Tom Skerritt Dies at 93: Julia Roberts Pays Tribute to Her Beloved “Steel Magnolias” Movie Dad

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a remarkable actor whose career spanned more than six decades. Tom Skerritt, remembered by generations of movie fans for Steel Magnolias, Top Gun, and Alien, has died at 93 — and the heartfelt tributes from those who worked alongside him are already reminding fans of the legacy he leaves behind.

Tom Skerritt’s family confirmed that the veteran actor died of natural causes on October 21, 2026. The news was shared in a statement to People on Thursday, October 22, bringing sadness to fans who had followed his work across film and television for decades.

But beyond his memorable performances, Skerritt was also a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose family remembers him for the love and warmth he brought into their lives.

“Our family is deeply saddened to share that Tom Skerritt passed away on October 21, 2026, from natural causes,” his family said in the statement. They described him as a loving husband to Julie and a devoted father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko, as well as a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

“We are heartbroken by his loss,” the family added.

His family remembers the man behind the Hollywood legend

While audiences knew Skerritt for his powerful screen presence and wide-ranging roles, his family remembered a much more personal side of the actor.

“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 statement read.

The family also highlighted the causes and interests that mattered deeply to him, including imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others discover and share their own voices.

Their words offered a moving glimpse of a man whose influence reached far beyond the characters he portrayed.

The family thanked friends, colleagues, and fans for their support and asked for privacy as they grieve. Details about a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Tom Skerritt will always be remembered as Drum Eatenton in Steel Magnolias

For fans of Steel Magnolias, Skerritt will forever be associated with Drum Eatenton, the devoted husband of M’Lynn Eatenton, played by Sally Field, and father of Shelby, portrayed by Julia Roberts.

Released in 1989, the beloved comedy-drama also starred Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, and Daryl Hannah. Set in a small Louisiana town, the film follows a close-knit group of women as they navigate friendship, family, heartbreak, and the difficult moments that test their strength.

Although the story centers largely on the women, Skerritt brought warmth and sincerity to the role of Drum, giving audiences a memorable portrayal of a husband and father standing beside his family through life’s challenges.

The film has remained a favorite for generations, thanks to its blend of humor, love, and deeply emotional storytelling. For many viewers, revisiting Steel Magnolias feels like reconnecting with old friends — which makes the loss of one of its familiar faces especially poignant.

Top Gun  honors a true Hollywood wingman

Skerritt’s career extended well beyond Steel Magnolias. He was also widely recognized for playing Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in the original Top Gun, the 1986 blockbuster starring Tom Cruise.

The official Top Gun social media account paid tribute to the late actor, writing: “Tom Skerritt made everyone around him fly higher. Honoring a gifted actor and a true wingman.”

The message was a fitting nod to his role as a respected mentor in the film, a character whose calm authority helped shape the story and left a lasting impression on audiences.

Skerritt also appeared in Ridley Scott’s 1979 science-fiction classic Alien, further demonstrating his ability to move between genres and bring depth to very different characters.

Across dramas, action films, and science fiction, he built a career defined by versatility, understated strength, and a commanding screen presence.

Julia Roberts shares a touching tribute to her movie dad

One of the most emotional reactions came from Julia Roberts, who played Skerritt’s on-screen daughter in Steel Magnolias.

Roberts made a rare social media post to honor the actor, sharing a brief but heartfelt message:

“A shining light of a gentle man. RIP,” she wrote, alongside a broken-heart emoji.

Her words captured the affection and respect many fans felt for Skerritt. Their on-screen relationship helped bring the family at the center of Steel Magnolias to life, and her tribute offered a glimpse of the lasting impression he made on those who worked with him.

Sometimes, a few simple words say more than a lengthy statement. Roberts’ message was a quiet acknowledgment of a colleague whose presence clearly meant something to her.

 

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A six-decade career that left a lasting mark

Tom Skerritt’s career spanned more than 60 years, making him one of those actors whose work became part of the fabric of American film and television.

He could play a reassuring father, a disciplined military officer, or a character facing extraordinary danger — and make each role feel grounded and believable. His performances did not need to demand attention to leave an impression. Often, his greatest strength was the quiet authenticity he brought to the screen.

For some fans, he will always be Drum Eatenton, standing beside Sally Field and Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias. For others, he will be Viper in Top Gun or Captain Dallas in Alien.

But the tributes from his family and colleagues remind us that the man behind those iconic roles meant far more than the characters he played.

Tom Skerritt leaves behind a remarkable body of work and a family who will remember him for his humor, wisdom, generosity, and love. His performances will continue to reach new audiences, while the people who knew him personally hold on to the memories that mattered most.

Rest in peace, Tom Skerritt. Your work touched generations of movie fans, and your legacy will live on through the stories you helped bring to life.