Updated: October 23, 2026
Tom Skerritt, the versatile actor known for unforgettable roles in Top Gun, Alien, MASH*, and the Emmy-winning series Picket Fences, passed away on October 21, 2026, at the age of 93 from natural causes. While the world remembers his commanding screen presence, those closest to him knew a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family confirmed the news with a heartfelt statement, noting he was “a loving husband to Julie; father to Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko.”
Here’s a clear look at Tom Skerritt children and the family he built across three marriages.
Table of Contents
A Quick Overview of Tom Skerritt’s Family
| Child | Mother | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Andy | Charlotte Shanks | Eldest son from first marriage |
| Erin | Charlotte Shanks | Daughter; published poet |
| Matt | Charlotte Shanks | Son; cinematographer and director |
| Colin | Susan Ellen Oran | Son from second marriage |
| Emiko | Julie Tokashiki (adopted) | Youngest; adopted in 2007 |
Children from His First Marriage to Charlotte Shanks
Skerritt married Charlotte Shanks in 1957. The couple shared three children—Andy, Erin, and Matt—before divorcing in 1972. These three formed the foundation of his early family life while he was building his acting career.
- Andy, the eldest, has largely stayed out of the public spotlight.
- Erin has pursued creative work as a published poet.
- Matt followed a path close to his father’s world, working as a cinematographer and director. In a 2020 interview, Skerritt proudly noted that Matt was then in his early 50s and thriving in film.
These children grew up during the years when Skerritt was making his mark in films like MASH* and Harold and Maude.
Colin Skerritt and the Second Chapter of Fatherhood
After his divorce, Skerritt married Susan Ellen Oran (sometimes referred to as Sue) in the mid-1970s. They welcomed their son Colin before the marriage ended in 1992. Colin represents the middle chapter of Skerritt’s parenting journey—another son raised while his father’s career continued to expand into television and major Hollywood projects.
Skerritt rarely spoke in detail about his children’s private lives, preferring to keep the focus on their individual paths rather than public attention.
Emiko: Becoming a Father Again Later in Life
In 1998, Skerritt married Julie Tokashiki, whom he met while working on Picket Fences. The couple adopted their daughter Emiko in 2007. At a stage when many actors step back, Skerritt embraced fatherhood once more in his seventies.
He later described Emiko as a “wonderful child” and, in 2020, called her “one powerful preteen lady.” The adoption added a new dimension to his family, and he and Julie remained together until his passing. They even co-founded a production company focused on visual storytelling.
Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and a Lasting Family Bond
Beyond his five children, Skerritt left behind five grandchildren—Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia—and two great-grandchildren, Marigold and Ravi. In family statements following his death, the emphasis remained on the love, humor, curiosity, and generosity he brought into their everyday lives rather than his fame.
He spoke fondly of his family in interviews, once saying simply, “They’re all wonderful… I’m lucky.”
Conclusion
Tom Skerritt children—Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko—reflect a full life lived across different decades and relationships. From raising three kids during the early years of his career, to welcoming Colin, to adopting Emiko later in life, he remained a steady presence as a father even as audiences knew him best as Viper, Dallas, or Sheriff Jimmy Brock. His recent passing at 93 reminds us that behind the memorable roles stood a man who valued family, storytelling, and connection above the spotlight. His five children, along with their own growing families, carry forward that quieter, lasting legacy.
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