James Tolkan (1931-2026)

Tolkan died at his home in Saranac Lake, New York, on
March 26 at the age of 94.
 

Character actor James Tolkan was best known for his roles as
high school vice-principal in charge of discipline Mr. Strickland
in Back to the Future (1985) and Back to the Future Part II (1989),
and as the character’s ancestor, Marshal James Strickland, in
Back to the Future Part III (1990).

His other memorable film roles include Serpico (1973), Love and
Death (1975), Prince of the City (1981), Top Gun (1986), Masters
of the Universe (1987), Viper (1988), Dick Tracy (1990), and
Problem Child 2 (1991).