Tom Skerritt, ‘MAS*H’ and ‘Top Gun’ Star, Dies at 93 as Family Shares Heartfelt Tribute
Tom Skerritt, the veteran actor whose memorable performances in MASH*, Alien and Top Gun made him a familiar face to generations of audiences, has died aged 93.
His family confirmed that he died on October 21, 2026, from natural causes. The Emmy-winning performer leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades across film and television. ABC News
Family Remembers the Man Behind the Screen
In an emotional statement, Skerritt’s family spoke of their grief and remembered the personal qualities that meant most to those closest to him.
“We are heartbroken by his loss,” they said.
Beyond his achievements as an actor, his loved ones remembered his warmth, wit, inquisitive spirit and generosity. Their tribute highlighted his devotion to creativity, storytelling, veterans and the natural world, alongside his encouragement of others to express themselves. ABC News
Skerritt is survived by his wife, Julie Tokashiki, and five children: Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin and Emiko. His family also includes five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family thanked friends, colleagues and fans for their support, requested privacy and said details of a memorial would be announced later. people.com
A Breakthrough in ‘MAS*H’
Skerritt played surgeon Captain Augustus “Duke” Forrest in Robert Altman’s 1970 film MASH*, helping establish his reputation as a versatile screen actor.
His association with the title came through the original movie, which preceded the celebrated television adaptation. The performance became an early highlight in a career that moved comfortably between comedy, drama and suspense. en.wikipedia.org
He later portrayed Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s Alien and flight instructor Mike “Viper” Metcalf opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun. His other notable films included The Turning Point, Steel Magnolias, A River Runs Through It and Contact. apnews.com
Emmy Success With ‘Picket Fences’
Television brought Skerritt some of his greatest recognition. As Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences, he anchored the drama with a performance that earned him the Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993.
He received another Emmy nomination for the role the following year. Later appearances included The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters, The Good Wife and Madam Secretary, extending his presence on television well into his later career. au.variety.com
