Tom Skerritt, 'Top Gun' and 'Alien' star, dies at 93

Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor known for roles in Top Gun and Alien, has died at 93. His family said he passed away Wednesday of natural causes. In a statement reported by People, they described him as a loving husband to Julie and a father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Collin and Emiko, later listing grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Skerritt’s career began in Detroit after graduating high school, including four years in the Air Force, followed by studies at Wayne State University and a transfer to UCLA before he pursued acting. Early screen work included 1962’s War Hunt and TV appearances such as Combat, Gunsmoke, Death Valley Days and 12 O’Clock High. He played Dallas, captain of the Nostromo, in Alien, and later starred as Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in Top Gun. On TV, his role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in CBS’s Picket Fences earned him an Emmy in 1993.