Los Angeles, October 23, 2026
American actor Tom Skerritt, known for “Top Gun,” has died at the age of 93.
The news became known on Friday evening. Tom Skerritt was among the defining performers in American film history and gained international fame through his roles in “Top Gun” and “Picket Fences,” as well as his portrayal of a starship captain in “Star Trek.”
His family said Skerritt would be remembered as an outstanding actor. Those closest to him said they would especially cherish his humor, curiosity, wisdom and generosity.
Family honors his personality and work
Julia Roberts’ reaction was particularly heartfelt. The Oscar-winning actress paid her cinematic father the deepest tribute on Instagram. In response to a photo of the two of them together, she wrote that Skerritt was “a shining example of a gentle man” and added a broken-heart emoji.
