Actor Tom Skerritt, star of the movie "Alien", has died at the age of 93

Actor Tom Skerritt, who was distinguished by his charismatic presence and strong personality, has died, leaving behind a busy career that captured the hearts of audiences across the big and small screens, through various works such as the movie “Top Gun” and the series “Picket Fences.” Skerrit passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 93. The news of his death was confirmed by his spokeswoman, Susan Madore, quoting a statement issued by his family.

Skerritt is particularly known for his roles in films such as “Alien” and “Steel Magnolias,” as well as his lead role in the CBS series “Picket Fences” created by David E. For this series, which was characterized by a dark comedic nature, Skerrit won an Emmy Award for the category of Best Actor in a Leading Role, in which he portrayed the character of an elderly police officer trying to maintain calm in his small town, highlighting a unique combination that has become his trademark in combining stoic authority and endearing personal charm.

Skerritt's artistic career began in the early 1960s, in Western films, before he achieved his major breakthrough in 1970 in director Robert Altman's famous film "M*A*S*H", where he played the role of surgeon "Duke Forrest." During the 1970s, he participated in many television series, including “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke,” and he also received prominent film roles, including his participation in the movie “The Turning Point” in 1977, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

But his role in the science fiction and horror film “Alien” in 1979, directed by Ridley Scott, was the stage that remarkably expanded the scope of his acting abilities, as he portrayed the character of Captain “Dallas”, a member of the crew of a spaceship who finds themselves facing a terrifying threat, alongside the character “Ripley”, played by Sigourney Weaver. Starting from this role, he landed roles in 1980s-era films, such as “The Dead Zone.”

The movie “Top Gun” was another example of Skerritt’s exceptional ability to embody characters characterized by toughness and emotional stability, while hiding a kind and warm heart at their core. In this movie, he played the role of “Viper”, a character who was initially not impressed by the recklessness of “Maverick” played by Tom Cruise, but she quickly took up his care and guidance. After participating in several episodes of the series “Cheers,” Skerritt appeared in the role of the head of the family in the movie “Steel Magnolias,” which co-starred Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton.

In the 1990s, Skerritt continued to play father roles in various productions, including “A River Runs Through It,” directed by Robert Redford and starring Brad Pitt, and the thriller “Poison Ivy” opposite Drew Barrymore. Skerritt continued to work, both in television and film, into the new millennium, starring in series such as Brothers & Sisters and Will & Grace, and films such as Ted and A Hologram for the King.

His last artistic work was the film “Broke”, which was released in 2025.