Tom Skerritt, the Emmy winner behind Captain Dallas and Sheriff Jimmy Brock, died October 21 at 93.
At a glance: Tom Skerritt died October 21, 2026, of natural causes, his family said in a statement. His publicist confirmed the news to CBS News on Thursday.
How did Tom Skerritt die?
Of natural causes, according to the family statement provided to Extra and other media outlets. No other information has been released. “We are heartbroken by his loss,” the family said, per CBS News.
The statement noted he cared deeply for his imagination, storytelling, veterans and the natural world, as ABC7 reported.
What was Tom Skerritt best known for?
He was the captain of the Nostromo in Ridley Scott’s 1979 Alien, where he starred opposite Sigourney Weaver and the Navy flight instructor Viper in 1986’s Top Gun. Moviegoers knew him from MASH, Contact and A River Runs Through It.
Television gave him his largest award. After a six-episode run as Evan Drake on Cheers, he took the lead in Picket Fences, the CBS drama that ran from 1992 to 1996. He won the 1993 Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series — one of 14 the show won, per CBS News. He was nominated twice, both for that role.
What are people talking about?
Lauren Holly, who co-starred with him in Picket Fences, posted a tribute Thursday. She noted “I adored Tom Skerritt,” that she got to work with him on more than one project, per Rolling Stone.
NPR’s obituary notes that he spent years supporting independent film and theater in the Pacific Northwest, where he was based. Extra reports that after A River Runs Through It, he worked with a number of environmental charities.
Was he still acting?
Yes. His last film was the 2025 Western Broke, per Rolling Stone. He had also appeared on Madam Secretary, The Good Wife and White Collar in the previous years.
More to Know
Skerritt was born August 25, 1933, in Detroit. He served in the U.S. Air Force and attended UCLA.
His career spanned more than six decades, per ABC News.
No memorial or funeral plans have been announced.
Business Fortune highlights how Skerritt was able to build a career out of playing the person in charge — a doomsday starship captain, a flight instructor or a small-town sheriff. His family’s statement describes a different man, known for his humor, curiosity and generosity. Further tributes from colleagues are expected in the coming days.
FAQs
When did Tom Skerritt die?
Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
How old was Tom Skerritt?
He was born August 25, 1933.
What was Tom Skerritt’s cause of death?
Natural causes, per his family.
What is Tom Skerritt best known for?
Alien, Top Gun and Picket Fences, plus MASH, Contact and A River Runs Through It.
Did Tom Skerritt win an Emmy?
Yes, in 1993, for Picket Fences.
Sources
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