James Tolkan, Mr. Strickland, Passes at 94

0:00On March 28th, James Tolkien, the Tuftalking Vice Principal Mr. Strickland from the back to the future trilogy, passed away on March 26th at age 94. His rep confirmed the news to USA Today after the franchise's official site shared at first, though no cause of death was released. Tolkien built a career over five decades, starting with 25 years on stage before hitting big screens. He popped up as the no-nonsense commander and top gun alongside Tom Cruise and crew, and nailed roles and flicks like war games. Fans and stars poured out love right away, especially Michael J. Fox, who remembered Tolkien as no slacker, a nod to his iconic line, and shared gratitude for working together on back to the future entails from the… Crypt. The actors stayed proud of his theater roots, calling himself an original and glingarry Glenn Ross, even if movies brought the fame. He joked about turning green from cigars on the top gun set, but loved the ride.

1:01Survived by his wife Parmaly, Tolkien leaves a legacy of grit and Hollywood's classics that fans were rewind forever. Stay in the know with entertainment and celebrity news today. AI-powered updates.