TV Shows - James Tolkan
Sorted by online popularity, based on the Engagement Score on October 02, 2025. James Tolkan has appeared in 1 television series with data.
#352The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airas Dr. Oates • 1 episode • #352 most popular showThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a popular American sitcom that originally aired from 1990 to 1996. The show follows the life of a young man named Will Smith who is sent from a working-class neighborhood in West Philadelphia to live with his wealthy relatives, the Banks family, in their Bel-Air mansion. The series explores the culture clash between Will's street-smart upbringing and the Banks' upscale lifestyle, often using humor and wit to tackle social issues. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air became a beloved show for its memorable characters, catchy theme song, and comedic performances.
Movies - James Tolkan
Sorted by online popularity. James Tolkan has appeared in 23 movies with data.
#229Back to the Futureas Mr. Strickland • #229 most popular movieBack to the Future is a 1985 American science fiction film directed by Robert Zemeckis. It follows teenager Marty McFly who gets sent back to 1955 and must ensure his parents fall in love to secure his existence.
#312Top Gunas Cmdr. Tom 'Stinger' Jardian • #312 most popular movieTop Gun is a 1986 American action drama film that follows Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his co-pilot Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw as they train at the United States Navy's Fighter Weapons School.
#1,238WarGamesas Wigan • #1,238 most popular movieWarGames is a 1983 American techno-thriller film that follows the story of a high school student who inadvertently triggers a scenario of global conflict by hacking into a United States military supercomputer.
#1,586Back to the Future Part IIas Strickland • #1,586 most popular movieBack to the Future Part II is a 1989 American science fiction film and the second installment in the Back to the Future franchise. The movie follows Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown as they navigate through time to prevent disastrous consequences caused by altering the past.
#1,721Dick Tracyas Numbers • #1,721 most popular movieDick Tracy is a 1990 American action crime comedy film based on the eponymous comic strip character. The plot follows the detective as he navigates romantic entanglements with Breathless Mahoney and Tess Trueheart, while facing off against crime boss Alphonse 'Big Boy' Caprice.
#2,049Back to the Future Part IIIas Marshal Strickland • #2,049 most popular movieBack to the Future Part III is the concluding chapter of the Back to the Future trilogy, where Marty and Doc find themselves stranded in the Wild West of 1885.
#2,052Serpicoas Steiger • #2,052 most popular movieSerpico is a 1973 American biographical crime drama film depicting the life of Frank Serpico, an honest and principled New York City police officer who exposes corruption within the force, leading to serious consequences.
#3,443Problem Child 2as Mr. Thron • #3,443 most popular movieProblem Child 2 is a 1991 American black comedy film and sequel to the original movie. Directed by Brian Levant, it features John Ritter, Michael Oliver, and Jack Warden in lead roles.
#3,576Wolfenas Baldy • #3,576 most popular movieWolfen is a 1981 American crime horror film directed by Michael Wadleigh, based on Whitley Strieber's novel. It follows a city cop investigating a string of brutal murders initially thought to be animal attacks, uncovering an eerie connection to a folklore about wolf spirits.
#5,258Armed and Dangerousas Lou Brackman • #5,258 most popular movieArmed and Dangerous is a 1986 American comedy film featuring John Candy and Eugene Levy as unlikely partners uncovering corruption within a security agency and union.
#5,367Turk 182!as Hanley • #5,367 most popular movieTurk 182 is a 1985 American action comedy-drama film about a firefighter's brother seeking justice for his injured sibling by launching a graffiti campaign against a corrupt mayor.
#5,413Prince of the Cityas George Polito • #5,413 most popular moviePrince of the City is a 1981 American neo-noir crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, based on the life of undercover officer Daniel Ciello as he exposes corruption within the New York Police Department.
#5,692The Riveras Howard Simpson • #5,692 most popular movieThe River is a 1984 American drama film depicting a farming family's struggle to save their farm amidst financial and natural challenges.
#6,126Icemanas Maynard • #6,126 most popular movieIceman is a 1984 American sci-fi drama film involving the discovery and revival of a prehistoric man found frozen in ice by Arctic researchers.
#6,173Phil Spectoras Judge Fidler • #6,173 most popular moviePhil Spector is a 2013 American biographical drama television film that explores the dynamics between music producer Phil Spector and defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden during Spector's murder trial for the death of Lana Clarkson.
#6,178Made in Heavenas Mr. Bjornstead • #6,178 most popular movieMade in Heaven is a 1987 American fantasy comedy film about two souls who meet in Heaven and try to reunite on Earth.
#6,421Author! Author!as Lt. Glass • #6,421 most popular movieAuthor! Author! is a 1982 American comedy-drama film following a Broadway playwright juggling the challenges of a new production, a crumbling marriage, and raising his wife's five children.
#6,427Hanky Pankyas Conferee • #6,427 most popular movieHanky Panky is a 1982 American comedy thriller film starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner, directed by Sidney Poitier.
#6,552Family Businessas Judge • #6,552 most popular movieFamily Business is a 1989 American neo-noir crime film depicting the complex dynamics of a multi-generational family involved in different aspects of criminal life.
#7,505Opportunity Knocksas Sal • #7,505 most popular movieOpportunity Knocks is a 1990 American comedy film featuring Dana Carvey as one of two con men pretending to be house-sitters in a wealthy family's home.
#8,076Off Beatas Harry • #8,076 most popular movieOff Beat is a 1986 American comedy film following the story of a librarian who fills in for his police officer friend at a charity dance performance, pretending to be a cop. The film explores the humorous situations Joe Gower finds himself in as he navigates a world of law enforcement and romance.
#8,290Masters of the Universeas Detective Lubic • #8,290 most popular movieMasters of the Universe is a 1987 American superhero film based on the Mattel toy line. It follows He-Man and his friends as they journey to save the universe from the villains Evil-Lyn and Skeletor.
#8,369Split Decisionsas Benny Pistone • #8,369 most popular movieSplit Decisions is a 1988 American crime drama sports film revolving around boxing trainer Danny McGuinn's son, Eddie, seeking vengeance for his brother's death by challenging the opposing boxer involved.
James Tolkan Biography
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.
