Actor James Tolkan, who was known for roles as authoritarian figures in the hit films “Back to the Future” and “Top Gun,” has died.
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FILE - Back to the Future: The Musical is playing at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway in New York on Friday, Nov. 16, 2023. FILE - Back to the Future: The Musical is playing at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway in New York on Friday, Nov. 16, 2023. James Tolkan, known for his roles as authoritarian figures in the hit films “Back to the Future” and “Top Gun,” has died. He was 94. Tolkan died Thursday in Lake Placid, New York, where he lived, his booking agent, John Alcantar, said Saturday. A brief obituary published on the “Back to the Future” website said Tolkan died “peacefully,” but no cause of death was given.In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed the bow tie-wearing vice principal Gerald Strickland, who eyeballed students for trouble in the halls of the fictitious Hill Valley High School — in particular Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox. “You got a real attitude problem, McFly,” Tolkan's character says in the 1985 film. “You’re a slacker. You remind me of your father when he went here. He was a slacker, too.” Tolkan also appeared in “Top Gun” as commanding officer Tom “Stinger” Jardian. Near the end of the film, when Jardian asks Tom Cruise’s character, Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, about his choice for future duty, Mitchell replies that he wants to be a Top Gun instructor.Born in Calumet, Michigan, Tolkan graduated from high school in Arizona and served in the Navy during the Korean War. He eventually made his way to New York, where he spent a quarter century acting in theater roles. He was a member of the original ensemble cast of “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Tolkan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee Welles, who said in a statement that her husband also was an avid art collector and adored animals. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Big City Wings, Big City DEALS | How to save $$$ on your next night out with Houston Life DealsGet Hungry, Astros Fans! Reviewing the TASTY new food options coming to Daikin Park this yearRare guest alert! ⚠️We love when Chantell Preston stops by Studio B with the best advice and laughsHere's what 2 Investigates is learning about the future of electricity bills at CERAWeekThe Astros Open Day is on ThursdayUnited Airlines most elite passengers are getting a shortcut around long TSA wait timeHow Houston Open course conditions are similar to The Masters
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