American actor James Tolkan, known to the general public for having played the stern Gerald “Mr. Strickland” in the saga Back to the FutureHe died on March 26 in Saranac Lake, New York. He was 94 years old.
With his hard stare and sharp voice, James Tolkan had established himself as one of the great supporting actors in American cinema. Back to the FutureHe played the authoritarian school administrator who became famous for his reprimands to Marty McFly. He also made a lasting impression on viewers in Top Gun, where he played Commander “Stinger”, but also in WarGames, Serpico, The Amityville Horror et Dick Tracy.
He had served in the US Navy
Born in 1931 in Calumet, Michigan, Tolkan served in the U.S. Navy before moving to New York to study acting under Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg. Prior to his screen career, he also worked extensively in theater and was part of the original Broadway cast of Glengarry Glen Ross.
James Tolkan is survived by his wife, Parmelee, of 54 years, and three nieces. His family indicated that donations to animal welfare organizations would be appreciated in his memory.
