Who was James Handy? 'Jumanji' actor stabbed to death by girlfriend's son

Veteran character actor James Handy, whose career spanned more than five decades and included appearances in films such as ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, has died after being stabbed outside a Los Angeles home. He was 81.

Authorities have charged Michael Gledhill, 44, with murder in connection with Handy's death. Investigators say Gledhill was the son of Handy's girlfriend and lived at the property where the fatal attack took place.

Police responded to a residence in the Tarzana area of Los Angeles on Wednesday morning after receiving a disturbing emergency call. When officers arrived, they found Handy unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to the chest. He was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Murder charge filed against suspect

According to investigators, the 911 caller told dispatchers, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."

Police said Gledhill approached officers as they arrived and identified himself as the person they were seeking. He was arrested at the scene and later booked on a murder charge.

On Friday, prosecutors formally charged Gledhill with one count of murder. Bail was set at $2 million. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 26 years to life in prison.

Gledhill did not appear during his arraignment hearing. His attorney told the court that his client was "unable to assist" in his defence. A judge ordered that Gledhill undergo psychological evaluations and be referred to a mental health court, where his competency to stand trial will be assessed.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killing.

Gledhill has been formally charged with murder and could face up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted, People magazine said. Prosecutors have also alleged that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife, during the incident.

According to a felony complaint obtained by PEOPLE magazine, prosecutors allege that Michael Gledhill committed the murder "unlawfully, and with malice

A familiar face across film and television

Born in New York City, Handy built a lengthy acting career that stretched from the 1970s into the 2020s. While rarely cast in leading roles, he became a recognisable presence across Hollywood productions, amassing nearly 150 screen credits.

Many audiences remember Handy for his role as an exterminator in the 1995 adventure film ‘Jumanji’, starring Robin Williams. More recently, he appeared as bartender Jimmy in the blockbuster sequel ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.

His extensive film credits also included ‘Arachnophobia’, ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Logan’. On television, he appeared in a wide range of popular series, including ‘The West Wing’, ‘Alias’, ‘Criminal Minds’, ‘Cold Case’, ‘The Closer’, ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’, ‘Rizzoli & Isles’, ‘9-1-1’ and ‘NYPD Blue’.

His appearance in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ marked one of his final on-screen performances.

Friends remember a generous performer

The news of Handy's death prompted tributes from colleagues and friends who described him as warm, talented and deeply respected within the acting community.

Talent manager Pam Ellis-Evenas said, "I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy."

Actor Brian Delate, who had known Handy for more than 40 years after meeting him through a theatre company for Vietnam veterans in New York, recalled his friend's humour and curiosity.

Delate said Handy had occasionally mentioned concerns about his girlfriend's son in recent years, noting that he had spoken casually about the man's mental health struggles.

"I didn't think much of it, because he just kind of mentioned it casually," Delate said.

Reflecting on Handy's death, Delate added: "If he'd just passed away from an illness or something like that, this would be a very different experience. But because of the nature of how he died and the fact that we lived in an arena of killing back in the '60s, it has a different resonance."

Actor Jeff Hawks, who became friends with Handy after meeting him at an audition around a decade ago, described him as an entertaining companion known for spontaneously singing doo-wop songs during nights out.

"I can't imagine who would ever have a beef with him," Hawks said. "To me, it's impossible. He was just really a decent guy."

Girlfriend speaks out after tragedy

Handy's girlfriend, Wendy Gledhill, said she was struggling to come to terms with both the loss of her partner and the allegations against her son.

"I'm just trying to make it through one day at a time, a minute at a time," she said.

"I loved James and my son. I still can't believe it….I can't believe my son did it. I'm just trying to …"

According to media reports, Wendy said her son had been dealing with significant mental health issues and had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia. She claimed he had become increasingly paranoid and had been prescribed medication following a diagnosis in 2025.

She later learned that he had allegedly stopped taking his medication about a week before Handy's death, according to the reports.

In a message directed towards Handy's family, Wendy said, "They know I loved him so much. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry this happened. I'm still in shock. I still can't comprehend it."

When asked whether her son should spend the rest of his life in prison, she reportedly said he should not be "where he can hurt anyone else". 

(With AP inputs)