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Who is James Tolkan?
James Tolkan is an actor. James Tolkan is best known for his roles as Lt. Steiger in the neo-noir biographical crime film “Serpico,” Commander Tom ‘Stinger’ Jardin in the action-drama film “Top Gun,” and Gerald Strickland in the “Back To The Future” film series.
Early life and Childhood
James Tolkan was born on June 20, 1931, in Calumet, Michigan, USA, under the zodiac sign of Gemini, and is now 88 years old.
In terms of his childhood, he was raised in his hometown of Calumet as the only child of his father, Ralph M. Tolkan, a cattle dealer, and his mother, Dale Nichols.
He is of white ethnicity and of American nationality.
Education Details
James Tolkan has a bachelor’s degree from Coe College, an associate’s degree from Eastern Arizona College, and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa.
Following that, he spent a year in the United States Navy before moving to New York to study at the Actors Studio.
Professional Career
Tolkien’s professional acting career began in 1960, when he appeared as Evan Humbolt in an episode of the ABC police drama series “Naked City,” and continued in 1962.
when he appeared as Stefan Malwitz in two episodes of the CBS anthology drama series “Armstrong Circle Theatre.”
Four years later, James starred in Paul Bogart’s drama film “The Three Sisters,”.
Which was followed by a guest appearance on an episode of the ABC crime drama series “N.Y.P.D.” in 1969.
During the same year, he was cast as Edwards in Bernard L. Kowalski’s crime film “Stiletto,” which established his net worth. James’ career took off in the early 1970s when he landed more serious roles.
Such as Mr. Brown in the comedy-mystery film “They Might Be Giants” (1971), Dark Glasses in the 1973 horror comedy film “The Werewolf Of Washington,” and Lt.
Steiger in the neo-noir biographical crime film “Serpico” (1973), alongside Al Pacino and John Randolph.
Although Lt. Steiger’s role was minor, it was notable and catapulted him to prominence, potentially increasing his net worth.
Following that, James was cast as Napoleon Bonaparte in Woody Allen’s 1975 comedy film “Love And Death,” a satire on Russian literature.
His portrayals of famous political activist and philosopher Tom Paine in the short docudrama “Independence” (1976) and Coroner.
In the 1979 supernatural horror “The Amityville Horror” followed.
At the start of the next decade, James continued to have success, as he played Assistant US Attorney George Polito in Sidney Lumet’s 1981 crime drama “Prince Of The City,” Lt.
Glass in Arthur Hiller’s comedy-drama “Author! Author!” (1982), and Howard Simpson in the 1984 drama “The River.”
The following year, James played Stanford S. Strickland in “Back To The Future,” the highest-grossing film of 1985, co-starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.
He reprised the role in the sequel “Back To The Future Part II” (1989).
And then played Mr. Strickland’s grandfather in “Back To The Future Part III” (1990), increasing his net worth significantly.
Another role that made him famous came in 1986 when he played Commander Tom ‘Stinger’ Jardin alongside Tom Cruise in the action-drama film “Top Gun.”
Following that, he played Lester Mintz on the CBS sitcom “Mary” (1985-86) and Norman Keyes on the NBC series “Remington Steele” (1985-87).
Other notable roles he played in the late 1980s included Detective Lubic in the fantasy action film “Masters Of The Universe” (1987) and Numbers in the 1990 film “Dick Tracy,”
Which starred Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, and Madonna.
James was quite busy in 1991, as he appeared as Patch in the action thriller “Hangfire,”
Followed by his roles as Vince in the comedy “Driving Me Crazy” and Mr. Thorn in the family comedy “Problem Child 2.”
Between 1993 and 1994, he was a member of the cast of the Syndicated series “Cobra,” playing Dallas Cassel.
In 1996, James played Dan ‘Iceberg’ Eagan in the comedy thriller “Underworld,” and Quon in the sci-fi “Robo Warriors,” both directed by Ian Barry.
In addition, he appeared as a guest star in numerous television shows, including “Tales From The Crypt,” “The Hat Squad,” “Nowhere Man,” and “The Pretender.”
He was also active on the stage while pursuing his acting career on the big screen and on television.
In 1960, he made his stage debut as Frank in the play “The Shoemaker And The Peddler” at East 74th Street Theatre.
He then appeared in Sheridan Square Playhouse’s “A View From The Bridge,” Theater in St. Clement’s Church’s “The Cannibals,” and Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater’s “Macbeth.”
In addition, James appeared in a number of Broadway productions, including “Mary Stuart,” “Narrow Road To The Deep North,” and “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
Net Worth and Salary
James Tolkan has a net worth of more than $5 million, which he has amassed through his successful career.
If he decides to continue his career, his net worth could skyrocket.
Relationship Status
James Tolkan’s personal life, he appears to be a happily married man.
He met his future wife, Parmelee Welles, while she was working as a waitress at New York’s American Palace Theatre.
The couple quickly fell in love and married on August 28, 1971, in a private ceremony at St. Eustace Episcopal Church in Lake Placid, New York State
Despite the fact that they have no children, they continue to enjoy their happy marriage and live in Lake Placid.
Body Measurement
James Tolkan is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) tall.
Social Media
James is absent from the social media scene, as he does not have an Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook account.
Based on the information available, it is safe to assume that he is retired and spends his time with his family and friends.
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Trivia
- James was born on 20 June 1931 under the birth sign of Gemini, in Calumet, Michigan USA, so is currently aged 88.
- Tolkien’s Another role that brought him worldwide fame came in 1986, when he portrayed Commander Tom ‘Stinger’ Jardin in the action-drama film “Top Gun”, next to Tom Cruise.
- He also guest-starred in such television series as “Tales From The Crypt”, “The Hat Squad”, “Nowhere Man”, and “The Pretender”, among many others.
- James played a pianist in the western horror “Bone Tomahawk”, starring Kurt Russell, Matthew Fox, and Patrick Wilson, in 2015.
- His acting career was on the big screen and on television.
- James was also active on the stage.
