Julia Roberts paid tribute to her Steel Magnolias co-star Tom Skerritt, who died at 93. She shared a film still and said, "A shining light of a gentle man." The two actors worked together in the 1989 drama, where Skerritt played her father. Many fans remember their heartwarming scenes today.
Julia Roberts paid tribute to late Steel Magnolias co-star Tom Skerritt, 93, remembering him as "a shining light of a gentle man" while sharing a still from their 1989 film.
Julia Roberts has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran actor Tom Skerritt following his death at the age of 93. The two actors shared screen space in the 1989 drama Steel Magnolias, in which Skerritt portrayed Drum Eatenton, the father of Roberts' character, Shelby. Remembering her late co-star, Roberts took to social media to share a still from the film, accompanied by a touching message: "A shining light of a gentle man. RIP."
Although several decades have passed since the film's release, Roberts' tribute for Tom Skerritt reflected the lasting memories she shares with her co-star. Steel Magnolias, which explores friendship, family and resilience among a close-knit group of women in small-town Louisiana, remains one of the memorable films from the early years of Roberts' career.
Julia Roberts Remembers Their Steel Magnolias Moments
The photograph shared by Roberts captures a joyful scene from the film, featuring Drum and Shelby during a holiday party. In the sequence, Drum announces that he is going to become a grandfather, much to the delight of those gathered around him. When Shelby calls out "Daddy" to remind him to keep her pregnancy a secret, Drum responds reassuringly before revealing his news to the assembled guests. His enthusiastic declaration that he is going to be a granddad turns the moment into one of the film's heartwarming sequences.
The happiness, however, comes against a difficult backdrop. Shelby, who has diabetes, has been advised by doctors against having a child. Despite the risks, she longs to become a mother, making the family's excitement particularly poignant. While the film primarily centres on its female characters, Skerritt's portrayal of Drum adds warmth and humour to the story. Another memorable moment features his character firing shots into the yard to scare away birds ahead of Shelby's wedding to Jackson, played by Dylan McDermott, much to the annoyance of Ouiser, portrayed by Shirley MacLaine. The film also starred Sally Field as Shelby's mother, M'Lynn, Dolly Parton as Truvy, Olympia Dukakis as Clairee and Daryl Hannah as Annelle.
Picket Fences Co-Stars Pay Tribute
Following news of Skerritt's death, several of his former colleagues also remembered the actor and the impact he had on their lives
. Lauren Holly, who worked alongside him on the television drama Picket Fences, described him as a mentor and a beloved colleague. She recalled how his leadership helped make their years on the series a rewarding experience, adding that he deeply cared for his family, colleagues and the planet. Holly also remembered sharing moments of uncontrollable laughter with him. Skerritt won an Emmy Award in 1993 for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the series, which aired from 1992 to 1996.
Kathy Baker, who played his wife on the show, also paid tribute, describing him as her "dear friend". She praised his kindness and graciousness, recalling how much she learnt from him during their four years working together. Beyond Steel Magnolias and Picket Fences, Skerritt was known for his performances in Top Gun, MASH, A River Runs Through It and Contact, leaving behind a distinguished legacy across film and television.