Actor James Tolkan, best known for playing stern authority figures in the 1980s classics Back To The Future and Top Gun, has died aged 94.
Tolkan died on Thursday in Lake Placid, New York, where he lived, according to his booking agent.
A brief obituary published on the Back To The Future website said Tolkan died "peacefully", but no cause of death was given.
In the time-travelling adventure, Tolkan played the bow tie-wearing vice-principal Gerald Strickland, who kept a close eye on students in the corridors of the fictional Hill Valley High School, especially Marty McFly, played by Michael J Fox.
"You got a real attitude problem, McFly," Tolkan's character says in the 1985 film. "You’re a slacker. You remind me of your father when he went here. He was a slacker, too."
Tolkan also appeared in Top Gun as commanding officer Tom "Stinger" Jardian.
Near the end of the film, when Jardian asks Tom Cruise’s character, Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, about his choice for future duty, Mitchell replies that he wants to be a Top Gun instructor.
"God help us," Tolkan’s character replies, laughing.
Born in Calumet, Michigan, Tolkan served in the US Navy during the Korean War and later moved to New York, where he spent 25 years acting in theatre. He was also a member of the original ensemble cast of Glengarry Glen Ross.
Tolkan also appeared in the 1987 film Masters Of The Universe as Detective Lubic, another authority figure, and had a role in Warren Beatty’s 1990 film Dick Tracy.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee Welles.
Source: Press Association
