Veteran Hollywood actor James Handy, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji, Logan, and numerous television dramas, has died after a fatal stabbing at his home in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was 81.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call on the morning of June 3, 2026, from a man who allegedly stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
When police arrived at the residence, they found Handy unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, who reportedly lived at the residence with his mother and the actor.
Police said Gledhill approached responding officers and admitted he was the person they were looking for.
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He was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder. Bail has been set at $2 million while investigations continue.
Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.
Handy enjoyed a career spanning nearly five decades, earning close to 150 film and television credits.
Audiences recognized him from appearances in popular productions including The West Wing, Law & Order, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds, Alias, Cold Case, and NYPD Blue.
He also appeared in films such as Arachnophobia, The Rocketeer, Logan, Jumanji, and Top Gun: Maverick.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry.
His longtime talent representative described Handy as a talented, humble, and gracious actor whose professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression on those who worked with him.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.