Phantasm actor Reggie Bannister dies aged 80

Reggie Bannister, the American actor widely recognised for his role in the Phantasm horror film franchise, has died at the age of 80. His wife, Gigi Bannister, confirmed to TMZ that the actor passed away on Sunday, 9 August, at their home in Crestline. An official cause of death has not been disclosed. According to his wife, Bannister had been exposed to Agent Orange during his military service with the United States Army in the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was a potent chemical herbicide and defoliant used by the US military during the conflict to clear dense jungle foliage and destroy food crops. Bannister achieved his greatest fame through his performance in the Phantasm series, which became a cult classic within the horror genre.