Last Updated on February 17, 2026 by Amber T
Last year, Phantasm star Reggie Bannister sadly entered hospice care following a fight with Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, and would like to hear from his Phans. Updated with GoFundMe information: let's come together and show a cult star how appreciated he is.
Following Bannister's colleague and friend Russell Mauck's Facebook update last year, Bannister is now being treated via in-home hospice care. As a result, Reggie and his wife Gigi can no longer attend conventions, and their financial situation has become increasingly dire. Medical bills are mounting, and the cost of utilities and daily care is overwhelming:
To our Horror and entertainment community: A member of our family needs help. Reggie Bannister, star of the Phantasm movie franchise, is facing severe medical issues. Unable to see his fans at conventions, financial struggles due to medical expenses have greatly risen. Promising to never leave his side, Ms. Gigi Bannister needs our help in his at-home hospice care. My fellow phans and good-hearted members of our community, please help lend some assistance to this legendary horror icon in his battle with dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
A United States Military Veteran who served in Vietnam, Bannister played ex-ice cream man Reggie in the cult Phantasm series (Phantasm, Phantasm II, Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead, Phantasm IV: Oblivion, and Phantasm: Ravager) as well as roles in Silent Night, Deadly Night 4, Wishmaster, Bubba Ho-tep and Cemetery Gates.
Write to Reggie at the address below, and support the GoFundMe right here.
Reggie Bannister
PO Box 4387
Crestline, CA 92325
