Hollywood is mourning the loss of a beloved character actor.
James Handy, the veteran actor known to audiences for his appearances in Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji, and dozens of film and television productions spanning nearly five decades, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was confirmed Thursday by his talent agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas of Ellis Talent Group.
"With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy," Ellis-Evenas said in a statement.
What happened
Los Angeles police officers responded to a 911 call around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and found Handy unconscious in the front yard of a home in Tarzana with a stab wound in the chest. He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspect, Michael Gledhill, 44 - the son of Handy's girlfriend who also lived at the home - flagged down officers and told them he was the person they were looking for. The original 911 caller stated, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." Gledhill was booked on suspicion of one count of murder, with bail set at $2 million.
A career worth remembering
Born in New York, Handy spent decades as one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors, recognized by audiences for his role as an exterminator in the 1995 film Jumanji and more recently as the bartender Jimmy in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. He also appeared in Arachnophobia, Unbreakable, Logan, and held recurring and guest roles across top crime dramas including NCIS: Los Angeles, The Closer, and Cold Case.
"I could not have asked for a more talented, humble, or gracious client and friend than James Handy," his agent said.
For the Christian community, Handy's passing is a reminder to hold those around us close - and to pray for all those touched by senseless violence, including those left behind to grieve.
JubileeCast extends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of James Handy.
