Tom Skerritt, From 'Alien' and 'M*A*S*H', Dies at 93

Tom Skerritt's family confirmed the actor's death at age 93, which occurred last Wednesday (21) from natural causes. The actor was known for his work in M*A*S H and Alien.

In a statement, relatives asked the public to remember the man behind the camera. "He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, and the natural world," they stated. "He helped others find and share their own voices."

Born in Detroit in 1933, Skerritt moved to Los Angeles intending to become a director. At the University of California, he began acting simply to overcome his shyness. His film debut came in War Hunt (1962), but his first successful role came in 1970 when Robert Altman cast him as surgeon Duke Forrest in M*A*SH.

Another important role came in 1979, as Captain Dallas in Alien. Skerritt almost refused the offer for fear that the budget would be swallowed up by the special effects, but changed his mind after watching The Duel, Ridley Scott 's directorial debut, which he called a masterpiece. On television, he played Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences, a role that earned him the Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series in 1993.

His filmography also includes successes such as Top Gun (1986), The Moment of Truth (1977), Nothing Lasts Forever (1992), and Contact (1997). Skerritt leaves behind his wife Julie Tokashiki, whom he married in 1998, as well as five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.