The internet has been flooded this week with headlines about actor James Handy, and screenwriter-producer Carl Kurlander is making sure we remember him for all the right reasons.
Kurlander, best known for his work on cult classics like St. Elmo's Fire and Saved by the Bell, wrote a commentary piece for Deadline reflecting on Handy's impact on Hollywood.
The screenwriter and University of Pittsburgh film instructor brings decades of insider perspective to the conversation, offering a detailed look at what made Handy's presence in the entertainment world meaningful to those who worked alongside him.
While the initial wave of headlines may have focused on surface details, Kurlander's guest column reminds readers to celebrate Handy's actual contributions to film and television—the roles, the collaborations, and the legacy he left behind.
The piece notes how easy it is for Hollywood narratives to veer off course, especially in the age of rapid-fire social media reactions and sensational reporting. Instead, Kurlander examines the importance of looking at an actor's body of work and professional relationships.
For those seeking to understand James Handy's place in entertainment history, Kurlander's commentary provides context—a chance to step back from the noise and see what he gave to the industry.
