Tom Skerritt, known for Alien and M*A*S*H, dies at 93

Tom Skerritt, the veteran actor known for Ridley Scott’s 1979 film Alien and Robert Altman’s 1970 comedy M*A*S*H, died at 93 on Wednesday. The actor passed away in Seattle from natural causes, according to a statement from his family. His death was reported by several news outlets that confirmed his age and the city of his passing.

Family remarks

In a heartfelt statement, his family said that while the world knew him through his acting, they knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into their lives. They added that he cared deeply for imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices.

Skerritt was born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 25, 1933. After high school he served four years in the United States Air Force, then studied theatre at the University of California, Los Angeles. He appeared first in the 1962 war drama War Hunt. His breakthrough came in 1970 when Robert Altman cast him as surgeon Duke Forrest in M*A*S*H, a role that launched a prolific career.

Career highlights

He is best remembered for playing Captain Dallas in Alien, where he portrayed the ship’s commander confronting a deadly threat, and for acting as instructor Mike “Viper” Metcalf in Top Gun. In the 1990s he earned a Primetime Emmy Award in 1993 for his role as sheriff Jimmy Brock in the CBS series Picket Fences, and he appeared in other notable films such as A River Runs Through It, Contact, and The Dead Zone.

Skerritt was married three times and is survived by his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, four children—Andy, Erin Matt, Collin, and Emiko—several grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. He also helped found The Film School in Seattle and co‑founded the Red Badge Project to assist veterans with mental‑health issues. His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and his contributions to film education and veteran support.