Tom Skerritt, the actor best known for playing Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the CBS drama “Picket Fences” and Cmdr. Mike “Viper” Metcalf in “Top Gun,” died Wednesday, Oct. 21, of natural causes, according to Variety and TVLine. He was 93.
His career spanned more than six decades, taking him from 1970s war satire to primetime television drama and blockbuster action films.
A Career Built On Standout Roles
Skerritt broke out in 1970 as surgeon Duke Forrest in Robert Altman’s “MASH,” the film behind the long-running television series.
Nine years later, he took command of the Nostromo as Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic “Alien.” Skerritt received first billing ahead of Sigourney Weaver in that film, according to Variety.
In 1986, he joined “Top Gun” as Viper, the commanding officer of the Navy’s elite fighter school at Naval Air Station Miramar who mentored Tom Cruise’s Maverick.
His television legacy centers on “Picket Fences,” which debuted in 1992 with Skerritt as small-town Sheriff Jimmy Brock. Over four seasons, the series took home back-to-back Emmys for outstanding drama series. Skerritt won the 1993 Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for the role and earned another nomination in 1994.
Skerritt also played the Presbyterian minister father of the characters played by Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer in Robert Redford’s 1992 drama “A River Runs Through It.” His film work included “Steel Magnolias,” “Contact” and “Poltergeist III,” and he made a cameo as himself in Seth MacFarlane’s 2012 comedy “Ted.”
On television, he recurred as Evan Drake, Rebecca Howe’s wealthy corporate boss, in Season 6 of NBC’s “Cheers.” He also appeared on “The West Wing,” “Will & Grace” and “Brothers & Sisters.”
Family Asks for Privacy
In a statement shared with TVLine, Skerritt’s family said the world knew him for his acting, but they knew him for his humor, curiosity and generosity. They thanked his friends, colleagues and fans for their support and added, “We ask for privacy as our family grieves.” No funeral arrangements had been announced at the time of publication.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
