Faith Masita
Veteran Hollywood actor James Handy, known for his roles in Jumanji, Top Gun: Maverick, and numerous television series, has died at the age of 81 after a fatal stabbing at his Los Angeles home. Authorities have arrested a suspect as investigations into the incident continue.
Hollywood Mourns Veteran Actor James Handy
James Handy, a prolific character actor whose career spanned nearly five decades, died after suffering a stab wound outside his residence in Tarzana, Los Angeles, on Wednesday morning. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers responded to a 911 call shortly after 9:30 a.m. and found Handy unconscious in the front yard of the property. He was rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police arrested 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, identified as the son of Handy’s girlfriend, who reportedly lived at the same residence. Authorities said the suspect contacted emergency services and allegedly confessed to the killing before surrendering to responding officers. He has since been booked on suspicion of murder, with bail set at $2 million. Investigators have not yet established a motive for the attack.
In a statement cited by media outlets, Handy’s longtime talent manager, Pam Ellis-Evenas, paid tribute to the actor, saying: “I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy.”
Handy built a distinguished career in film and television, accumulating nearly 150 screen credits. Audiences recognized him from appearances in Jumanji, Arachnophobia, Logan, The X-Files, The West Wing, Criminal Minds, and NCIS: Los Angeles. One of his most recent roles was bartender Jimmy in the blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick released in 2022.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and members of the entertainment industry, who have remembered him as a versatile performer whose contributions left a lasting mark on Hollywood.
