Hollywood legend and Air Force vet Tom Skerritt dies at 93
From Duke Forrest in “M*A*S*H” to Viper in “Top Gun,” Tom Skerritt knew how to play a military role and he became known for them. After all, before breaking into Hollywood, the iconic American actor served in the Air Force. According to a statement released by his family, Skerritt died on Oct. 21, 2026 at the age of 93.
Born in Detroit, Mich., Skerritt enlisted after graduating high school in 1951. During a 2016 interview with Film Comment, Skerritt noted that he wanted to see the world, but spent most of his Air Force career as a classification specialist at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Tex.
Skerritt served four years on active duty before leaving the military to go to college. He returned to Michigan where he attended Henry Ford College and Wayne State University before going west to UCLA. Originally interested in studying English, he shifted to directing. Seeking practical experience in the job, Skerritt left college before earning a degree.
His first film was 1962’s “War Hunt,” similar to “M*A*S*H” but set during the Korean War. Ironically, he continued to appear on television shows in guest roles until his breakthrough in “M*A*S*H.”
Perhaps his most enduring role, at least in the military community, was in “Top Gun” as Commander Mike Metcalf, callsign “Viper.” With his cooler-than-you mustache and Ray-Ban Caravan sunglasses, Skerritt played the role of Top Gun commander perfectly. When he wasn’t calling out Maverick’s flying, Skerritt also brought a fatherly warmness to the role that made the reveal about Maverick’s dad that much stronger of a scene.
After “Top Gun,” Skerritt continued to act both in films and television. In a spiritual successor to Viper, Skerritt played Navy SEAL Captain Bill Rhodes in 2003’s “Tears of the Sun.” Guiding a SEAL Team from an aircraft carrier off the coast of Africa, Skerritt brought the same vibe that made Viper such an iconic character.
A hard worker through and through, Skerritt’s last role was in the 2025 film “Broke.”
In addition to acting, Skerritt helped launch TheFilmSchool in Seattle to support future filmmakers. He also taught at the University of Washington—Tacoma. Not forgetting his military roots, Skerritt co-founded the Red Badge Project to help veterans work through mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
“We are heartbroken by his loss,” Skerritt’s family shared in their announcement of his death. “While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humor, curiosity, generosity and the love he brought into our lives. He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices.”
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