Tom Skerritt , 93, an acclaimed character actor who brought a gruff yet graceful gravitas to an expansive career in movies, television and theater — including roles in the films “Alien,” “Top Gun” and “Contact” — died Wednesday at his home in Seattle.

One of the best performances of his career came when he brought great dignity to the part of a Seattle surgeon dying of cancer in the 2021 film “East of the Mountains.”

Off the screen, Skerritt founded The Red Badge Program, a writing project under which hundreds of veterans have exorcised the impact of their military experiences by turning them into prose.

John Anderson , 71, a storied country singer-songwriter known for his traditional tunes and twangy voice, died in his sleep Wednesday at his home in Smithville, Tenn. Anderson earned 20 Top 10 country hits, including five No.…