Let’s talk about Tom Skerritt, shall we? You know him from the iconic comedy M*A*S*H, the sci-fi masterpiece Alien, the beloved TV series Picket Fences, and dozens of other unforgettable performances. Tom Skerritt, with his rugged charm and undeniable talent, has been lighting up screens for nearly six decades. At 86, he's still going strong, returning as Viper in Top Gun: Maverick, set to hit theaters on December 23. But Tom isn’t just resting on his laurels. When he’s not stealing the spotlight on camera, he’s busy at work with Triple Squirrels, a film company he co-founded with his wife of nearly 22 years, Julie Tokashiki. How does he keep his energy up? As a kid growing up in Seattle, Tom learned a valuable lesson that has stuck with him throughout his life: “Just keep moving!”
Tom, Great to Have You With Us Today!
Let me tell you, Tom is a man who never slows down. Lately, he's been diving into projects he hasn't had the chance to explore earlier in his career. He was working on a memoir but decided to set that aside for now. Instead, he’s focused on finishing a screenplay and is well on his way to completing a play. His creativity knows no bounds.
What’s Happening with East of the Mountains?
Tom stars alongside Mira Sorvino in East of the Mountains, which was filmed last June. While he hasn’t been in close contact with the production team about the final results, he’s excited to see how it all comes together.
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What Can You Tell Us About Top Gun: Maverick?
Tom reveals that he was brought in for a funeral scene honoring one of the original Top Gun characters. However, the script was kept under wraps, leaving everyone curious about the storyline. His day working alongside Tom Cruise was memorable, but he’s eager to see how the entire movie unfolds.
Looking Back on Picket Fences
For four incredible seasons, Tom played the lead in Picket Fences, alongside the incredible Kathy Baker, who portrayed his wife. The show, written by the legendary David E. Kelley, was hailed as the best on television for several years and won a whopping 14 Emmys. Tom couldn’t be prouder of his time on the series.
Winning an Emmy: A Humbling Experience
When Tom took home an Emmy for his role in Picket Fences, he was at a loss for words. Competing against such talented actors, he couldn’t help but feel grateful and humbled. Awards aren’t his focus; it’s all about the craft for him.
Your Favorite Role, Tom?
Tom shares that his most moving role was playing the reverend in A River Runs Through It. Directed by Robert Redford, this film is a visual masterpiece that resonates deeply with audiences. Tom has revisited this film multiple times, finding new layers of meaning each time. For him, it’s not just about the role—it’s about the impact of the entire film.
How Did Your Career Begin?
Tom’s screen debut was in 1962’s War Hunt, but it wasn’t until the 1970 film M*A*S*H that he truly hit the big time. Director Robert Altman played a pivotal role in shaping Tom’s career. Altman allowed the cast to improvise about 80% of their lines, giving Tom a newfound freedom and confidence as an actor. It was a game-changer for him.
What Roles Put You on the Map?
Tom credits M*A*S*H and Alien as the roles that put him on the map. Both directors, Altman and Ridley Scott, shared their insights with Tom, helping him grow as an actor. Working with the best directors in the business taught him invaluable lessons.
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Filming Steel Magnolias: A Lesson in Strength
Tom fondly recalls his time filming Steel Magnolias alongside a group of powerful women. Each cast member rented a house in Louisiana and hosted dinners, creating a tight-knit community. Tom learned to let the women take the lead, realizing that the world would be a better place if women were in charge!
Growing Up Blue-Collar in Detroit
Tom describes himself as a "blue-collar, middle-class guy" who grew up in Detroit. This humble background has kept his feet firmly on the ground. Success hasn’t inflated his ego; instead, it’s made him appreciate the journey all the more.
Why Did You Join the Air Force?
After graduating high school, Tom knew he needed to get out of Detroit. The Air Force offered him the GI Bill, which eventually led him to UCLA. It was a pivotal decision that shaped his future.
Your First Movie: War Hunt and Robert Redford
Tom’s first movie role came in War Hunt, where he acted alongside Robert Redford. As an English major, Tom wanted to understand screenwriting from an actor’s perspective. This led him to audition for plays, where he was eventually spotted and cast in War Hunt. His friendship with Redford deepened when they lived in the same neighborhood, leading to future collaborations.
Did You Stay Close to the M*A*S*H Cast?
Tom admits that he didn’t stay close to many of his M*A*S*H co-stars. Raising his kids as a single parent took priority, and he focused on navigating his personal challenges.
Family Life: Five Kids and a Wonderful Wife
Tom’s first wife battled mental illness, and his daughter Erin has praised him for keeping their family stable amidst the chaos. Today, all five of his kids are thriving. His son Matt is a cinematographer and director, and Tom is the proud grandfather of five granddaughters. Life is good!
Meeting Julie: Love at Fox
Tom met his third wife, Julie, while working on Picket Fences at Fox. She was an executive there, and their connection was immediate. Despite the age difference, Tom admires Julie’s strength and loves her deeply. She’s truly a remarkable woman.
Parenting at 86: Emi, the Preteen
Tom and Julie adopted Emi in 2007, and now, at 12, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Tom jokes that she’s a powerful
