Montana Remembers Tom Skerritt, Star of A River Runs Through It
Actor Tom Skerritt passed this week. While lots of folks will remember him for decades of acting in TV shows and movies, one role is near and dear to Montanans' hearts.
To me, Tom Skerritt will always be Reverend MacLean from "A River Runs Through It."
I am not saying that I did not love Tom as Viper in "Top Gun", or his portrayal of Captain Dallas in the original "Alien" (that was my favorite). But, something about "A River Runs Through It" makes his death feel a little bit closer to home.
The Reverend Whose Legacy Is Tied To The Story Of Montana
For those who have been living under a rock for 34 years: Reverend John Maclean, the father of Norman and Paul Maclean, was played by Tom Skerritt in the 1992 film "A River Runs Through It," which was directed by Robert Redford. The story takes place in and around Missoula, and follows two brothers growing up in a family whose religious traditions are almost indistinguishable from their fly-fishing traditions.
This movie is able to capture the experience of people who have spent time fishing with their families along Montana rivers. Not all fishing trips are successful. Sometimes they are about being with your family, sharing tradition, and spending time outside.
While the movie took place in Missoula and featured the Blackfoot River, many of the fly-fishing scenes were shot along the Gallatin River.
Additionally, the movie brought a lot of attention to Montana fly-fishing. Perhaps a few too many people came into our state to try their hand at fly-fishing because of this movie; many of our best fishing spots are now very crowded.
His Love for Montana Rivers Went Beyond Hollywood
Another thing that I find to be particularly fascinating is that Tom Skerritt's passion for rivers extended beyond his work in the movie industry. Tom was a passionate advocate for protecting America's waterways. In fact, he sat on the board of American Rivers, a national non-profit organization dedicated to conserving America's rivers.
In 2023, Tom worked with the Wildlands Festival in Big Sky to raise awareness for protecting the Gallatin River and other waterways throughout the United States.
It is almost poetic that one of his last public messages reflected upon the long-term effects of "A River Runs Through It" and the continued need for river protection.
A Legacy That Still Flows Through Montana
Tom Skerritt died from natural causes on Oct. 21st, according to his family. However, I believe that his efforts to tell the story of the MacLean family will remain as perhaps his greatest contribution to Montana.
I can appreciate how "A River Runs Through It" has helped people understand why we care so much about our rivers.
And while Tom Skerritt may be gone, the story he helped tell will continue every time someone casts a line and heads toward the Blackfoot.
Rest well, Reverend MacLean.
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