American actor James Handy, known for his supporting roles in popular films like “Jumanji” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” has passed away in a stabbing incident, as confirmed by the Los Angeles police. The suspect, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder. Law enforcement officers discovered Handy unconscious outside his residence in Tarzana, Calif., with stab wounds to his chest on Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He was swiftly transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The accused, identified as Michael Gledhill, aged 44, resides at the same residence with his mother, the police revealed. Gledhill himself alerted nearby police officers following a disturbing 911 call stating, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Handy, a native of New York, had a prolific career in television and film spanning over six decades. He is most notably remembered for his portrayal of exterminator Carl Bentley in the 1995 hit “Jumanji” and, more recently, in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick.” In the latter movie, he portrayed bartender Jimmy, working alongside Penny Benjamin (played by Jennifer Connelly), the romantic interest of Tom Cruise’s character, Lieut. Pete (Maverick) Mitchell.
Additionally, Handy had recurring roles in acclaimed crime and drama series such as “NYPD Blue,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “CSI: NY,” “The Closer,” and “Cold Case.” His extensive filmography of nearly 150 credits includes other notable films like “Arachnophobia” (1990), “The Rocketeer” (1991), “K-9,” and “Logan” (2017), as per IMDB records.
Colleagues and industry members have begun to share tributes in response to Handy’s passing. His agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, expressed her admiration, stating, “I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy,” in remarks to The Associated Press. Writer Jay Bobbin and producer Don Winslow also paid their respects, with Winslow mentioning Handy’s recurring role in the 2001 series “UC: Undercover,” which he created and where Handy delivered exceptional performances.
The suspect has been charged with one count of murder, and bail has been set at $2 million US, according to jail records.
