Skip to content

James Tolkan, Back to the Future's iconic Principal Strickland, dies at 94

The stern yet unforgettable Principal Strickland is gone—but his legacy lives on. A look back at the actor's remarkable five-decade journey in film.

The image shows an old movie poster with a woman's face in the center, surrounded by pictures of...
The image shows an old movie poster with a woman's face in the center, surrounded by pictures of other people and text. The background is dark, giving the poster a mysterious and captivating feel.

James Tolkan Dies in Saranac Lake, New York

James Tolkan, Back to the Future's iconic Principal Strickland, dies at 94

Acclaimed actor James Tolkan has died in the U.S. at the age of 94, Variety reports.

He passed away in the village of Saranac Lake, New York. His career spanned more than five decades.

Tolkan was best known for his role as Principal Strickland in the Back to the Future trilogy.

Earlier, we reported that director Shukher had died at 72. The VGIK professor passed away in intensive care following cardiac arrest.

Latest