‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Actor Murdered in Horrific Stabbing

This is absolutely terrible.

James Handy, a veteran actor best-known for his roles in hit movies like Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, has been murdered.

Police found the 81-year-old unconscious in his front yard suffering from multiple stab wounds in his chest.

Handy was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.

His murderer, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, is the son of Handy’s girlfriend.

James Handy, a veteran actor who appeared in "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Jumanji," was stabbed to death in Los Angeles by his girlfriend's son, the LAPD said. https://t.co/oMDW3ktCaI pic.twitter.com/M1wKbQKOv3

— Variety (@Variety) June 5, 2026

'Top Gun: Maverick' actor James Handy murdered by girlfriend's son, chilling 911 call https://t.co/3RHbrvRwxa pic.twitter.com/09INknH99P

— New York Post (@nypost) June 5, 2026

Gledhill called the police to confess after committing the heinous crime.

TMZ shared the chilling details of that phone call:

Police say the suspect — 44-year-old Michael Gledhill — made a bizarre 911 call before officers arrived … allegedly telling dispatchers, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

When police arrived at the scene, officers say Gledhill flagged them down and admitted he was the person they were looking for. Authorities say he lived at the home with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend.

Gledhill was arrested and booked for murder, with his bail set at $2M. Investigators have not publicly discussed a possible motive.

Handy will be remembered for his lengthy and versatile acting career.

Over the span of several decades, Handy racked up over 100 acting credits!

Here’s a look at some of his roles:

Holy crap. James Handy, an ultimate “that guy” actor who was in TAPS, The Verdict, and Top Gun: Maverick was stabbed to death by his girlfriend’s son. pic.twitter.com/IJ9vZ9rFa5

— Stephe96 (@Stephe96) June 5, 2026

The New York Post has more on his career:

Handy’s career started back in the ’70’s, his most recent role was in “Top Gun: Maverick” where he played a bartender named Jimmy. He also played a role in “Jumanji,” the 1995 cult classic with Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst and Jonathan Hyde. He played an exterminator in the movie.

Handy had close to 150 acting credits on IMDB.

He’s also made appearances in TV shows including “The West Wing,” “9-1-1,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “CSI: NY,” “The Young and The Restless,” “Castle,” “Criminal Minds,”Cold Case,” “Without a Trace,” “ER,” “The X-Files” and “Mulaney.”

It’s currently unclear what led to the attack Wednesday morning.

This is just so awful and sad.

May James Handy rest in peace, and his murderer face the full hammer of justice.