Actor James Handy, 81, stabbed to death at his Los Angeles home; suspect in custody

Handy was transported by paramedics to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A spokesperson for the actor confirmed his death to Variety. The killing took place on a Wednesday.

The suspect, 44, lived in Handy's house together with his mother, who was Handy's girlfriend, according to the reports. He was arrested at the scene and taken to the Van Nuys jail, where he was charged with one count of murder. Bail was set at two million US dollars according to jail records.

Investigation and arrest

Following the incident, surrounding streets were cordoned off, and authorities began door-to-door interviews in the neighborhood. Police said they are asking for relevant tips from the public as the investigation continues.

A five-decade screen career

Born in New York City in 1945, Handy built a steady career as a character actor across television and film. His first screen appearance came in 1977, in two episodes of the ABC soap opera "Ryan's Hope," according to career information reported by Deadline.

Over the following decades, Handy amassed a long list of television credits, including appearances in "Cagney & Lacey," "Matlock," "Quantum Leap," "NYPD Blue," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Law & Order," "Criminal Minds," and "9-1-1."

His film work was equally varied. Among his motion picture credits were roles in "The Verdict" (1982), "K-9" (1989), "Arachnophobia" (1990), "The Rocketeer" (1991), "Jumanji" (1995), "Unbreakable" (2000), and "Logan" (2017), according to the Deadline report.

Final screen role

Handy's last film appearance was in "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022), in which he played the bartender Jimmy alongside Tom Cruise. The role came more than four decades after his screen debut and was a late-career highlight for the actor.

The killing has drawn attention because of the suspect's reported relationship to the victim's household, but the case is still being actively investigated. Authorities have not publicly discussed a motive beyond the 911 caller's statements.