Veteran Hollywood Actor James Handy Killed in Tarzana Stabbing, Girlfriend’s Son Arrested

Veteran Hollywood actor James Handy, a familiar face across decades of film and television, was killed Wednesday morning in Tarzana after police say he was stabbed at a home where he had been staying.

The 81-year-old actor was discovered outside a residence on the 19200 block of Erwin Street after authorities received a disturbing 911 call that led officers to the scene.

Disturbing Call Leads Police to Tarzana Home

According to authorities, police responded Wednesday morning after a caller made a chilling statement to dispatchers.

“I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” the caller said.

When officers arrived, they found Handy unconscious in the front yard with stab wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police said Handy had suffered a wound to the chest.

Suspect Identified as Girlfriend’s Son

Not long after officers arrived in the area, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill allegedly approached police and identified himself as the person they were searching for, according to an LAPD release.

Gledhill is reportedly the son of Handy’s girlfriend and had been living at the home with his mother.

He was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of murder. His bail was set at $2 million.

Investigators have not yet released a possible motive in the case.

A Long Career in Hollywood

Handy’s death marks a tragic end to a long and steady Hollywood career that stretched across five decades.

The veteran actor built a résumé of more than 100 screen credits, appearing in major films and television series watched by generations of Americans.

His most recent film appearance came in “Top Gun: Maverick,” where he played Jimmy, a bartender.

Handy’s movie credits also included “Jumanji,” “Arachnophobia,” and “Taps.”

On television, he appeared in popular shows such as “The West Wing,” “9-1-1,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and “Mulaney.”

For many viewers, Handy was one of those dependable character actors whose presence added depth and familiarity to countless productions. His sudden killing has now left Hollywood fans shocked as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.