‘Back to the Future’ star James Tolkan dies at 94: ‘He lived a good, full life’

SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK: James Tolkan, known for his role in ‘Back to the Future’ as Mr Strickland and as Commander Tom "Stinger" Jardian in ‘Top Gun,’ has died at the age of 94.

The veteran actor breathed his last on Thursday, March 26, in Saranac Lake, New York. However, cause of his death is not known yet.

His death was confirmed by John Alcantar, Tolkan's representative for public appearances, who told USA TODAY, “The news is sadly true about James. James was a beloved professional who lived a good, full life.”

James Tolkan remembered as 'one of the kindest men'

A crew member who had worked with Tolkan spoke with PEOPLE after his death. They said, “I dearly, dearly loved Mr. Tolkan. I saw him at the last convention he did this past October.”

“Well, we sat next to each other, you know, meeting fans. He was so good with the fans because he never turned down a request to do a photo nose-to-nose like he was with Michael [J. Fox] in the movie, and you know, call them slackers and and play with them,” they recalled.

The crew member also described the late actor as “one of the kindest men” as they added, “Any time I got a chance to see James was just delightful.”

James Tolkan's obituary mentions his work in 'Glengarry Glen Ross'

As per an obituary of the ‘Robo Warriors’ star, he was born in Michigan but shifted to Tucson, Arizona, after his parents divorced. He completed his graduation from Amphitheater High School in 1949.

Before joining the acting business, Tolkan served in the Navy during the Korean war. But he eventually moved to New York City and learned the art of acting with both Stella Adler and Lee Strasburg's acting studios.

“He spent 25 years in New York theater, from off Broadway to the great White Way. Notably, he was a member of the original ensemble cast of the ‘Glengarry Glen Ross,’” the obituary mentioned.

While being in New York City, Tolkan did several notable films, like the 1981’s ‘Prince of the City.’ But a few years later, he moved his base to California and Canada in 1983 when he was cast in ‘War Games.’

His obituary added that the actor is “survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee, and three nieces in Des Moines, IA. Jim adored animals and would appreciate donations in his memory to your local animal shelter, animal rescue organization or Humane Society chapter.”

Fans remember James Tolkan for bringing 'credibility to his movies'

Meanwhile, many of Tolkan’s fans paid him tribute online. One wrote on X, “God bless him. May he rest in peace. Was always the sign of a quality movie when he would play one of the characters in it. He brought credibility, believability, and enjoyment to his movies. What a great legacy of memories he has left us and his family.”

Another fan commented, “Dammit! Another legend gone.”

A person shared, “Sad day indeed. Condolences to his family.”

“Rip. Thank you James for enhancing our childhoods. He was phenomenal in top gun as well as back to the future,” a comment from one of his fans read.

“Met him at Megacon in 2019. Nice guy! I told him I taught 3rd grade and he said, ‘They're probably a bunch of slackers!’ RIP,” a fan recalled.

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