The no-nonsense commander from “Top Gun.” James TolkanHe died at the age of 94. His family announced his death Thursday in Saranac Lake, New York. James Tolkan, who is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee, has left a lasting legacy in Hollywood. His career in Hollywood spans decades. Here’s everything you need to know about the ‘Back to the Future’ star.
The early life of James Tolkan
Tolkan was born in Calumet, Michigan in 1931. After her parents’ divorce, Tolkan moved to Tucson at age 14. He graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1949. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War and attending various colleges, he moved to New York with $75 in his pocket. He worked on the docks while studying acting with Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg.
How James Tolkan’s acting career began
Tolkan began his acting career through theater performances. His most notable portrayal was Dave Moss in the original Broadway run of “Glengarry Glen Ross.” He also appeared in the original production of ‘Wait Until Dark’.Later, Tolkan moved on to films. He made his debut on the screen in 1960, in an ABC show ‘Naked City’. He worked with famous directors like Sidney Lumet in ‘Serpico’ and ‘Prince of the City’. In the movie ‘Back to the Future’ and its sequels Mr. Strickland was well known for being a stern boss, even portraying the character’s ancestor in ‘Back to the Future Part III’. Tolkan’s big screen resume includes ‘The Friends of Eddie Coyle’ (1973), ‘The Amityville Horror’ (1979), ‘Wolfen’ (1981), ‘WarGames’ (1983), ‘Masters of the Universe’ (1987), ‘True Blood’ (1989) and Knocks (1989).
Survived by wife Parmelee
James Tolkan and his wife, Parmelee, are 54 years old. They were married in 1971 in Lake Placid. Tolkan met Parmelee on the set of a Broadway show. He worked at the American Place Theater as a costume and scenery painter.
Donate to a cause
According to The Hollywood Reporter, her family asked that donations in her memory be made to a local animal shelter, animal rescue organization or Humane Society chapter.
