Tom Skerrit is being remembered by his former costars after his death at age 93.
Leading the tributes was Julia Roberts, who starred alongside the veteran actor on the 1989 drama Steel Magnolias. In an ensemble cast which also featured Sally Field, Dolly Parton, and Shirley MacLaine, Skerrit played Drum, the father of Roberts’ character Shelby Eatenton Latcherie.
“A shining light of a gentle man. RIP” Roberts, 58, wrote alongside a picture of a scene from the film which captured the moment Drum learned that his daughter is expecting a baby.
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Skerrit, whose career spanned decades and included films such as Top Gun, MASH, Alien, A River Runs Through It and Contact, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, October 21.
He also starred as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the television drama Picket Fences, earning an Emmy in 1993.
Lauren Holly, who appeared alongside Skerritt on the series, paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “He was our leader. His example made those years such a joy and we all loved and respected him so much.”
Kathy Baker, who played his wife on Picket Fences, also called Skerritt her “dear friend,” praising his kindness and generosity as a colleague.
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