Actor

James Tolkan

June 20, 1931 · Calumet, Michigan, USA

Fiery, forceful and intimidating character actor James Tolkan carved out a nice little niche for himself in both movies and television alike as a formidable portrayer of fierce and flinty hard-boiled tough guy types. James Stewart Tolkan was born on June 20, 1931 in Calumet, Michigan. His father, Ralph M. Tolkan, was a cattle dealer. James attended the University of Iowa, Coe College and Eastern Arizona College. After serving a year-long stint in the United States Navy, Tolkan went to New York and studied acting with both Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler at the Actors Studio.

Notable work

8.3
Back to the Future (1985)
as Mr. Strickland
7.8
Back to the Future Part II (1989)
as Strickland
7.5
Back to the Future Part III (1990)
as Marshal Strickland
7.1
Top Gun (1986)
as Stinger
6.9
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
as Pianist
7.9
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)
as Dr. Oates
7.5
Serpico (1973)
as Steiger
7.1
WarGames (1983)
as Wigan
5.9
Masters of the Universe (1987)
as Lubic
8.3
The Wonder Years (1988)
as Coach Silva
6.2
Dick Tracy (1990)
as Numbers
6.3
The Amityville Horror (1979)
as Coroner

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