Who was James Handy? Profile of the Top Gun: Maverick actor who has died at the age of 81

James Handy He spent more than five decades working steadily in Hollywood, appearing in films such as: Jumanji, Top Gun: Maverick and Logan While amassing dozens of television credits. The veteran actor died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 81 after being stabbed during a domestic dispute at a home in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles.

“I could not have asked for a more talented, humble and generous client and friend than James Handy,” his talent manager, Pam Ellis Evenas Ellis Talent Group said in a statement to: Associated Press.

As fans and colleagues mourn his passing, learn more about Handy’s life, career and family below.

How did James Handy die?

Handy died on June 4, 2026, after being stabbed during a domestic dispute at his home in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to the residence on the morning of June 4 after a 911 caller said, “I am the son of man, I have just killed the man of sin.” When officers arrived, they found Handy unconscious in the front yard with stab wounds to his chest. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The authorities arrested a 44-year-old man Michael Gledhillthe son of Handy’s longtime girlfriend, in connection with the murder. Police said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother and Handy and allegedly called 911 before later approaching officers and identifying himself as the suspect. Investigators have not publicly revealed the motive, and the case remains under investigation.

How old was James Handy?

Handy was 81 years old at the time of his death. He was born in 1944 and spent nearly five decades working in film and television.

What movies and TV shows has James Handy been in?

Handy was a prolific actor with nearly 150 screen credits. He is best known for playing the role of the Exterminator in the 1995 film Jumanji And waiter Jimmy V Top Gun: Maverick. Other film credits included Logan, Arachnophobia, Tapsand thief.

He appeared on television in many popular series, including West wing, Alias, NYPD blue, Law and order, Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, er and Melrose Place.

Was James Handy married?

Handy has kept his personal life largely private, and it is unclear whether he has ever been married. However, at the time of his death, he was in a long-term relationship with a woman whose son Michael was accused of stabbing the actor to death. According to authorities, Gledhill lived in Tarzana’s home with his mother and Handy.