‘I have lived through everything’: Top Gun, Alien actor Tom Skerritt on regrets and his biggest life lesson. How he believes in making every day count

Tom Skerritt, best known for films like Top Gun and Alien, passed away on October 21 due to age-related conditions, reports revealed. He was 93. Skerritt’s family confirmed his demise, stating that the Emmy-winning star died because of natural causes’. Just a few years before his death, Skerritt appeared in an interview where he talked about retirement and how he handles regrets, showcasing his zeal for life. The film veteran also revealed the biggest life lesson he learnt.

Tom Skerritt on regrets, retirement and life lessons

Tom Skerritt, in a 2020 interview with Closer Weekly, shared that he doesn’t think about retirement. ‘I don't know what that means,’ he said, adding that according to him, life changes constantly as you evolve. All you have to do is fill it with as many experiences as you can.

When the host asked Tom Skerritt about whether he had any regrets in life, the actor had an honest and interesting response. He disclosed to have lived life through ups and downs, highs and lows aka ‘everything’ and hence there are no regrets; it was all an experience.


‘I am healthy and reasonably sane,’ asserted Tom Skerritt. In conclusion, when the actor was asked to share his biggest life lesson, Skerritt urged everyone to live life to the fullest without fearing it. In his words, ‘Make the most of every day.’

Tom Skerritt’s death and filmography

Tom Skerritt’s family released a statement after his death to People magazine. They said that while the world honours Kerritt for his films, they would remember him as a loving and warm man.

‘We are heartbroken by his loss. While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humour, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into our lives,’ read the statement.

Tom Skerritt made his movie debut with War Hunt (1962), playing the role of Sergeant Stan Showalter. Some of his other remarkable roles include slipping into the shoes of Duke Forest in M*A*S*H (1970) and essaying the character of Commander Mike 'Viper' Metcalf in Top Gun. Skerritt was also seen as Drum Eatenton in Steel Magnolias (1989).