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Getty Images James Tolkan, best known for roles in “Top Gun” and the “Back to the Future” franchise, died on Thursday in Saranac Lake, N.Y. He was 94.
News of Tolkan’s death was announced by Michael Klastorin, a unit publicist on “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III,” as well as by writer-producer Bob Gale and on the franchise’s website.
Tolkan’s career spanned more than five decades. His first TV credit was for the 1960 series “Naked City” and his last credit was for the 2015 film “Bone Tomahawk.” Though Tolkan is perhaps most recognized for his work in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, in which he played principal Mr. Strickland in the 1985 original and 1989 sequel. In 1990, he returned as the grandfather of his character for the third film.
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