James Handy made a lasting impression on the film industry by appearing in over 100 movies and television shows. Unfortunately, the Top Gun: Maverick actor’s life was cut short in 2026. He died at the age of 81. The Los Angeles Police Department announced that Handy had been stabbed.
Suspect Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, was arrested by the LAPD on suspicion of murder. According to a news release, police responded to a 911 caller on June 3, 2026, who told them, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
The LAPD further noted that Gledhill “flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for.”
“The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim’s girlfriend,” police added, without identifying the name of Handy’s partner. “Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public.” Gledhill was arrested and transported to Van Nuys Jail and booked for one count of murder. His bail was set at $2 million.
As interest in Handy’s life and career extends beyond Hollywood, learn more about his film career, net worth and background below.
Police arrested the son of actor James Handy’s girlfriend in his death after the veteran character actor was found stabbed in the chest in Los Angeles, authorities said. @TrevorLAult reports. pic.twitter.com/myXtKDeCNb
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 5, 2026
James Handy’s Roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji & More
Handy appeared in numerous films throughout career, including NYPD Blue, K-9, Law & Order, CSI: NY, Logan, Alias, Castle, NCIS, The West Wing, Arachnophobia, The X Files and Murder, She Wrote. However, his most recent credit in Top Gun: Maverick made an impression. Handy — a New York City native — played the character Jimmy, the bartender who works with Jennifer Connelly.
In the 1995 hit film Jumanji, Handy played the role of Carl Bentley.
What Was James Handy’s Net Worth?
Since Handy didn’t make his finances public, his exact net worth is unknown. Multiple outlets estimated that it ranges between $1 million to $3 million.
What Happened to James Handy? His Death Explained
As previously noted, Handy was stabbed, and authorities found him unconscious in the front yard of his West Valley, Los Angeles, residence. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Handy’s girlfriend’s son, Gledhill, was arrested and booked for one count of murder.
