James Tolkan

James Stewart Tolkan, born June 20, 1931, is an American actor known for his roles in various films. He gained recognition for portraying Mr. Strickland in the Back to the Future trilogy, including the films Back to the Future (1985), Back to the Future Part II (1989), and Back to the Future Part III (1990). Tolkan has also appeared in notable movies such as Love and Death (1975), Top Gun (1986), Masters of the Universe (1987), and Dick Tracy (1990). Born in Calumet, Michigan, Tolkan attended the University of Iowa, Coe College, the Actors Studio, and Eastern Arizona College. He briefly served in the U.S. Navy before being discharged for medical reasons.