American actor James Tolkan, known for his roles in the films "Back to the Future" and "Top Gun," has died. He was 94 years old. Tolkan passed away on March 26 in Saranac Lake, New York.
The actor was born in 1931 in Michigan, served in the U.S. Navy, and then studied acting in New York.
James Tolkan is best remembered by audiences as the strict school principal Mr. Strickland in the "Back to the Future" trilogy (1985). In these films, his character constantly called students "slackers." In the third installment, the actor also played his character's grandfather.
In "Top Gun" (1986), he played the role of a strict commander who criticizes Tom Cruise's character for dangerous behavior.
Overall, throughout his career, Tolkan played dozens of roles in film and television, often portraying strict and authoritative characters. He also appeared in films by directors Woody Allen ("Love and Death") and Sidney Lumet ("Serpico," "Prince of the City," and "Family Business").
Tolkan's family, after his death, requested that donations be made in his memory to animal shelters or animal protection organizations.
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