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Tom Skerritt, who played the instructor Viper in Top Gun and Captain Dallas in Alien, has died aged 93.
His family confirmed that he died of natural causes on Wednesday. In a statement, his family said they were "heartbroken by his loss," remembering him for much more than his work in Hollywood.
"We are heartbroken by his loss," the family said. "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," the statement continued. "He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices."
Skerritt's career took off with the 1970 film MASH*, in which he played Army surgeon Duke Forrest. He later appeared in Ridley Scott's Alien in 1979 before taking on the role of Commander Mike "Viper" Metcalf in Top Gun in 1986, starring alongside Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards.
In Top Gun, Skerritt played the experienced pilot overseeing the training of young naval aviators, including Cruise's Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The role remains among his best-known performances.
He also found success on television, playing Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences from 1992 to 1996. The role earned him an Emmy Award in 1993 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
His other credits included Steel Magnolias, A River Runs Through It, Contact, Cheers, Brothers & Sisters and Ted.
Away from acting, Skerritt helped establish TheFilmSchool in Seattle, an initiative focused on teaching aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers.
Skerritt is survived by his wife, Julie, his five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
