Washington DC, March 28 -- James Tolkan, the veteran actor best known for his role as the strict high school principal Mr Strickland in the 'Back to the Future' franchise and as Commander Tom "Stinger" Jardian in 'Top Gun', has died at the age of 94, according to People.

Tolkan passed away in Saranac Lake, New York, his management confirmed to People.

A crew member from 'Back to the Future' described him as "one of the kindest men you would ever meet," recalling how Tolkan delighted fans by recreating his iconic nose-to-nose photos with Michael J. Fox, calling them "slackers" with a playful humor.

"Any time I got a chance to see James was just delightful," the crew member added. "As mean and nasty as Mr. Strickland was, James Tolkan wa...