Julia Roberts pays tribute to Steel Magnolias co-star Tom Skerritt following his death aged 93

Julia Roberts is among the stars who have paid tribute to Tom Skerritt following the actor's death aged 93. The news was announced yesterday (21 October), with confirmation that the screen star had passed due to natural causes.

Among his many roles, Skerritt appeared in 1989 classic Steel Magnolias, playing the role of Roberts's on-screen dad Drum Eatenton.

Taking to her Instagram page, Roberts posted a sweet picture of the pair together as she wrote: "A shining light of a gentle man. RIP."

As well as further big screen roles in the likes of Alien and Top Gun, Skerritt notably starred in '90s TV series Picket Fences – which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award – with co-stars including Lauren Holly and Kathy Baker paying tribute.

"I adored Tom Skerritt," the former said. "I was lucky enough to work with him on more than one project, but the first was Picket Fences. He was our leader. His example made those years such a joy and we all loved and respected him so much."

Holly added that Skerritt "cared deeply for his family-both the one at home and the one at work" and "his planet, and all of its inhabitants", before sharing the "huge impact" he had on her life.

"So many memories I have of him include sharing fits of crippling laughter," she concluded. "Rest easy my friend. I will think of you often."

Baker added to People: "My heart is broken to hear of the passing of dear, lovely, loving, Tom, my TV husband, my partner, my darling friend. He taught me so much during our four years on Picket Fences. I couldn’t have asked for a more gracious and kind actor to work with, and it was very special to share with him the incredible run of the show."

In a statement shared by Skerritt's family, they said: "We are heartbroken by his loss. While the world knew Tom through his remarkable acting career, we knew him for his humour, curiosity, wisdom, generosity and the love he brought into our lives.

"He cared deeply about imagination, creativity, storytelling, service, veterans, the natural world and helping others find and share their own voices."

Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.