《Alien》Tom Skerritt, who played Captain, passed away at the age of 93

 Tom Skerritt, who played Captain Dallas in Alien and flight instructor Viper in Top Gun, has died at the age of 93.TVLine confirmed the news on October 22.His family said in a statement that he died of natural causes locally on Wednesday.

“The world knows Tom through his outstanding acting career, but we remember him for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, generosity, and the love he brought into our lives.He valued imagination, creativity and storytelling, and also cared about public service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and express their voices, family members wrote.The family thanks friends, colleagues and fans for their support and asks for privacy during their time of mourning.

Skerrit came to attention playing surgeon Duke Forrest in Robert Altman's 1970 military comedy M*A*S*H.The film later spawned a hit TV series of the same name.In 1979, he co-starred with Sigourney Weaver in Alien, serving as Captain Dallas of the Nostromo; in 1986, he played Tom Cruise's flight instructor in Top Gun.His film credits also include Steel Magnolias, Poltergeist III, A River Runs Through It and Contact.

Another identity familiar to television viewers is Sheriff Jimmy Brock on Picket Fences.This CBS drama created by David E. Kelly launched in 1992 and ran for four seasons. It won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series twice.Skerritt won the 1993 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for this role.

He also had a recurring role in the sixth season of Cheers, playing wealthy business owner Evan Drake, who had Kirstie Alley's Rebecca Howe falling for all season long.In addition, he has appeared in Brothers and Sisters, Will & Grace and The West Wing.

Skerritt's publicist said in a statement that his legacy extends beyond the screen: Over a career spanning more than six decades, he became one of Hollywood's most respected and versatile actors, bringing wisdom, authenticity, humor and quiet strength to his performances.”