Los Angeles police are investigating the fatal stabbing of actor James Handy, who was killed Wednesday at a home in Tarzana in what authorities believe was an isolated incident. Handy, 81, was found unconscious in the front yard of a residence on Erwin Street with a stab wound to the chest after officers responded around 9:30 a.m. to a 911 call reporting the attack.
Police said the caller gave a disturbing statement, saying, “I am the son of man. I just killed the man of sin.” When officers arrived, they found Handy critically injured. Paramedics took him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities identified the suspect as Michael Gledhill, 44, who was taken into custody after he reportedly flagged down officers at the scene and told them he was the person they were looking for. Police said Gledhill lived at the home with his mother, who was in a relationship with Handy. Gledhill was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder at Van Nuys Jail. His bail was set at $2 million.
Handy had more than 150 acting credits spanning television and film since the 1970s. He appeared in films including “Logan,” “Jumanji,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Arachnophobia.” In “Top Gun: Maverick,” he played a bartender alongside Jennifer Connelly. In “Logan,” he played a doctor who urges Wolverine to recover. He also appeared in the 2021 comedy “Senior Entourage” as Father MacGuffin.
Television audiences also knew Handy from many crime dramas and long-running series, including “Alias,” “Criminal Minds,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Rizzoli & Isles,” “CSI: NY” and “Cold Case.” His career made him a familiar character actor in both major studio films and television work over several decades.
The actor’s representatives confirmed his death, and colleagues in the industry remembered him as a respected performer. The director of “Senior Entourage,” Brian Connors, previously described Handy as one of the finest character actors he knew.
Detectives said they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing and are asking anyone with information to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section.
