US actor Tom Skerritt dies aged 93

US actor Tom Skerritt, known for roles in Picket Fences, Alien and Top Gun, has died aged 93, his family said.

The family confirmed Skerritt died on Wednesday of natural causes and praised his humour, curiosity, generosity and love.

Born in 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, Skerritt served in the US Air Force before beginning an acting career that spanned six decades. He made his film debut in War Hunt (1962) alongside Robert Redford and later appeared in Mash, A River Runs Through It, Ted and Steel Magnolias.

His breakthrough came as US army surgeon Duke Forrest in the 1970 comedy Mash, and he later starred with Sigourney Weaver in Alien (1979), a film that earned two Oscar nominations and spawned three sequels.

On television Skerritt won an Emmy in 1993 for his role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences. He also featured in The West Wing, Madam Secretary, Law & Order: SVU and Cheers.

Beyond acting, Skerritt co‑founded TheFilmSchool in Seattle and the Red Badge Project, supporting veterans with PTSD through storytelling. He also produced the documentary series Reflections of the River to promote river conservation.

He is survived by his third wife Julie, five children and several grandchildren.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Sami TÜRK / Pexels.