from 1992. The show was set in the fictional town of Rome, Wisconsin, and followed the lives of its residents as they navigated the complexities of small-town life. Skerritt's portrayal of the sheriff earned him widespread acclaim, including an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993. He was recognized for his ability to bring calm and stability amidst chaos, making him a standout performer on the show. In addition to his work on Picket Fences, Skerritt made appearances on other popular television shows during this period. One notable role saw him play Evan Drake, Rebecca Howe's (Kirstie Alley) suave ex-boss on the sixth season of Cheers. His character brought a touch of sophistication to the show, blending in seamlessly with its quirky cast. Skerritt also appeared as himself in the 2012 comedy Ted, bringing a hint of self-awareness and humor to the film. This cameos added to his repertoire, demonstrating his willingness to poke fun at himself and take on diverse roles. As Skerritt continued to work in television and film, he eventually landed a rare leading role in a feature with East of the Mountains (2021). In this drama, he played a retired heart surgeon struggling to come to terms with a terminal cancer diagnosis. This marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to take on complex characters and convey deep emotional depth. Pursuing a career in writing or directing seemed like an insurmountable goal for Tom Skerritt at first. He transferred to UCLA, where he also began acting as a way to overcome his shyness and gain experience. Skerritt's approach was pragmatic, recognizing that formal education alone could not prepare him for the demands of filmmaking. To learn by doing, he accepted roles in low-budget films, starting with War Hunt (1962), which gave him valuable hands-on experience on set. The film's producers, Terry and Denis Sanders, had spotted Skerritt in a community stage production and offered him a part, providing an opportunity for him to hone his craft. Skerritt's early acting work included appearances in various television shows of the 1960s. Skerritt's early foray into film saw him team up with director Hal Ashby on Harold and Maude in 1971. He played a motorcycle cop, stepping in to fill a role that had become available after an actor was forced to drop out due to an on-set accident. In a nod to his creative approach, Skerritt chose to credit himself as Martin Bormann for the film, rather than using his real name. This tongue-in-cheek move reflected the lighthearted and humorous tone of their collaboration. Skerritt's decision to use the pseudonym was inspired by the infamous Nazi official who disappeared at the end of World War II. He quipped that Bormann had probably relocated to Oakland, where he became a motorcycle cop. This offbeat sense of humor was characteristic of Skerritt and Ashby's working relationship. Skerritt appeared in numerous notable films throughout his career, including Savage Harvest, The Dead Zone, SpaceCamp, and Steel Magnolias. His film credits also included Contact, The Other Sister, Tears of the Sun, Bonneville, Redemption Road, A Hologram for the King, and Day of Days. Skerritt's television appearances were equally diverse, with guest roles on a range of popular shows such as Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Cannon, Barnaby Jones, S.W.A.T., Baretta, Chicago Hope, Will & Grace, The West Wing, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Huff, Leverage, and Madam Secretary. Tom Skerritt's family has been left to mourn his passing at the age of 93, including his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, whom he married in 1998, and their children from previous relationships. In addition to his loved ones, Skerritt leaves behind a legacy of philanthropic efforts that supported emerging filmmakers and veterans struggling with mental health. TheFilmSchool in Seattle, which he helped launch, aimed to nurture the next generation of storytellers. He also co-founded the Red Badge Project, which provided a platform for veterans to share their experiences through writing. Skerritt's commitment to environmental conservation was evident in his work on Reflections of the River, a documentary series inspired by A River Runs Through It that highlighted the importance of protecting America's rivers and partnering with organizations such as the Wildlands Festival, American Rivers, and the Gallatin River Task Force. --- Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tom-skerritt-dead-picket-fences-alien-mash-1236738429/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/veteran-actor-tom-skerritt-passes-away-at-93-due-to-natural-causes/