Actor James Tolkan dies aged 94

Actor James Tolkan has died aged 94.

Known for his roles as an authoritarian figure in the Back to the Future and Top Gun films, the actor died last Thursday, March 26, in Lake Placid, New York, where he lived. The actor's agent, John Alcantar, shared the news about his death two days later.

The obituary published on the Back to the Future website said that Tolkan passed away "peacefully", though no further details about the circumstances of his death were shared.

In Back to the Future, Tolkan portrayed the Hill Valley high school vice-principal Gerald Strickland, who eyeballed students for trouble, in particular Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox.

The actor also appeared in Top Gun as commanding officer Tom 'Stinger' Jardian.

Tolkan was born on June 20, 1931 in Calumet, Michigan. Before becoming a Hollywood actor, he served in the Korean War as a member of the United States Navy. He was discharged due to a heart condition.

He later moved to New York, where he spent 25 years acting in theatre roles. He was a member of the original ensemble cast of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross.

The news of his passing comes shortly after that of his Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer, who died last April at the age of 65.

Several actors have paid tribute to Tolkan, including his Back to the Future co-stars Lea Thompson (Lorraine Baines-McFly), Christopher Lloyd (Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown), and Fox.

"Oh boy I loved this man," said Thompson on social media.

"What a kind beautiful wonderful actor and friend. He loved his work his family and his fans. We had so many good times with our #backtothefuture family. Rest in peace you were never a slacker," she added, referencing his famous line from the film.

Back to the Future: The Musical premiered at Manchester Opera House in February 2020. Tolkan was present at the official Broadway opening in 2023, where he saw his character 'Strickland' being played by actor and singer Merritt David Janes.

Tolkan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee Welles.