Thomas Roy "Tom" Skerritt

• Born: August 25, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, USA
• Profession: Actor, Director

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Early Life and Education

Tom Skerritt, the youngest of three children, was born to Helen, a homemaker, and Roy Skerritt, a businessman. He graduated from Detroit's Mackenzie High School in 1951 and attended Wayne State University before transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After high school, Skerritt served a four-year term in the United States Air Force as a classifications specialist, primarily stationed at Bergstrom Field in Austin, Texas. 

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Career Highlights

• Film:

  • MASH* (1970): Portrayed Duke Forrest in Robert Altman's satirical war film.
  • Alien (1979): Played Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott's iconic science fiction horror.
  • Top Gun (1986): Featured as Commander Mike "Viper" Metcalf, a seasoned naval aviator.
  • A River Runs Through It (1992): Acted as Reverend Maclean in this Robert Redford-directed drama. 

• Television:

  • Picket Fences (1992–1996): Starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
  • Cheers (1987–1988): Had a recurring role as Evan Drake during the sixth season. 

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Personal Life

Skerritt has been married three times and has five children. He is the founder and chairman of Heyou Media, a Seattle-based digital media company. 

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Tom Skerritt continues to be recognized for his extensive contributions to film and television, with a career spanning over six decades and encompassing a wide range of memorable roles.