Beloved actor Tom Skerritt passed away on October 21, and the news sent shockwaves through the industry. The 93-year-old star worked on more than 183 projects between 1962 and 2025. He was a well-known actor who also dabbled in direction and production. Following his passing, many friends, fans, and co-stars shared their respect for him online; Julia Roberts was one of them. The two had starred in ‘Steel Magnolias,’ which was released in 1989.
Julia Roberts honours Tom Skerritt
Taking to her Instagram account, the beloved actress shared a sweet and simple tribute for the veteran icon. She shared a photo of her and the actor sharing the screen during the filming of ‘Steel Magnolias.’ In the photo, the two were smiling and laughing together. The scene from which the photo was taken was the holiday party scene. In the scene, Drum, played by Skerritt, announces proudly that he is going to be a grandfather to everyone. She wrote in the caption, “A shining light of a gentle man. RIP.”
Many stars pay their respects to Tom Skerritt
Roberts was not the only star who remembered the actor after all these years. Along with her, Lauren Holly, his co-star from the television drama ‘Picket Fences,’ also remembered the star by posting a snapshot of the duo from the series. She wrote, “I adored Tom Skerritt. I was lucky enough to work with him on more than one project, but the first was Picket Fences. He was our leader. His example made those years such a joy, and we all loved and respected him so much.”Kathy Baker from ‘Picket Fences’ also shared a statement after the actor’s passing while talking to PEOPLE. She stated, “My heart is broken to hear of the passing of dear, lovely, loving Tom, my TV husband, my partner, my darling friend. He taught me so much during our four years on Picket Fences. I couldn’t have asked for a more gracious and kind actor to work with, and it was very special to share with him the incredible run of the show.”
About ‘Steel Magnolias’
The premise of the film revolves around a close-knit group of Southern women who live in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana, and gather regularly at the famous Truvy’s Beauty Salon to share gossip, laughter, and support through life’s trials. Julia Roberts and Tom Skerritt played the father and daughter duo in the 1989 classic film, where Skerritt played Drum Eatenton, and Roberts played Shelby Eatenton Latcherie. Roberts’ character has severe diabetes, and the doctor advised her not to have children because of her condition. Other than Roberts and Skerritt, the film also stars names like Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Dylan McDermott, and Sam Shepard.
Tom Skerritt passes away
The beloved actor passed away on October 16 due to natural causes, AP reported. The actor’s family issued a heartfelt statement about his passing. They shared: “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. He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world, and helping others find and share their own voices.”He was 93 years old at the time of his passing.