James Handy, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ actor, fatally stabbed in Tarzana

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• Quick Facts
• A Career Spanning Nearly Five Decades
• The Incident and Investigation
• Legacy and Impact
  • Sources

James Handy, a veteran character actor known for his role as the bartender Jimmy in “Top Gun: Maverick” and appearances in “Jumanji” and “Arachnophobia,” was fatally stabbed earlier today in Tarzana, Los Angeles. The 81-year-old was killed by 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, identified by police as the son of Handy’s girlfriend, after a 911 call in which the suspect declared he had killed “the man of sin.”

A Career Spanning Nearly Five Decades

James Handy was born in New York City and began his acting career in 1977 with his first screen credit in the film “Taps.” Over the following decades, he built a prolific resume across film and television. On the big screen, Handy appeared in “Arachnophobia” (1990) as Milton Briggs, “Jumanji” (1995) as the exterminator, “Unbreakable” (2000), and “Logan” (2017) as a doctor treating Hugh Jackman’s character. His most recent film role came in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022), where he played Jimmy, the bartender at the iconic bar. According to IMDb, Handy accumulated more than 100 acting credits throughout his career.

On television, Handy earned recurring roles on major shows including “Melrose Place” and “NYPD Blue,” and played Arthur Devlin in eight episodes of “Alias.” His versatility in character work made him a reliable presence in Hollywood productions across multiple genres and decades.

The Incident and Investigation

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a 911 call around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday reporting “unknown trouble” at a residence in the 19200 block of Erwin Street in Tarzana, three blocks south of Victory Boulevard. The caller stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” according to the LAPD statement. Upon arrival, officers discovered Handy unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to his chest. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect, Michael Gledhill, flagged down responding officers and told them he was the person they were looking for. Police determined that Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend. Gledhill was arrested at the scene and booked on one count of murder at Van Nuys Jail, with bail set at $2 million. Detectives stated that they believe the stabbing was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing danger to the public.

Legacy and Impact

Handy’s death marks the loss of a character actor whose steady work appeared in some of Hollywood’s most beloved films and television series. From his early role in “Taps” to his appearance in the blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” he demonstrated a career marked by consistency and professionalism. Though often in supporting roles, Handy brought credibility and depth to the productions he joined, whether playing the exterminator in “Jumanji” or the bartender in “Top Gun: Maverick.” His extensive television work on shows like “Alias,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Melrose Place” showcased his range as an actor. The LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division is continuing its investigation; anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Simonyan or Detective Lopez at (818) 374-9550, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Sources

• ABC7 Los Angeles — Identification of victim and suspect, 911 call details, arrest information, and police statement
• Variety — Actor’s filmography, career history, and incident details
• KTLA — Timeline of stabbing, suspect details, and police response
• Los Angeles Times — Incident confirmation and location details
• CBS News — Suspect identification and arrest details