James Handy, an actor celebrated for his role as the bartender in Top Gun: Maverick and other notable appearances, was killed in a stabbing incident on Wednesday in Los Angeles' Tarzana neighborhood. He was 81 years old. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the suspect is the son of Handy's girlfriend.
Incident Details
According to the LAPD, the incident occurred on June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m. Officers responded to a disturbance call in the 19200 block of Erwin Street where a 911 caller, identified as the suspect, stated, 'I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.' Upon arrival, officers found Handy unconscious with a stab wound to his chest in the front yard of the residence. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Suspect in Custody
The suspect, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, was arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail on a murder charge with bail set at $2 million. Police have stated they believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Career Highlights
James Handy's acting career spanned decades. In 2022's Top Gun: Maverick, he played a bartender, while in the 2017 film Logan, Handy portrayed the doctor treating Hugh Jackman's character. His performance in 1995's Jumanji as the exterminator and his role in Arachnophobia as Milton Briggs are also notable. Handy's film appearances include The Rocketeer, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Verdict, and K-9.
Television and Early Life
On television, Handy was known for his portrayal of Arthur Devlin in eight episodes of Alias and had recurring roles on shows like Melrose Place and NYPD Blue. Born in New York, Handy's first screen credit was in the 1977 television film Taps.
A representative for Handy expressed their sorrow, stating, 'With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.'
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/james-handy-dead-top-gun-maverick-1236767486/
