James Tolkan, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Back to the Future’ Actor, Dies at 94

James Tolkan, best known for roles in “Top Gun” and the “Back to the Future” franchise, died on Thursday in Saranac Lake, N.Y. He was 94. 

News of Tolkan’s death was announced by a spokesperson for the family as well as by writer-producer Bob Gale and on the franchise’s website.

Tolkan’s career spanned more than five decades. His first TV credit was for the 1960 series “Naked City” and his last credit was for the 2015 film “Bone Tomahawk.” Though Tolkan is perhaps most recognized for his work in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, in which he played principal Mr. Strickland in the 1985 original and 1989 sequel. In 1990, he returned as the grandfather of his character for the third film.  

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Tolkan is also known for his appearance in “Top Gun.” In Tony Scott’s 1986 action film, Tolkan played Commander Tom Jardian, also known by the nickname Stinger, alongside stars Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan and more. 

He also had roles in films including “WarGames,” “Stiletto,” “Abduction,” “They Might Be Giants,” “The Amityville Horror,” “Off Beat,” “Armed and Dangerous” and more. He had roles in TV shows like “Leverage,” “A Nero Wolfe Mystery,” “The Pretender,” “Early Edition,” “Nowhere Man,” “Cobra” and “The Wonder Years,” among others. 

Tolkan was born on June 20, 1931 in Calumet, Michigan and attended Coe College and the University of Iowa after joining the U.S. Navy. He ultimately traveled to New York, where he studied at The Actors Studio with Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg.

Tolkan is survived by his wife, Parmelee, whom he met on the set of “Pinkville,” an off-Broadway play, in 1971. 

An obituary on the Back to the Future website asked for donations to your local animal shelter, animal rescue organization or Humane Society chapter.