Tom Skerritt, the esteemed actor renowned for his captivating performances, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, October 21, at the age of 93, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt announcement shared with PEOPLE.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tom-skerritt-102226-ce98e4f2d6e64873b2eb10ab11b57a53.jpg)
Skerritt’s contributions to the film industry were immense, and tributes soon began flowing in from colleagues and friends across Hollywood. His remarkable career spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on cinema and television.
Julia Roberts, who had the privilege of sharing the screen with Skerritt in the beloved 1989 film “Steel Magnolias,” paid a touching tribute on Instagram. The actress recalled her time with Skerritt, who portrayed Drum Eatenton, the father of her character Shelby. Roberts shared a nostalgic photograph of themselves, captioning it, “A shining light of a gentle man. RIP 💔.”
Kathy Baker, who starred alongside Skerritt in the popular television series “Picket Fences” from 1992 to 1996, expressed her sorrow in a statement. Recalling their time together on the show, Baker described Skerritt as her “TV husband” and “darling friend.” She noted the wisdom and grace he exhibited throughout their four years working together, stating, “I couldn’t have asked for a more gracious and kind actor to work with.”
Lauren Holly, who played Deputy Sheriff Maxine Stewart in “Picket Fences,” also took to social media to honour Skerritt’s memory. She reminisced about their time together, describing Skerritt as a leader who brought joy to their set. “He cared deeply for his family—both the one at home and the one at work,” Holly wrote. “He had a huge impact on my life, and so many memories I have of him include sharing fits of crippling laughter.”
Justin Shenkarow, who portrayed Matthew Brock in “Picket Fences,” shared a clip from the show, accompanied by a heartfelt message honouring Skerritt’s legacy. “You were loved by so many and I will miss you tremendously,” Shenkarow expressed. “I’m incredibly grateful that I had the privilege of working with you on Picket Fences. You’re a legend.”
Skerritt’s career was marked by an array of notable performances, including roles in the iconic films “M*A*S*H” (1970), “Alien” (1979), and “Top Gun” (1986). However, beyond his professional accomplishments, his family offered a glimpse into the kind of person he was off-screen. They highlighted his humour, curiosity, wisdom, and generosity, as well as the love he shared with those around him.
In their statement, the family shared, “While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for the love he brought into our lives.” They also mentioned his dedication to various causes, including the arts, services for veterans, and environmental issues, underscoring his passion for storytelling and helping others find their own voices.
As the industry mourns the loss of such a legendary figure, Skerritt’s family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from friends, colleagues, and fans. They requested privacy during this difficult time, announcing that details regarding a memorial service would be revealed in due course.
With a career that spanned more than five decades, Tom Skerritt leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by many. His work elevated the projects he contributed to, and the friendships he forged throughout his life will forever be remembered by those who had the honour of knowing him. The news of his passing serves as a reminder of the indelible mark he left on the entertainment industry and the hearts of devoted fans.