Back to the Future fans are mourning a treasured cast member.
James Tolkan—known for his role as Gerard Strickland in the films—died March 26, his rep confirmed to USA Today. He was 94.
“The news is sadly true about James,” Tolkan’s rep John Alcantar told the outlet. “James was a beloved professional who lived a good, full life.”
Confirmation of Tolkan’s death comes after news of his passing was posted on the franchise’s official website. No cause of death was given.
Though his career spanned more than five decades beginning with an impressive 25-year theater run, Tolkan’s most recognized work appeared in the Back to the Future trilogy, where he played the no-nonsense vice principal of Hill Valley High School in both the 1985 film and the 1989 sequel opposite Michael J. Fox, Christpher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson. For the third film, he returned as the grandfather of his character.
After hearing of his death, Fox paid tribute to his costar’s life.
