Los Angeles, June 7, 2026 — James Handy, a veteran American actor whose decades-long career spanned film and television, has been killed in a stabbing in the Tarzana neighbourhood of Los Angeles. He was 81.
Handy, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji, and guest appearances on dozens of television shows, was killed on Wednesday morning in the Tarzana neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Variety
Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a report of "unknown trouble" and found Handy in the front yard of a residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to the chest. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The 911 caller stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." The suspect flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for.
The suspect has been identified as Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy's girlfriend. Gledhill, who lives at the residence with his mother, was arrested and transported to Van Nuys Jail, where he was booked on suspicion of one count of murder.
Handy's death was confirmed by his representatives. "With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy," his talent agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, said in a statement.
Handy had been active in Hollywood since 1977, appearing in numerous films and television productions. His film credits include K-9, Arachnophobia, Jumanji, Unbreakable, and Logan, as well as a role as Jimmy the bartender in Top Gun: Maverick. On television, he was notable for his roles as Arthur Devlin in Alias and Lou Handleman in Profiler.
The LAPD stated the stabbing was an isolated incident and that there is no further danger to the public. The investigation into Handy's death is ongoing.