Tom Skerritt Dead at 93: Costar Julia Roberts Pays Tribute

Originally appeared on E! Online

Tom Skerritt is being fondly remembered by his family and friends.

The film and TV actor, known for his roles in hits like Top Gun and M*A*S*H, died Oct. 21 of natural causes, according to his family. He was 93.

“We are heartbroken by his loss,” the family shared in a statement to People. “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 added, “He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.”

While Skerritt’s family asked for privacy amid his death, they noted they were “incredibly grateful” for the wave of “love and support” shown by his friends and former costars.

Indeed, Julia Roberts—who earned her first Oscar nomination after starring as Skerritt’s onscreen daughter in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias—shared a still image of the pair in the movie on Instagram, writing in the caption, “A shining light of a gentle man. RIP.”

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His Picket Fences costar Kathy Baker also remembered the Emmy winner, who she called her “darling friend.”

“My heart is broken to hear of the passing of dear, lovely, loving, Tom,” she shared in a statement to People. “He taught me so much during our four years on Picket Fences. I couldn’t have asked for a more gracious and kind actor to work with, and it was very special to share with him the incredible run of the show.”

Meanwhile, their Picket Fences colleague Lauren Holly—who played Deputy Sheriff Maxine Stewart under Skerritt’s Sheriff Jimmy Brock—noted she “adored” her former costar.

“He was our leader,” she wrote on Instagram. “His example made those years such a joy and we all loved and respected him so much. He cared deeply for his family—both the one at home and the one at work. He cared deeply for his planet, and all of its inhabitants. He had a huge impact on my life, and so many memories I have of him include sharing fits of crippling laughter.”

Holly concluded, “Rest easy my friend. I will think of you often.”

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