Tom Skerritt - Actor Extraordinaire Quiz

Answer: Detroit

After graduating from high school in 1961, Skerritt served four years in the Air Force. By the time he was 21, he had married for the first time and had a child. He attended Wayne State University in Detroit, but then moved to California to continue his studies at UCLA.

It was while playing a role in a UCLA production that Skerritt was discovered, and thus began his illustrious acting career.

Answer: War Hunt

Before starring in this moveie, Skerritt gained attention in a production of "Rainmaker" at UCLA. "War Hunt" was produced and directed by brothers Terry and Denis Sanders. Skerritt played the role of Seargent Stan Showalter. Skerritt also appeared in the 1970 film "M*A*S*H" as Capt. Augustus Bedford 'Duke' Forrest.

Answer: Steel Magnolias

Skerritt played the part of Drum Eatenton. Sally Field (his wife) and Julia Roberts (his daughter) along with Dolly Pardon, Olivia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, and Daryl Hannah also starred. While Skerritt didn't win any awards for his performance, he is a memorable character especially when he was insulting Louisa "Ouiser" Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine) and her dog.

Answer: began fly fishing as a boy with his father

Skerritt did go fly fishing with his father, but was more interested in being around the water than actually learning to fish. It was after starring in the 1992 movie "A River Runs Through It" that Skerritt became seriously interested in the sport. In 2007 he gave an interview for "Fly Rod & Reel" magazine in which he said "When I go fishing I'd just as soon find the kind of quiet river where you're alone and then spend a lot of time reflecting and listening to the river." In 2009 he narrated the documentary film "Rivers of a Lost Coast" about California fly fishing.

Answer: Picket Fences

Strange things happened on some of the "Picket Fences" episodes like a cow birthing an alien. The show also didn't hesitate to take on controversial subjects such as religion, abortion, and polygamy to name a few. In 1993 Skerritt won the "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series" Emmy Award for his work on the show.

Answer: Rawhide

Skerritt appeared in two episodes of "Bonanza," five episodes of "Gunsmoke," and five episodes of "Death Valley Days." His roles included both good guys and bad guys, including minsters, army officers, and villains.

Answer: Viper

Tom Cruise was Maverick, Val Kilmer was Iceman, and Anthony Edwards was Goose. During one training flight, Viper, who is described as "the (finest) fighter pilot... in the world", maneuvers the overconfident Maverick in a position where Maverick is "shot" down and learns the lesson that individual ability is not more important than teamwork.

Answer: screen writing and directing

TheFilmSchool is located in Seattle, Washington. One of the co-founders is Stewart Stern who did the screenwriting for "Rebel Without a Cause". Skerritt, Stern, and other co-founders also teach classes with the goal of helping students become "better story tellers." Robert Redford also serves on the school's advisory board.

Answer: video game

"Gun" has an 1880s Old-West theme. Skerritt's character Clay Allison is a leader of a resistance group that helps the Apaches fight against the building of railroads through their lands.

Answer: Ballet

When offered the role by Peter Boal, the artistic director for the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, Skerritt said "I don't dance. I'm just a clumsy ox." Skerritt also studied ballet to prepare for his role in "The Turning Point" (1977). One reviewer said of Skerritt's Don Quixote "Skerritt, with a mane of gray hair that he flings about, plays the part with great delight."