James Handy, a veteran character actor whose five-decade career included more than 150 film and television roles, from "Jumanji" to "Top Gun: Maverick," died Wednesday after being fatally stabbed in Tarzan.
He was 81 years old.
Although Handy's name was never widely known, he was one of Hollywood's most recognizable actors, possessing the kind of consistent on-screen charisma that audiences instantly recognized for generations in film and television.
James Handy in "K-911." Universal/Everett Collection.
A native New Yorker, Handy began acting in films in the late 1970s and quietly built one of the industry's most impressive resumes, working steadily for decades in major studio films and popular television series.
Film buffs will likely remember him best for his role as Jimmy the bartender in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, where he starred alongside Jennifer Connelly in a revival of the global hit franchise.
James Handy in an episode of ABC's "Castle"
However, previous generations knew him for a long list of outstanding supporting roles, including pest control exterminator Carl Bentley in Jumanji, Milton Briggs in Arachnophobia, and a doctor in the superhero film Logan, starring Hugh Jackman.
His filmography spans over 40 years and includes:
Movie credits
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«Lights out»
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«"Verdict"»
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«"Bird"»
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«K-9»
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«Rocketeer»
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«"Tess's Protection"»
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«Indestructible»
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«15 minutes»
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«Suburbicon»
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«The O.J. Simpson Story»
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«Senior circle»
Character actor James Handy in a 1995 episode of "NYPD Blue." Photo: Disney via Getty Images.
Across genres from thrillers and comedies to action films, Handy became a sought-after character actor, playing government officials, professionals, and supporting roles that helped anchor ensemble casts.
Television viewers saw him everywhere:
TV subtitles
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«Quantum Leap»
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«Murder, She Wrote»
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«Melrose Place»
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«NYPD Blue»
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«The X-Files»
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«Profiler»
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«Law and Order»
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«The West Wing»
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«"Pseudonym"»
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«"Ambulance"»
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«Third Shift»
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«Walker, Texas Ranger»
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«Cold Case»
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«CSI: NY»
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«Criminal Minds»
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«"Lock"»
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«Rizzoli & Isles»
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«NCIS: Los Angeles»
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«9-1-1»
Recurring roles
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Arthur Devlin (CIA Director) on the series "Alias"«
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Lou Handman on Profiler«
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Captain Jim Haverill on NYPD Blue«
James Handy and Hugh Jackman in Logan. 20th Century Fox.
Even in his old age, Handy continued to work tirelessly.
In 2021, he starred in the comedy Senior Entourage, playing MacGuffin's father.
In 2022, Handy even served as a producer on the film From Street to Table.
Director Brian Connors previously called him one of the best character actors he has ever worked with.
While many actors strive for fame, Handy created something quieter but far more enduring: a career marked by stability, longevity, and a screen presence that has spanned generations of Hollywood filmmakers.
James Handy, Jeff Daniels, Brian McNamara, and Julian Sands in "Arachnophobia." Disney
However, his death occurred under violent circumstances.
Police said officers were called to a home in Tarzana around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday after a 911 call in which a man allegedly said, "I'm the son of man. I just killed the man of sin.".
When police arrived, they found Handy unconscious in the yard of the house with a stab wound to the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, who allegedly lived in the house with his mother, who was in a relationship with Handy. Police reported that Gledhill approached officers at the scene and identified himself as the attacker.
James Handy played a bartender in the film "Top Gun: Maverick" with Tom Cruise. Paramount
He was arrested on suspicion of murder and booked into the Van Nuys jail. Bail was set at $2 million. Detectives stated that the murder appears to be an isolated incident and there is no current threat to the public.