James Handy, the veteran character actor known for decades of work in film and television, will not have his final project see the light of day. The actor was brutally killed earlier this week at his girlfriend's home, and now his last planned film has been shelved indefinitely.
Heidi Anderson-Swan, the writer and producer of the comedy "Kickback, V," told TMZ that Handy was one of the kindest people she'd met in Hollywood. He had helped her break into the industry on several occasions, and she was determined to cast him in her film. The movie, a comedy about nerds learning martial arts and teaching their tough karate sensei life lessons in return, was stalled in pre-production due to financial issues and other complications.
Anderson-Swan said she remains in shock and heartbroken over Handy's slaying, which police say was carried out by his girlfriend's son, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill. Gledhill has been arrested and booked for murder, held on a $2 million bond. No motive has been released.
Handy's girlfriend previously revealed that Gledhill had schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medication prior to the attack. The suspect was arrested on video shortly after the fatal stabbing.
Handy's career included roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and numerous other films and TV shows. His final work will now remain unfinished.