Veteran character actor James Handy, whose career spanned nearly five decades and included appearances in Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji and dozens of popular television series, was fatally stabbed this week at his Los Angeles-area home, according to police.
Handy, 81, was found Wednesday morning outside a residence in the Tarzana neighborhood after officers responded to a 911 call reporting a violent incident. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers arrived at the home in the 19200 block of Erwin Street and discovered Handy suffering from a stab wound to the chest.
Emergency personnel transported him to a local hospital, but he later died from his injuries.
Authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill of Tarzana. Investigators said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was reportedly Handy’s girlfriend.
According to police, the incident came to light after a disturbing 911 call in which the caller allegedly stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
When officers arrived at the residence, police said Gledhill approached them and indicated that he was the person they were looking for. He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Van Nuys Jail on a murder charge. Bail was set at $2 million.
Investigators have not announced a definitive motive for the killing.
However, neighbors told local media outlets that Handy and Gledhill had allegedly been involved in arguments during the night before the attack. One neighbor also suggested that Gledhill may have been experiencing delusions in the days leading up to the incident.
Doorbell camera footage obtained by local media reportedly showed Gledhill walking near the residence before officers arrived. Authorities have not publicly released additional evidence as the investigation continues.
Handy’s death was confirmed by his longtime talent representative, who described the loss as devastating.
Born in New York City, Handy launched his screen career in the late 1970s and went on to become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors. While rarely a leading man, he built an extensive résumé with nearly 150 film and television credits.
Most recently, he appeared in Top Gun: Maverick as Jimmy, a bartender featured in scenes with Tom Cruise. Moviegoers may also remember him as the exterminator in Jumanji or for his role in Logan, per Trending Politics.
His television career included appearances on numerous hit series, including NYPD Blue, The West Wing, The X-Files, Alias, NCIS: Los Angeles and Castle.
Following news of his death, colleagues, friends and fans shared tributes online, remembering Handy as a dependable performer whose face seemed to appear across generations of television and film.
One admirer described him as “the ultimate ‘that guy’ actor,” while others praised his professionalism, generosity and ability to elevate supporting roles throughout a career that lasted nearly 50 years.
