Actor Reggie Bannister, best known for his role in the “Phantasm” horror film franchise, died on Sunday, Aug. 9 in Crestline, California. He was 80.
A representative for Bannister confirmed his death to USA TODAY on Monday, Aug. 10. TMZ was first to report the news.
“Reggie Bannister fought debilitating effects of Parkinson’s while resting comfortably in his mountain home with caregivers and Gigi by his side,” his representative said in a statement. “Gigi was with him [until] the end.”
Born Reginald Horace Bannister, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease in 2016. By February 2024, his condition had progressed to Lewy body dementia, according to his representative.
Lewy body dementia can progressively affect thinking, memory and behavior, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Parkinson’s disease can make walking, balance, speech and other physical tasks increasingly difficult, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Bannister developed a cult following as gun-toting ice cream vendor Reggie in writer-director Don Coscarelli’s 1979 horror film “Phantasm.”
“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.
‘Came back from the war determined to pursue a life of peace’
Bannister reprised the role across four sequels through 2016. His other film credits included “The Demolitionist” (1995), “Wishmaster” (1997) and the cult horror-comedy “Bubba Ho-Tep” (2002).
In a 2017 interview with Horror Geek Life, Bannister reflected on serving in Vietnam after being drafted despite his opposition to the war.
“I was not for that war, I was against it, but there was this thing called the draft,” he said, adding that he served as head radio operator for an automatic weapons specialty group. “I just thought, ‘Soldier? Really? You’re gonna be a soldier? Okay, well then you’re going to be the baddest-ass soldier that ever put on a uniform.'”
According to his wife, Bannister experienced hearing loss following his military service and became a service-connected disabled veteran. She also said he was exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.
Coscarelli said Bannister’s experience in Vietnam helped shape the direction he took afterward.
“He came back from the war determined to pursue a life of peace and creativity,” Coscarelli wrote. “Reggie Bannister was a gifted creative collaborator, a dear friend and he will be sincerely missed. Yes, Reg, to me and your legion of fans, you’ll always be ‘Hot as Love.'”
This story has been updated with additional information.