Emmy-Winning Star Skerritt Dead at 93 After Roles in Alien and Top Gun
From Detroit to the screen
Thomas Roy Skerritt was born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 25, 1933. After serving in the US Air Force, he studied at UCLA and was discovered while performing in The Rainmaker.
His first screen role was in the 1962 war film War Hunt. He later appeared regularly on television series including The Virginian, Gunsmoke and Combat!, then gained wider attention as surgeon Duke Forrest in 1970’s M*A*S*H.
A career across genres
Skerritt nearly passed on Alien, believing it would focus on special effects. He agreed after seeing Ridley Scott’s earlier film, The Duellists, and was billed prominently in the movie.
His later screen work included The Dead Zone, Top Gun, Poltergeist III and Steel Magnolias. He also appeared on Cheers as Rebecca’s boss, and had roles in Contact, Tears of the Sun, Lucky and Ted.
Television success and legacy
His last film was the 2025 Western Broke, starring Wyatt Russell. Skerritt is survived by his wife, Julie Tokashiki; children Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin and Emiko; grandchildren Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa and Georgia; and great-grandchildren Marigold and Ravi.
Key points
- Skerritt died Wednesday of natural causes at age 93.
- He became widely known for M*A*S*H, Alien and Top Gun.
- His role in Picket Fences earned him an Emmy.
- His final film was the 2025 Western Broke.