‘Steel Magnolias’ & ‘Top Gun’ Actor Tom Skerritt Dies At 93
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Tom Skerritt, the veteran actor known for his memorable roles in Steel Magnolias, Top Gun, and Alien, has died at the age of 93.
Skerritt died of natural causes on October 21st, his family confirmed in a statement to People on Thursday (Oct 22).
“Our family is deeply saddened to share that Tom Skerritt passed away on October 21, 2026, from natural causes,” his family said. “He was a loving husband to Julie; father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko; grandfather to Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia; and great-grandfather to Marigold and Ravi. We are heartbroken by his loss.”
“While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives,” his family said. “He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices.”
The statement concluded, “We are incredibly grateful for the love and support being shown by his friends, colleagues, and fans. We ask for privacy as our family grieves. Information regarding a memorial will be shared at a later date.”
His passing marks the loss of a Hollywood talent whose career spanned more than six decades and included some of film and television’s most recognizable productions.
Tom Skerritt Has Been In Some Of The Most Beloved Films
For many fans, Skerritt will be remembered for his role in the beloved 1989 film Steel Magnolias, starring alongside Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.
Based on Robert Harling’s play, the comedy-drama follows a close-knit group of women in a small Louisiana town as they navigate friendship, family, heartbreak, and life’s most difficult moments.
Skerritt portrayed Drum Eatenton, the devoted husband of M’Lynn Eatenton, played by Field, and the father of Shelby, played by Roberts.
As part of the film’s central family, his character helped ground the story’s emotional moments, balancing the strong personalities and close friendships that made Steel Magnolias a lasting favorite. His tumultuous relationship with MacLaine’s Ouiser was a fan favorite storyline, bringing pure comedy to the film with many emotional moments.
While Steel Magnolias introduced Skerritt to audiences through a beloved cast, his career included several other landmark films.
In 1979, he appeared as Captain Arthur Dallas in Ridley Scott’s science-fiction horror classic Alien, starring opposite Sigourney Weaver. The film became one of the most influential entries in the genre, and Skerritt’s portrayal of the Nostromo’s captain remains among his best-known performances.
Seven years later, he took on another iconic role in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. Skerritt played Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf, an experienced Navy pilot and instructor who helps guide Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and his fellow aviators. His commanding screen presence made Viper a memorable figure in the blockbuster.
His other notable film credits included MASH* (1970), The Turning Point (1977), A River Runs Through It (1992), and Contact (1997).
Skerritt also found considerable success on television, starring as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the CBS drama Picket Fences, which ran from 1992-1996. His performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993.
His Steel Magnolias Daughter Paid Tribute
Julia Roberts made a rare social media post to mourn the loss of her movie dad.
“A shining light of a gentle man. RIP,” she wrote alongside a broke heart emoji.
The official Top Gun social media page honored Tom with a tribute, writing, “Tom Skerritt made everyone around him fly higher. Honoring a gifted actor and a true wingman.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and loved ones during this time.
