Horror Legend Reggie Bannister Passes Away at Age 80
Actor Reggie Bannister, famed for his role in the Phantasm horror series, died at his home in Crestline at 80.
Reggie Bannister, the actor who became synonymous with the Phantasm horror saga, died at age 80 at his residence in Crestline, according to his spouse Gigi. He had served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange, and later suffered from Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Born on September 9, 1945, in Long Beach, California, Bannister built a four-decade career that included starring in all five Phantasm movies from 1979 to 2016, earning the moniker "the hardest working man in horror."
His filmography also featured roles in titles such as Silent Night, Deadly Night 4, Wishmaster, and Bubba Ho-Tep, among others, and he produced several projects. In addition to acting, he pursued music, issuing six albums across rock, folk, and country genres.
Why it matters
Bannister's death marks the loss of a beloved figure in horror cinema and reflects the health challenges faced by veterans.
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