Actor Tom Skerritt dies aged 93
The American actor was known for Alien, Top Gun and the television drama Picket Fences.
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Tom Skerritt, the American actor whose roles included Captain Dallas in Alien and Viper in Top Gun, has died aged 93. His family said he died of natural causes on 21 October.
Skerritt worked across film and television for more than five decades. AP reported that he was twice nominated for an Emmy for Picket Fences and won the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 1993.
His film credits included M*A*S*H, The Turning Point, Steel Magnolias, Contact and A River Runs Through It. NPR’s obituary highlighted his roles as fathers, police officers and commanding officers.
For many British viewers, his best-known performance may be Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s 1979 science-fiction film Alien. In Top Gun, he played the flight instructor known as Viper, appearing alongside Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis.
Skerritt was born in Detroit and served in the United States Air Force before studying at UCLA and pursuing acting. Later in life he supported independent film and theatre and helped establish a storytelling programme for veterans.
His death was announced by his family in a statement that described his humour, curiosity and generosity. The statement did not suggest an illness. AP’s obituary describes a body of work spanning mainstream Hollywood films, television drama and stage performance.
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The obituary facts are supported by AP and NPR reporting. The wording remains descriptive rather than evaluative.
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The death, age, cause and major credits are confirmed by AP and public radio coverage. The article avoids unnecessary personal details.Sources
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