Top Gun star dead at 81 after being 'fatally stabbed by girlfriend's son'

EntertainmentMovie
5 Jun 2026 • 11:06 AM MYT
GB News US
GB News US

British news channel offering news, opinion, and debate for the UK

Actor James Handy has died at 81 after allegedly being stabbed by his girlfriend's son.

The Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji actor was stabbed by 44-year-old Michael Gledhill - who then turned himself in, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in a statement.

Los Angeles Police responded to a 911 call at 9.30am on Wednesday in the West Valley Area.

"The 911 caller stated: 'I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.' Upon their arrival, officers discovered 81-year-old James Handy in the front yard of the residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to his chest," LAPD said in its statement.

As police arrived to the scene, Gledhill, 44, flagged down the officers, saying he was the one they were looking for.

"The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim's girlfriend," the LAPD statement said.

Firefighters rushed Mr Handy to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Gledhill has been arrested and is currently being held in Van Nuys Jail, charged with one count of murder.

Image from: Top Gun star dead at 81 after being 'fatally stabbed by girlfriend's son'
James Handy crime scene | Source: CBS LOS ANGELES

Pictures from the scene showed a police cordon around the home on Erwin Street.

The Tarzana resident's bail has been set at $2million (£1.5million).

The attack is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the public, the LAPD added.

On the big screen, Mr Handy appeared in the 2022 Top Gun sequel as a bartender, and in Jumanji as an exterminator.

Image from: Top Gun star dead at 81 after being 'fatally stabbed by girlfriend's son'
John Mulaney (left) and James Handy (right) on Fox sitcome Mulaney (2014) | Source: FOX IMAGE COLLECTION VIA GETTY

He notably appeared alongside Hugh Jackman in the Marvel movie Logan (2017) as a doctor.

The actor also appeared in the films Arachnophobia (1990), and The Rocketeer (1991) early in his career.

On television, he appeared on two episodes of The West Wing, seven episodes of cop drama NYPD Blue, and six episodes of American soap opera Melrose Place.

He also appeared in episodes of TV crime dramas, including 9-1-1, NCIS: Los Angeles, and CSI: NY.

Mr Handy recorded nearly 150 acting credits on IMDB across television and film in a career spanning multiple decades.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved