Actor James Handy, 81, died after LAPD responded to a cryptic 9:30am call on June 3 in Tarzana, California, where he was found unconscious with a chest stab wound. His girlfriend’s son, Michael Gledhill, 44, was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder; bail
James Handy didn’t make it through the morning.
On Wednesday, June 3, LAPD responded to a cryptic call around 9:30am in Tarzana, California. When officers arrived at a residence, they found the actor unconscious after he had been stabbed in the chest.
He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
During the call, the 911 caller told the dispatcher, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
The suspect was identified as Michael Gledhill, 44. When authorities reached the scene, Gledhill flagged them down and told them he was the person they were looking for. LAPD said Michael lived at the home with James and with Michael’s mother, who was James’ girlfriend.
Gledhill was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder. His bail was set at $2 million.
Handy, who made his on-screen debut in 1981 in the movie Taps, went on to build a lengthy career across film and television, appearing in dozens of projects. He took on recurring roles on Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, Profiler, The West Wing, Alias and A Dangerous Life.
His most recent on-screen appearance came in Top Gun: Maverick, where he played Jimmy, the old bartender at Penny’s bar. He also appeared in Logan, Arachnaphobia, K-9, and the original Jumanji, playing the exterminator.
James Handy’s family and loved ones are in the hearts of those who admired his work, and the loss is felt across the industry. RIP.
James Handy Tarzana LAPD Michael Gledhill Top Gun: Maverick Jumanji NYPD Blue Melrose Place Profiler The West Wing Alias A Dangerous Life