Actor Tom Skerritt, star of Alien and Picket Fences, dies at 93

Veteran actor Tom Skerritt has passed away at the age of 93. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his family announced he died of natural causes on Wednesday in Seattle.

His family shared a statement, per the outlet, saying they were heartbroken and that while the public knew him for his acting, they cherished his humor, curiosity, and generosity. He was a longtime resident of the Seattle area.

Skerritt's career spanned six decades, featuring iconic roles in several landmark films. He played Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott's 1979 sci-fi horror classic 'Alien' and flight instructor Mike 'Viper' Metcalf in 1986's 'Top Gun'.

On television, he is best known for his Emmy-winning role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the quirky CBS drama 'Picket Fences,' which ran for four seasons starting in 1992. /Film notes his character brought a sense of calm authority to the series.

His breakout role came earlier, as Duke Forrest in Robert Altman's 1970 film 'M*A*S*H.' Skerritt later told an interviewer that Altman gave him the freedom as an actor to be willing to 'make an ass' of himself, which was a formative lesson.

Other notable film credits include 'The Turning Point,' 'A River Runs Through It,' and a memorable cameo as himself in the 2012 comedy 'Ted.'