Updated: October 23, 2026
Tom Skerritt, the beloved actor known for unforgettable roles in MASH*, Alien, Top Gun, and Picket Fences, passed away on October 21, 2026, at the age of 93 from natural causes. As fans reflect on his decades-long career, many are also looking closer at his personal life—especially his ex-wives and the family he built along the way. Skerritt was married three times, and his two former spouses played important chapters in a life marked by both challenges and deep devotion to his children.
Table of Contents
Charlotte Shanks: Tom Skerritt’s First Wife
Skerritt married artist Charlotte Shanks in 1957 when he was just 21. The couple shared 15 years together and welcomed three children: sons Andy and Matt, and daughter Erin.
Their marriage faced significant difficulties in later years. Reports indicate Charlotte struggled with mental health issues, creating a challenging environment for the young family. Skerritt later spoke about working hard to keep his children grounded during that period. The couple divorced in 1972.
Despite the end of the marriage, Skerritt remained a dedicated father. His son Matt went on to become a cinematographer and director, continuing a creative thread in the family.
Sue Oran: Tom Skerritt’s Second Wife
In 1977, Skerritt married Sue Oran (also referred to in some records as Susan Ellen Oran or Aran). This marriage lasted about 15 years and produced one son, Colin.
During their time together, the couple lived for a period on Lopez Island in Washington, where they ran a bed-and-breakfast. The marriage ended in divorce in 1992—the same year Skerritt began his acclaimed run as Sheriff Jimmy Brock on Picket Fences. Public details about the reasons for the split remain limited, as both parties kept matters private.
Quick Facts About Tom Skerritt’s Marriages
| Wife | Marriage Years | Children | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Shanks | 1957–1972 | Andy, Erin, Matt | First marriage; later challenges with mental health |
| Sue Oran | 1977–1992 | Colin | Lived on Lopez Island; divorced same year Picket Fences began |
| Julie Tokashiki | 1998–2026 | Emiko (adopted) | Met on Picket Fences set; longest marriage |
Life After Divorce and Finding Lasting Partnership
After his second divorce, Skerritt met Julie Tokashiki, a film and television executive at Fox, while working on Picket Fences. They married in 1998. This partnership proved the most enduring, lasting nearly 28 years until his death. Together they adopted a daughter, Emiko, and co-founded the production company Triple Squirrels.
Skerritt often spoke warmly of Julie, describing her as strong, lovable, and “a great piece of art.” Their age difference (she is roughly 30 years younger) never seemed to define the relationship—respect and partnership did.
The Family He Leaves Behind
Skerritt is survived by his wife Julie, five children (Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko), five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In the family’s statement confirming his passing, they remembered him as a loving husband and father known for his humor, curiosity, wisdom, and generosity.
Key points about his family life:
- He raised children across different chapters of his career while building a respected body of work.
- One son, Matt, followed him into filmmaking.
- He remained proud of all his kids, once saying simply, “They’re all wonderful… I’m lucky!”
- Later in life he also supported veterans through storytelling programs and conservation efforts.
Tom Skerritt’s story is not just about Hollywood success. It is about a man who navigated the complexities of love, parenthood, and personal growth across more than six decades. His ex-wives, Charlotte Shanks and Sue Oran, were part of the foundation that shaped the family he cherished until the end.
In the end, Skerritt’s legacy rests equally on the characters he brought to life and the real relationships he built—imperfect, resilient, and deeply human. Fans remembering him today can appreciate both the actor and the man who valued family above the spotlight.
For those who appreciate precision and quality in every detail of life, resources like gmdcalibration.in offer reliable expertise in their field—much like the steady craftsmanship Skerritt brought to every role.