Veteran American actor Tom Skerritt, known for his memorable performances in Top Gun, Alien, and Picket Fences, was the father of five children from three marriages. Following his passing on October 21, 2026, at the age of 93, attention has turned to the family he leaves behind, including his sons Andy, Matt, and Colin, daughters Erin and Emiko, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. While Skerritt spent more than six decades working in Hollywood, his children followed different paths, with some entering entertainment and others building careers away from the spotlight.
Skerritt experienced fatherhood across several stages of his life. He welcomed his first three children during his marriage to Charlotte Shanks, became a father again with his second wife, Susan Ellen Oran, and adopted his youngest daughter, Emiko, with his third wife, Julie Tokashiki, in 2007.
How Many Children Did Tom Skerritt Have?
Tom Skerritt had five children: Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko Skerritt.
His family developed over nearly five decades, beginning during his early acting years and expanding again when he was already in his seventies.
Three of his children were born during his first marriage to Charlotte Shanks, which lasted from 1957 until 1972. His fourth child, Colin, was born during his second marriage to Susan Ellen Oran.
His youngest daughter, Emiko, joined the family through adoption in 2007 after Skerritt married Julie Tokashiki.
Although the actor was internationally recognized, his children generally maintained independent lives rather than regularly appearing in entertainment headlines.
Andy Skerritt: His Eldest Son
Andy Skerritt is Tom Skerritt’s eldest son from his marriage to Charlotte Shanks.
Unlike his famous father, Andy pursued a career outside Hollywood. He has been described as a computer expert, choosing technology rather than acting as his professional field.
Andy grew up during the period when his father was gradually establishing himself in television and film.
His childhood coincided with Skerritt’s early appearances in Hollywood productions, before the actor became widely recognized for major films.
Despite belonging to a well-known entertainment family, Andy has largely remained outside public attention, and detailed information about his personal life is limited.
Erin Skerritt: His Daughter and Published Poet
Erin Skerritt is the actor’s eldest daughter and another child from his first marriage.
She pursued creative interests through poetry rather than film or television. As a published poet, Erin developed her own artistic identity while maintaining a comparatively private lifestyle.
Her work represents a different form of storytelling from the screen performances that made her father famous.
Although Erin has not pursued the same public recognition as Skerritt, her literary interests reflect the creative backgrounds present within the family.
Information about her personal relationships and everyday life has remained largely private.
Matt Skerritt: Following His Father Into Filmmaking
Matt Skerritt is Tom Skerritt’s second son with Charlotte Shanks and one of his children who entered the entertainment industry.
Rather than pursuing a career primarily in front of the camera, Matt developed professional interests in cinematography and directing.
His work placed him within the filmmaking process, where visual storytelling, camera techniques, and production decisions contribute to the finished project.
Matt’s career created a connection to his father’s profession while allowing him to establish his own identity behind the scenes.
Although Tom Skerritt became famous for acting, Matt’s professional direction demonstrated another way the family’s creative interests continued into the next generation.
Colin Skerritt: The Son Who Became an Actor
Colin Skerritt is Tom Skerritt’s fourth child and his only son from his second marriage to Susan Ellen Oran.
His parents married in 1977, during a period when Skerritt was already becoming an established Hollywood performer.
Colin eventually developed an interest in acting and pursued opportunities in film and television.
One notable connection between father and son came through the 2002 independent film Tuscaloosa, in which they appeared together.
Their shared project offered a rare professional collaboration within the family.
Unlike his father, whose career included major studio films and successful television series, Colin maintained a lower public profile.
Emiko Skerritt: His Youngest Daughter
Emiko Skerritt is the youngest of Tom Skerritt’s five children and his only child with Julie Tokashiki.
The couple adopted Emiko in 2007, nearly a decade after their marriage in 1998.
At the time, Skerritt was already in his seventies, making the experience of raising a young daughter considerably different from his earlier years as a father.
He occasionally spoke about the happiness Emiko brought into his life and affectionately described her as a wonderful child.
Emiko grew up in Seattle, where Skerritt and Tokashiki established their family home.
Her parents generally protected her privacy, and relatively little information about her education or personal interests has been publicly documented.
Tom Skerritt’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Tom Skerritt’s family extended beyond his five children to include five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His grandchildren are Sara, Maddison, Sunny, Louisa, and Georgia.
His two great-grandchildren are named Marigold and Ravi.
These younger generations became part of a family spanning four generations, reflecting Skerritt’s long life and his experiences as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Although their individual lives have remained largely private, they were included among the relatives remembered in the family’s announcement following his passing.
His Children’s Tribute Following His Passing
Tom Skerritt passed away on October 21, 2026, at his home in Seattle. He was 93 years old.
His family confirmed that he died of natural causes and released a statement honoring his personality and the qualities that made him meaningful to those closest to him.
The tribute highlighted his humor, curiosity, wisdom, and generosity, offering a personal remembrance beyond his celebrated acting career.
For his five children, Skerritt’s legacy extended far beyond his appearances in Alien, Top Gun, and Picket Fences. He was also a father whose family continued growing across several generations.
The announcement brought renewed attention to the actor’s personal life and the relatives who had largely remained outside Hollywood publicity.
A Lasting Legacy Through His Children
Tom Skerritt built a distinguished acting career, but his family represented another significant part of his life.
His five children pursued different interests, ranging from technology and poetry to cinematography and acting. His youngest daughter, Emiko, brought a new experience of fatherhood during his later years.
Through Andy, Erin, Matt, Colin, and Emiko, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Skerritt leaves behind a family whose story reaches well beyond his achievements on screen.
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