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James Handy, the veteran character actor known for his roles in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, ‘Jumanji’, and ‘Arachnophobia’, died last night in Tarzana at age 81 after being fatally stabbed outside a residence. Police arrested Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, on suspicion of murder.
Quick Facts
- Victim: James Handy, 81, stabbed to the chest in Tarzana on June 4, 2026
- Suspect: Michael Gledhill, 44, arrested on suspicion of murder
- Career: Handy appeared in films since 1977, including ‘Arachnophobia,’ ‘Jumanji,’ ‘Logan,’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
- 911 Call: Gledhill allegedly told police, “I just killed the man of sin”
The Incident in Tarzana
Officers responding to a 911 call in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday morning found James Handy unconscious and bleeding in the front yard of a residence. He had suffered a stab wound to the chest and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Michael Gledhill, who lived at the residence, called emergency services and told the dispatcher, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” according to multiple law enforcement sources. Gledhill was arrested at the scene and booked on one count of murder. Police described the incident as isolated, with no ongoing danger to the public.
A Career Spanning Nearly Five Decades
Handy, born in New York City, built a prolific career in film and television beginning in 1977. His filmography included notable roles in ‘Arachnophobia’ (1990), where he played Milton Briggs; ‘Jumanji’ (1995); ‘The Rocketeer’ (1991); ‘Unbreakable’ (2000); and ‘Logan’ (2017). In ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022), he played the bartender Jimmy, appearing in the film’s iconic bar scenes. Beyond cinema, Handy logged extensive television credits, including appearances on ‘Alias’ and ‘Profiler’. His work as a character actor spanned more than four decades, establishing him as a reliable presence in Hollywood productions.
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Sources
- Deadline — Identification of victim and confirmation of age and stabbing death
- Variety — Career details and filmography
- Los Angeles Times — Details of the stabbing incident and location
- KTLA — Suspect identification and 911 call details
- NBC Los Angeles — Police confirmation of arrest and investigation status
- CBS News — Arrest confirmation and suspect details
