Veteran actor James Handy, celebrated for his memorable roles in films such as Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji, and Logan, has died at the age of 81. The tragic event occurred after a fatal stabbing at his Los Angeles home.
Details of the Incident
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Handy was found unconscious with multiple stab wounds to the chest at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Authorities have arrested Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy's longtime girlfriend, on suspicion of murder. His bail has been set at $2 million.
Police reported that a 911 caller identified himself as "the son of man" and confessed, saying: "I just killed the man of sin." When officers arrived, Gledhill allegedly told them he was "the one they were looking for."
Career Highlights
Handy, born in New York City, began his acting career in 1977 on the television series Ryan's Hope. Over the decades, he became a familiar face in Hollywood, appearing in productions such as Law & Order, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds, and films including K-911. Handy's last credited screen role was in Tom Cruise's 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, where he played Jimmy the bartender.
The actor also played Wilton Briggs in the horror comedy Arachnophobia (1991), Woolly in The Rocketeer (1992), the exterminator in Jumanji (1995), and the physician billed as "Old Doctor" who treats Hugh Jackman's Logan/Wolverine in the superhero movie Logan (2017).
Reactions and Mourning
Details surrounding the death of the veteran star have left both fans and celebrities in shock as they mourn him. The news has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, with many expressing their condolences on social media.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recalls reporting that the Nigerian movie industry has again been thrown into mourning following reports that veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Okoye, popularly known as Energy, has passed away. The heartbreaking development was announced on Thursday morning, May 28, 2026. According to reports, the actor, who was also a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, died in the early hours of the day.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian football was thrown into mourning following the death of former Southampton and Royal Antwerp winger Victor Udoh. The 21-year-old footballer reportedly died in Abuja on Monday, May 25, after suspected food or alcohol poisoning following an outing with friends.
