US actor Tom Skerritt, who starred in the TV series Picket Fences and the films Alien and Top Gun, has died aged 93, his family says.

Skerritt died on Wednesday of natural causes, his family said: “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.”

In a six-decade career, he took on film and television roles, appearing in Mash, A River Runs Through It and Ted. He also co-founded TheFilmSchool in Seattle to support next-generation filmmakers and storytellers.

His family said he will be remembered “for his belief that stories can help people heal, find purpose, and create change.”

Skerritt starred alongside Sigourney Weaver in the 1979 sci-fi film Alien, which led to three sequels and several crossover projects.

He also appeared opposite Shirley MacLaine in the 1977 film Turning Point, as Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in the 1986 classic Top Gun and played Sally Field’s husband in 1989’s Steel Magnolias.

On television, he won an Emmy Award in 1993 for his role as Sheriff Jimmy Brock in David E Kelley’s drama Picket Fences.

The procedural’s ensemble cast was nominated for SAG Awards in 1995 and 1996 and he received a nod for male actor in a drama series in 1995.