American actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles in Alien, Top Gun and the television drama Picket Fences, has died aged 93.
Skerritt died on Wednesday, October 21, of natural causes, according to a statement from his family reported on Thursday.
His career spanned more than six decades, during which he appeared in films and television productions across a wide range of genres.
He gained international recognition for playing Captain Dallas in the 1979 science-fiction film Alien. He later appeared as Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in the 1986 action film Top Gun.
Skerritt also earned critical acclaim for his performance as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the television series Picket Fences, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993.
His other film credits included MASH*, The Turning Point, Steel Magnolias and A River Runs Through It.
In a statement, his family remembered him for his humour, curiosity, generosity and commitment to storytelling, service and veterans.
Beyond acting, Skerritt worked in television films and theatre and maintained an interest in supporting creative projects and helping others share their stories.
His death marks the end of a career that saw him become a familiar presence in Hollywood productions from the 1960s into the 2020s.
