Veteran American actor James Handy, known for his appearances in films such as Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick, has died after a fatal stabbing at his home in Tarzana, California. He was 81.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers responded to a 911 call on Wednesday reporting an unspecified emergency. During the call, the caller allegedly stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
When police arrived at the residence, they discovered Handy unconscious in the front garden with multiple stab wounds to his chest. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later arrested 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, on suspicion of murder. Investigators said Gledhill remained at the location and reportedly approached responding officers, telling them he was the person they were seeking.
Police stated that Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was in a relationship with Handy. Detectives described the incident as isolated and said there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Following his arrest, Gledhill was taken to Van Nuys Jail and booked on one count of murder. His bail was set at $2 million.
Born in New York, Handy built a remarkable acting career spanning more than six decades. Though often cast in supporting roles, he became a familiar face to audiences through appearances in numerous television series and films, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, CSI: NY, The West Wing, Alias, Castle, NCIS, The X-Files, Murder, She Wrote, and Logan.
His final major film appearance came in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, where he portrayed Jimmy, a bartender who worked alongside the character played by Jennifer Connelly.
Tributes have since poured in from colleagues and industry figures. Entertainment writer Jay Bobbin remembered Handy as a “superb character actor,” while writer and producer Don Winslow described him as a “terrific actor” whose performances were always memorable.
Handy’s death has shocked fans and colleagues alike, bringing a tragic end to the life of a respected performer whose work touched generations of television and film audiences.