‘Jumanji’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ actor James Handy stabbed to death

Veteran actor James Handy, known for his roles in "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick", has died after being stabbed outside his home in Los Angeles. He was 81.

Authorities said a 44-year-old man, Michael Gledhill, has been charged with murder in connection with the killing. According to police, Gledhill was the son of the woman James Handy was in a relationship with.

Officers responded to a 911 call on Wednesday and found Handy unconscious with a stab wound to the chest outside his residence. He was taken to hospital, where he was later announced dead.

Police said the caller told emergency services, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."

Investigators said Gledhill was arrested after reportedly telling officers that he was the person they were looking for. He was expected to appear before Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday for arraignment proceedings.

Authorities set Gledhill's bail at $2 million. Officials said he lived at the home with his mother. It was not immediately known whether he had legal representation.

Born in New York, Handy had a long acting career spanning several decades. He appeared in numerous films and television programmes and became a familiar face in crime dramas.

He was best known for playing an exterminator in the 1995 film "Jumanji" and bartender Jimmy in the 2022 blockbuster "Top Gun: Maverick". His television credits included appearances in "NCIS: Los Angeles", "The Closer" and "Cold Case".

Paying tribute to the actor, Pam Ellis-Evenas of Ellis Talent Group described Handy as a talented, humble and gracious client and friend.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

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