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Tom Skerritt has been in the entertainment industry longer than some of his fans have been alive. He made his on-screen debut in 1962 and has been working consistently. From the big to the small screen, Tom’s resume includes many impressive credits. Throughout his career, Tom has also gotten to share the screen with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. While he doesn’t get nearly as much credit as he deserves, Tom and his talent have earned respect and admiration of people across the globe. Now in his late 80s, Tom is still going strong and doesn’t plan to slow down any time soon. Keep reading for ten things you didn’t know about Tom Skerritt.
1. He Is From Michigan
Tom Skerritt is a proud midwesterner through and through. He was born and raised in the Detroit area and is the youngest of three. He attended and graduated from Mackenzie High School with a long list of noteworthy alumni, including NFL legend Jerome Bettis and author Paula Gosling.
2. He Isn’t Afraid to Get Political
Many people in the public eye avoid sharing their political views out of fear that they will alienate some of their supporters. However, that isn’t something that Tom is worried about. He has no issue with letting the world know where he stands regarding politics, and he gladly celebrated President Joe Biden’s election.
3. Tom Skerritt Loves Being Outdoors
The entertainment industry can be very hectic, and many who work in it look forward to finding moments of peace and quiet. Tom enjoys spending time in nature. Whether that means going for a long walk or sitting by the water, he never misses an opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the outdoors.
credit @therealtomskerritt
4. He Enjoys Reading
Tom has spent most of his life telling stories. However, sometimes he likes to be on the other side just like the rest of us. Tom is an avid reader, and he loves the feeling of getting lost in a good book. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any information on which books are his favorite.
5. He’s Been Married Three Times
Maintaining long-term relationships can be difficult for people who work in the entertainment industry. This appears to be something Tom Skerritt has experienced firsthand. He married his first wife, Charlotte Shanks, in 1957. The couple had three children together before divorcing in 1972. Tom and his second wife, Susan Ellen Aran, were married from 1976 to 1990. They had one child together. Tom has been married to his current wife, Julie Tokashiki, since 1998. They do not have any children together.
6. He Is a Dog Person
If you’ve ever had a dog, you know the accuracy of the statement “a dog is a man’s best friend.” Tom Skerritt is a dog lover and a proud pet parent. He loves spending time with his German shepherd, August. In many ways, the dog has become the star of Tom’s Instagram profile.
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7. Tom Skerritt Has Well Over 100 Acting Credits
Anyone who looks at Tom Skerritt’s acting resume will probably be blown aware by the sheer amount of work he’s done over the years. According to IMDB, he has 171 acting credits, including voice/video game work. His most recent appearance was in the TV series Going Home.
8. He Went to UCLA
Even though the midwest will always have a special place in Tom’s heart, he eventually realized that he wanted to see other parts of the United States. He moved across the country to attend UCLA, where he studied at the School of Theater, Film, and Television. He also studied at Wayne State University in Michigan.
9. He Has Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Actors are the ones who get the most notoriety in the entertainment industry, but there are lots of people behind the scenes who are essential in ensuring that productions go well. Tom Skerritt has gotten to experience this from both sides. He made his directorial debut in 1986 with the TV series Danger Bay. He earned his first producer’s credit in 2014 with the TV documentary The Rocky Mountain Fly Highway.
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10. He Is All About Positivity
Let’s face it, staying positive is always easier said than done. This is especially true when things aren’t going how we’d like them to. However, despite all the ups and downs he’s had to deal with, Tom has always done his best to maintain a positive attitude. This mindset is also something that he enjoys sharing with others.