Josh Gates Honors James Tolken: A Personal Tribute to the Iconic Actor
Josh Gates Reflects on His Time Working with James Tolken
Josh Gates, the host of Expedition Unknown, is no stranger to chasing global mysteries, but this week, he took a break from exploring the world to share a deeply personal tribute. On March 28th, 2026, Gates posted an emotional message in memory of actor James Tolken, who passed away on March 26th, 2026, at the age of 94 in Saranac Lake, New York.
Tolken, best known for his role as Mr. Strickland, the tough school authority figure in the Back to the Future trilogy, left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. Gates reflected on his time working alongside Tolken during the Expedition Back to the Future TV special in 2021, a unique adventure that saw Gates and Christopher Lloyd embarking on a real-life hunt connected to the DeLorean legend from the films.
A Surreal Experience for Josh Gates
In his tribute, Gates described his experience working with Tolken as surreal, especially for someone like him who grew up obsessed with 80s pop culture. He fondly remembered Tolken’s hilarious and lively personality off-camera, which completely transformed when filming began. Tolken was known for his ability to channel the intense Mr. Strickland energy that fans immediately recognized.
One moment, Gates recalled, was particularly memorable when Tolken stared him down and barked, “You got a real attitude problem. You know that, Gates?” Gates described the line as so impactful that he felt like he had been transported directly into the movie universe. For a brief few seconds, Gates joked, “I was Marty McFly,” calling the moment one of those career experiences that never stops feeling unreal.
The Lesser-Known Side of James Tolken
While Tolken is widely remembered for his portrayal of hard-nosed authority figures, including his role as Stinger in Top Gun, Gates’ tribute highlighted the contrast between Tolken’s strict on-screen persona and his warm, witty presence behind the scenes. Gates painted a picture of the man many co-workers knew—a charismatic, friendly individual whose sense of humor and charm stood in stark contrast to his tough character roles.
What’s Next for Josh Gates in 2026
Despite the loss, Gates is keeping busy in 2026. Discovery has confirmed that Expedition Unknown will continue to air new episodes, offering more adventures in the coming months. Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery has announced a fresh season of Expedition Files, set to premiere in 2026.
In addition to his television projects, Josh Gates is embarking on a live tour in 2026 titled Josh Gates Live. This tour will take him across the country to share his stories about legends, mysteries, and behind-the-scenes adventures, offering fans a deeper look into his world of exploration.
A Tribute That Will Stay with Gates Forever
While Gates is staying busy with various projects, he made it clear that the loss of James Tolken has hit him harder than expected. The Strickland moment, although brief, will stay with Gates for the rest of his life as one of those unforgettable career moments.
