He spent 50 years bringing movie roles to life. Police say his partner's son killed him in his own driveway.

Character actor James Handy was killed at age 81 at his Los Angeles home, and his girlfriend's son is in custody.

We invite actors into our living rooms for decades, feeling like we know them. But we rarely see the private struggles and sudden dangers waiting for them at home.

WHAT HAPPENED

James Handy was 81 years old. He acted in almost 150 movies and TV shows, playing the pest control man in Jumanji and a bartender in Top Gun: Maverick.

On a quiet day at his home in Tarzana, Los Angeles, everything changed. Police found him stabbed to death in his own driveway.

The suspect is 44-year-old Michael Gledhill. He is the son of Handy's girlfriend and lived in the same house. Police arrested him after he called 911 himself.

What the evidence shows

• James Handy was 81 years old and had a 50-year acting career.
• The attack happened in the driveway of his home in Tarzana, Los Angeles.
• The suspect, Michael Gledhill, is 44 years old and lived at the home.
• Gledhill called 911 himself after the stabbing.
• During the call, the suspect made unusual remarks about the "son of man" and "man of sin."

THE BIGGER QUESTION

This loss shines a light on a quiet crisis. Many families struggle to care for adult children with severe mental health issues under one roof.

How do we help families before these struggles turn into violence in our neighborhoods?

THE OTHER SIDE

The suspect called the police himself and spoke about spiritual ideas, which may point to a mental health crisis. His defense will likely look at his mental state during the event.

Right now, the facts of the 911 call and the arrest at the scene make the case strong, but his mental health will be a key part of the trial.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Fans are mourning a face they saw on their screens for half a century. The loss leaves a gap among his friends and neighbors.

The family must now deal with a double grief, losing a loved one while another faces a long trial. This will likely spark more talk about mental health support in housing.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Had police been called to the home for domestic disputes before this day?
2. Did the suspect have a history of mental illness that was being treated?
3. What sparked the argument in the driveway on that specific day?