Overview
- Skerritt died in Seattle on Oct. 21, 2026, and his family and spokesperson confirmed natural causes in a public statement.
- He was best known for roles as Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in Top Gun, Captain Dallas in Alien, and Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences, the last of which earned him a 1993 Primetime Emmy.
- The family named his survivors as wife Julie Tokashiki, five children, grandchildren, and praised his humor, curiosity, wisdom and generosity.
- Colleagues and co‑stars including Julia Roberts and members of the Picket Fences cast posted tributes that emphasized his kindness and influence on colleagues.
- Beyond acting, Skerritt served in the U.S. Air Force and co‑founded TheFilmSchool and the Red Badge Project to support filmmakers and veterans; no funeral or memorial plans have been announced.