American actor James Handy, recognized for his supporting roles in popular movies like “Jumanji” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” has passed away due to a fatal stabbing incident, as reported by the Los Angeles police department. The suspect, identified as Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder.
The tragic event unfolded when officers discovered Handy unconscious outside his residence in Tarzana, California, on Wednesday morning, with severe stab wounds to his chest. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Handy was pronounced dead shortly after. Gledhill, aged 44, resides at the same residence with his mother, according to police statements.
In a chilling turn of events, Gledhill himself alerted nearby police officers after making a disturbing 911 call stating, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Born in New York, Handy had a prolific career in television and film spanning over six decades. He is fondly remembered for his portrayal of Carl Bentley in the classic 1995 movie “Jumanji” and, more recently, as bartender Jimmy in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” alongside Jennifer Connelly’s character Penny Benjamin. Handy also appeared in various crime and drama series such as “NYPD Blue,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “CSI: NY,” “The Closer,” and “Cold Case,” accumulating nearly 150 film and television credits, including hits like “Arachnophobia” (1990), “The Rocketeer” (1991), “K-9,” and “Logan” (2017).
Industry members have started to express their condolences, with Handy’s agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, praising him as a talented and humble individual. Tributes have poured in from figures like entertainment writer Jay Bobbin, who described Handy as a superb character actor, and writer-producer Don Winslow, who highlighted Handy’s special performances in the series “UC: Undercover,” which Winslow created.
The suspect has been charged with one count of murder, with bail set at $2 million US, according to jail records.
