Reggie Bannister, ‘Phantasm’ Horror Icon, Dies at 80

Reggie Bannister, the actor best known for playing Reggie in all five “Phantasm” horror films, has died at 80 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Bannister died peacefully Sunday, August 9, at his cabin in Crestline, California, his wife, Gigi Bannister, said in a Facebook post. She said he had been receiving hospice care since February 2025 and was surrounded by the comforts of his home.

“He no longer suffers. He’s no longer in pain. That gives me solace,” Gigi wrote.

Bannister was born and raised in Long Beach, California, and served in the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He later used his G.I. Bill benefits to study acting.

In 1979, Bannister starred in “Phantasm” as Reggie, an ice cream vendor who battles the mysterious Tall Man, played by Angus Scrimm. The film, written and directed by Don Coscarelli, was made for about $300,000 and earned nearly $12 million at the box office.

Bannister returned as Reggie in four sequels, including 2016’s “Phantasm: Ravager.” The character became a cult horror favorite, known for his homemade four-barrel shotgun and determination to fight evil.

Bannister’s family struggled with the cost of his hospice care and received nearly $80,000 through a GoFundMe campaign earlier this year.

Several private memorial services and a public celebration for “Phantasm” fans are planned.