Veteran character actor James Handy, whose career spanned more than four decades across film and television, has died after an alleged stabbing at his Los Angeles-area home. He was 81.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call on June 3 reporting an unspecified disturbance at a residence in Tarzana. During the call, the caller allegedly stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Handy unconscious in the front yard, suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police arrested 44-year-old Michael Gledhill in connection with the incident. According to investigators, Gledhill approached responding officers at the scene and identified himself as the suspect. Authorities said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was reportedly Handy’s girlfriend.
Gledhill was booked on one count of murder and is being held on $2 million bail. Police indicated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Handy appeared in dozens of films and television series throughout his career, becoming a familiar face to audiences through a wide range of supporting roles.
His final screen appearance came in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, where he played a bartender opposite Tom Cruise in the blockbuster sequel that became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Film fans may also remember Handy as the exterminator in Jumanji starring Robin Williams.
On television, Handy built an extensive résumé with appearances in series including The X-Files, The West Wing, ER, Alias, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, The Practice and The Young and the Restless.
Known for his reliability and versatility, Handy spent decades working steadily across Hollywood productions, often portraying authority figures, blue-collar workers and memorable supporting characters.
The investigation remains ongoing.
REELated:
Peabo Bryson, Grammy-winning voice behind Disney classics, dies
