‘Phantasm’ Star Dead at 80: RIP to Reggie Bannister

Reggie Bannister, widely known for his role of “Reggie” in five Phantasm films, recently passed away.

Earlier this month, Bannister’s widow confirmed his passing to TMZ. Gigi Bannister told the media outlet her husband died at the couple’s cabin in the San Bernardino mountains. Gigi went on to mention that though Reggie died peacefully, he had previously been exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam and later struggled with both Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. He eventually lived in a full-time healthcare facility and spent time in Hospice.

Bannister was a California native who performed as both an actor and musician and also spent time as a writer and producer. As noted above, he’s most-known for being cast in the series of Phantasm horror movies which spanned from 1979 – 2016.

Reggie, who along with a pair of friends attempt to evade “Tall Man” in the movies, is one of only two actors – the other being Angus Scrimm – to have appeared in the original Phantasm and the four films in the series that followed: Phantasm II, Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead, Phantasm IV: Oblivion, and Phantasm: Ravager.

Bannister composed a song, “Have You Seen It,” that was used in Phantasm IV: Oblivion and assisted with other music in the Phantasm series.

In addition to his roles in the Phantasm universe, Bannister was also cast in more than 30 other films and TV shows over the course of five decades in Hollywood. Some of his work included appearances in Wishmaster, Journeyman, Fallen Angles, Small Town Saturday Night and Bonejangles, which served as his last acting credit.

Gigi and Reggie began dating in 1995 and were married six years later. Reggie had been married twice before, first to Susan in 1981 and then to Gayle in 1988. Bannister’s personal website includes a note that he and Gigi frequently collaborated creatively.

A public celebration of Reggie’s life is expected to be held at a time and date to be announced.