News broke on October 22 of the passing of longtime actor Tom Skerritt, who died of natural causes at the age of 93. The charismatic leading man started acting in 1962, amassing a remarkable filmography filled with roles in both television and movies.
Born in 1933, Skerritt was a regular in everything from science fiction to westerns to sitcoms like Cheers and procedurals like Picket Fences. Although he got his start primarily on television, he put together an illustrious career on the big screen over his six-decade long career.
Here are some of the most iconic roles that Skerritt played over the years.
Top Gun (1986)
Skerritt played Viper, the no-nonsense Top Gun instructor that mentored Tom Cruise's Maverick. He had the gravitas fitting for the uniform, but
also had the perfect disappointed face when they'd inevitably buzz the tower.
Alien (1979)
As Dallas, Skerritt ran the ill-fated crew of the Nostromo as they attempted to escape from an unknown alien life form that made it's way onto their ship. There's no stress quite like the stress that involves Dallas in the bowels of the spaceship armed only with a flamethrower and a radio.
Picket Fences (1992-1996)
He worked on the David E. Kelley CBS drama as a sheriff for an impressive 88 episodes. Skerritt won his lone Emmy Award -- Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993 -- for his portrayal of Jimmy Brock.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
He was fantastic as Drum Eatenton across from the star-studded lineup that included Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Darryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis.
M*A*S*H* (1970)
Skerritt was Duke Forrest, starring alongside Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Robert Duvall and more.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Tom Skerritt's 5 best roles as Hollywood mourns 'Top Gun' actor
