'Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘X-Files’ actor James Handy allegedly stabbed to death by girlfriend’s son
TARZANA, CALIFORNIA: Veteran actor James Handy, whose career spanned nearly five decades and included appearances in 'Top Gun: Maverick, 'Jumanji', and numerous television shows, has died at 81, after a stabbing in Los Angeles, according to police.
Authorities responded to a home in the Tarzana neighborhood on Wednesday, June 3, morning after receiving a 911 call in which the caller reportedly stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.” Officers found Handy unconscious in the front yard with stab wounds and transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Suspect arrested after officers arrive at scene
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a report of unknown trouble at a residence in the 19200 block of Erwin Street at approximately 9.30 am on Wednesday.
In a statement, police said officers found Handy “unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to his chest” in the front yard of the property. Authorities transported him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said the suspect approached responding officers shortly afterward. “The suspect flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for,” the LAPD said.
Actor James Handy of Jumanji and Top Gun Maverick reportedly fatally stabbed in Tarzana incident involving partner’s son
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) June 5, 2026
Los Angeles police say an arrest has been made after a domestic dispute turned deadly, with investigators examining statements made by the suspect following… pic.twitter.com/qx5Tzyr2Qv
Police identified the suspect as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill. Investigators said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend. Gledhill was arrested and booked on one count of murder. According to police and jail records, his bail has been set at $2 million.
Authorities identified the 81-year-old victim and the suspect after a fatal stabbing in a residential area of Tarzana, as disturbing details emerged about a 911 call connected to the incident. https://t.co/wRS8k1Udg7 pic.twitter.com/BZjjth01AL
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) June 4, 2026
Detectives believe the incident was isolated and said there is no ongoing threat to the public. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading up to the attack.
James Handy built a career across film and television
Handy accumulated nearly 150 screen credits during a career that began in the 1970s. His most recent high-profile film appearance came in 2022’s 'Top Gun: Maverick', where he portrayed a bartender named Jimmy.
He also appeared in the 1995 adventure film 'Jumanji' alongside Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, and Kirsten Dunst, playing an exterminator. Other film credits included 'The Verdict', 'Arachnophobia', 'The Rocketeer', 'K-9', 'Point of No Return', 'Unbreakable', 'Logan', and 'Taps'.
On television, Handy appeared in a wide range of popular series, including 'The West Wing', 'Alias', 'NYPD Blue', 'Melrose Place', 'The X-Files', 'ER', 'Criminal Minds', 'Castle', 'CSI: NY', 'NCIS: Los Angeles', '9-1-1', 'Cold Case', and 'Without a Trace'.
A representative for the actor confirmed his death following the incident. “With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy,” they said.
