Tom Skerritt dies at 93: Here's all about the 'Top Gun' actor's three wives and five children

Emmy-winning actor Tom Skerritt has died at the age of 93. He was widely known for his role as small-town sheriff Jimmy Brock on the 1990s drama series "Picket Fences" and also starred in hit ensembles such as "M*A*S*H", "Alien", and "Top Gun". "We are heartbroken by his loss," Skerritt's family said in a statement shared with the People magazine. "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 family added. Here is all you need to know about Skerritt's wives and children.

Tom Skerritt was married thrice

Tom Skerritt met his wife Julie Tokashiki on the sets of "Picket Fences". Tokashiki was an executive at Fox during his time on the show. The two tied the knot in 1998, marking the actor's third marriage.


During a 2020 conversation with Closer Weekly, Skerritt had praised his wife as a "strong, lovable" woman. "Whatever differences we have, and there are some — there [are] a few years between us, age-wise — I look at her with a great deal of respect and marvel at who she is," he said. "She’s just a great piece of art."

Skerritt was previously married to Susan Ellen Oran for 15 years. The actor's first wife was Charlotte Shanks, with whom he was married from 1957 until 1972.

A father of five

Skerritt had five children from his three marriages. He welcomed three kids -- Andy, Erin, and Matt -- with his first wife Shanks, and son Colin with second wife Oran. He and Tokashiki adopted a child, named Emiko, in 2007. Skerritt's son Matt is a cinematographer and director, the actor told Closer Weekly in 2020. Skerritt was also blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Skerritt talked about the significance of family throughout his career. In a post on social media in 2022, he wrote: "My one goal in life has always been to be a good father, and provide for my family."

Tom Skerritt's filmography

Skerritt died of natural causes on Wednesday (Oct. 21) in Seattle, according to his family. Some of his notable film credits included "The Dead Zone" (1983), "SpaceCamp" (1986), "Maid to Order" (1987), "The Rookie" (1990), "Steel Magnolias" (1989), "The Other Sister" (1999), "Tears of the Sun" (2003), "Bonneville" (2006), "Redemption Road" (2010), and "Day of Days" (2017). He continued to work through the 2020s and last appeared in the 2025 movie "Broke".