James Handy, a veteran character actor whose long film career included roles in «Jumanji» , «Logan» и «"Top Gun: Maverick"» , died of a stab wound in Los Angeles. He was 81 years old.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, officers responded to a report of an "unknown disturbance" at a home in the Tarzana neighborhood. According to the Associated Press, officers found Handy unconscious in the yard with a stab wound to the chest. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Variety reported that the actor's representative confirmed that Handy was the man who died in the attack.
Police say the suspect called 911 before law enforcement arrived.
Police identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy's girlfriend. Authorities said Gledhill lived in the same house with his mother, who was in a relationship with Handy.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the 911 caller told dispatchers, "I'm the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." When officers arrived, Gledhill allegedly flagged them down and told them he was the man they were looking for.
Gledhill was arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of murder. His bail was set at $2 million. The AP reported that it was unclear whether he had a lawyer.
According to a police statement cited by Variety, detectives characterized the incident as an isolated one and said there appeared to be no danger to the public.
Handy was well known in film and television.
Handy's name was never the most prominent on the poster, but many viewers knew him by sight.
В in the film "Top Gun: Maverick" »" He played Jimmy, a bartender at Penny's Bar. In «Jumanji» he appeared in the role of an exterminator. «Logan» He played a doctor who treats Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, after a brutal fight.
His filmography also includes films «Arachnophobia» , «Rocketeer» , «"Verdict"» , «"Memories of Brighton Beach"» и «K-9» .
On television, Handy has appeared in a long list of drama and detective series, including «Alias» , «NYPD Blue» , «Melrose Place» , «Law & Order» , «NCIS: Los Angeles» , «Criminal Minds» , «Cold Case »" And «The West Wing» .
His agent remembered him as a humble and kind person.
Pam Ellis-Evenas of Ellis Talent Group, in her comments to the AP, remembered Handy as a talented, humble and gracious client and friend.
Born in New York City, Handy built a career that spanned nearly five decades, from early television work to major studio films. Variety reported that his first film role was in in the film "Taps"« 1977, and the AP noted that he continued to act in films and television for decades.
His last major screen appearance was in in the film "Top Gun: Maverick"« 2022, one of the highest-grossing films of that year.