Tom Skerritt Dies At 93
The veteran actor was known for roles in 'Picket Fences,' 'Alien' and 'Top Gun.'
October 22, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 7:17pm ET
The New York TimesTom Skerritt, Who Had Key Roles in ‘Picket Fences’ and ‘Top Gun,’ Dies at 93
CBS NewsTom Skerritt, known for roles in "Alien," "Top Gun" and TV's "Picket Fences," dies at age 93
FOX News'Top Gun' star Tom Skerritt dead at 93
CNNTom Skerritt, everyman actor of ‘Alien’ and ‘Picket Fences’ fame, dead at 93
UPI'Alien,' 'Top Gun' actor Tom Skerritt dies at 93
Breitbart NewsTom Skerritt, Star of ‘Alien,’ ‘Top Gun,’ ‘Picket Fences,’ Dies at 93
PBS NewsHourTom Skerritt, Emmy-winning actor with roles in 'Alien', 'Top Gun' and 'Picket Fences,' dies at 93
ABC NewsVeteran actor Tom Skerritt dies at 93
Daily Caller‘Top Gun’ Star Dead At 93
Los Angeles TimesTom Skerritt, Emmy-winning actor known for 'Picket Fences,' 'Alien' and 'Top Gun,' dies at 93
Associated PressTom Skerritt, Emmy-winning actor with roles in 'Picket Fences,' 'Alien' and 'Top Gun,' dies at 93
Epoch TimesEmmy-Winning Actor Tom Skerritt of ‘Alien’ and ‘Top Gun’ Dies at Age 93
Boston GlobeTom Skerritt, Emmy-winning actor who starred in ‘Alien’ and ‘Top Gun,’ has died
BBC NewsUS actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in Picket Fences, Mash and Alien, dies aged 93
RedStateActor Tom Skerritt Dies at 93, and His Long and Storied Career Matches a Life Well-Lived
The GuardianTom Skerritt, Alien and Top Gun actor, dies aged 93
NewsNationTom Skerritt, Emmy-winning actor with roles in ‘Picket Fences,’ ‘Alien,’ dies at 93
The Gateway PunditJUST IN: Top Gun Star Tom Skerritt Has Passed Away
HuffPostActor Tom Skerritt, Famous Roles In 'Picket Fences,' 'Alien' And 'Top Gun,' Dies At 93
NBC NewsTom Skerritt, star of ‘Alien’ and ‘Top Gun,’ dies at 93
Daily BeastâTop Gunâ Actor Dies at 93
NPRActor Tom Skerritt, who played dads, cops and commanding officers, has died
Rolling StoneTom Skerritt, 'Alien' and 'Picket Fences' Actor, Dead at 93
DeadlineTom Skerritt Dead: 'Top Gun,' 'M*A*S*H,' 'Alien' Actor Was 93
38%
Left · 9
37%
Center · 9
25%
Right · 6
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Updated Oct 22, 7:17pm ETActor Tom Skerritt
Tom SkerrittAmerican actor (1933–2026) died Wednesday at age 93 of natural causes, his family said. Skerritt built a career of more than six decades, with prominent roles in M*A*S*H, Alien, Top Gun, Steel Magnolias and television’s Picket Fences. Before acting, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. His family said it was heartbroken and remembered his humor, curiosity, generosity and love, along with his care for storytelling, service and veterans. He won the 1993 Primetime Emmy for playing Sheriff Jimmy Brock on Picket Fences. Skerritt later helped found TheFilmSchool and co-founded the Red Badge Project. Memorial details will be announced later.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets framed Skerritt as a versatile screen presence whose personal warmth shaped the remembrance as much as the résumé. The New York Times emphasized his long range across different kinds of roles and his commanding presence. CNN lingered on his family’s portrait of his humor and generosity, while describing his appeal as authority mixed with likability.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets led with Skerritt’s durable screen legacy, then widened the tribute to his creativity and service beyond acting. Fox News emphasized his Emmy-winning television work and memorable film career as the core of that legacy. It also highlighted generosity, storytelling and support for veterans as central to how he would be remembered.
