James Tolkan, the commanding character actor who played the strict Vice Principal Gerald Strickland in the Back to the Future trilogy and Commander “Stinger” Jr. in Top Gun, has died at the age of 94. A family member said he died on Thursday in Saranac Lake, New York, but they didn’t say what caused his death right away.
Tolkan’s gravelly voice and no-nonsense attitude made “Slacker!” one of the most famous lines in Back to the Future (1985), where he played Strickland in all three movies. He played the tough CAG officer pushing Tom Cruise’s Maverick at the elite fighter school in Top Gun (1986). He has also acted in Serpico, The Friends of Eddie Coyle, and done voice work for the animated series Back to the Future.
Tom Wilson, who played Biff in “Back to the Future,” posted a tribute on Instagram that said, “So much love and respect.” A great friend and a great artist.” Amblin and Industrial Light & Magic both released official statements about the death, praising the lasting effect he had on the franchise. Parmelee, Tolkan’s wife of 54 years, and three nieces are still alive.
