Pour one out, horror fans. The industry has lost a horror legend at 80. Reggie Bannister, best known for playing Reggie in the film series Phantasm, has died. Bannister passed away after suffering from dementia for the past several years.
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A rep confirmed that Bannister died on August 9 in Crestline, California.
"Reggie Bannister fought debilitating effects of Parkinson's while resting comfortably in his mountain home with caregivers and [his wife] Gigi by his side," his representative said in a statement. "Gigi was with him [until] the end."
Since 2016, the horror legend was battling vascular dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. More recently in 2024, the disease had progressed to full Lewy body dementia. Prior to his health issues, the horr legend appeared across the many sequesl of Phantasm.
Director Don Coscarelli mourned the loss of his friend.
Horror Legend Dies
"He channeled himself into that role," Coscarelli wrote in an Aug. 10
Facebook tribute. "All the fans who met him at the horror conventions could attest that in-person, Reg was cool, funny, loyal, and steadfast.""Reggie the character was Reggie the friend," Coscarelli added.
He also added that he had "lost my hero" this week. The director confirmed that the horror legend had passed away and reflected on first meeting years ago.
He wrote, "I first met Reggie when I was 18 years old. I was deep into production on my first feature film Jim The World's Greatest. He had invited producer Paul Pepperman and I down to the Wooden Keg, a dive bar in Long Beach, CA to meet about it. Reg was performing a spirited set that night on guitar and vocals and the audience loved his songs and infectious personality. After his set, we introduced ourselves, intent on convincing him to co-star in the project. 'A feature film, huh?' he asked. 'Far out, man.' Reggie then ordered us all a round of beers. It was the first alcoholic drink I'd ever been served (illegally) at a bar. With four words, Reg toasted with a clink of his glass, 'Count me in, boys!'"
He added, "Little did I know that night would lead to literally a lifetime of working together with him on many films. In the Phantasm series, only Reggie could turn a simple role as an ice cream vendor sidekick into an unlikely action hero for the ages."
