Iconic 70s horror star Reggie Bannister has been forced to launch a GoFundMe amid his Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s disease battle.
The 80-year-old actor, who is known for appearing in the Phantasm franchise, has been receiving hospice care at home but needs to move into a full-time care facility.
His wife Gigi – whom he tied the knot with in 2001 – has been by her husband’s side and taking care of him. But due to health problems of her own, she no longer has the physical capability to assist the actor.
She told TMZ in an article published on Thursday that Bannister has lost mobility in his limbs and explained she is no longer able to lift or move the actor.
He initially had plans to relocate to a full-time facility in Big Bear, California where he would be covered through Veterans Affairs. However, it is no longer an option due to there being no availability.
Another facility has monthly costs of over $5,000 and a GoFundMe page has since been launched to help cover ‘overwhelming’ costs of medical bills after Bannister’s health took a ‘difficult turn.’
Iconic 70s horror star Reggie Bannister, 80, has been forced to launch a GoFundMe amid his Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s disease battle.; seen in 2012 in San Diego
The actor – who is known for appearing in the Phantasm franchise – has been receiving hospice care at home but needs to move to a full-time care facility; seen in Phantasm III: Lord Of The Dead (1994)
The page was set up by a close friend of the couple and the current goal of $50,000 has nearly been reached.
But Gigi expressed to TMZ that due to Bannister not being able to get coverage through Veterans Affairs, they will most likely need more funds to help cover costs of a different facility.
The actor is currently on a waitlist for a full-time care facility.
In a message on the GoFundMe page, Bannister is described as a star who has ‘brought joy and inspiration to countless fans over the years.’
Both he and his wife would often have a chance to meet fans at events such as horror conventions, which also had been ‘a vital part of their income.’
However, due to Bannister’s health battle, he is not able to travel to conventions and ‘their financial situation has become increasingly dire.’
The message also read, ‘The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward covering medical expenses, utility bills, and ensuring that Reggie receives the hospice care he needs in the comfort of his own home.
‘Your support will help ease the financial burden on Gigi and allow her to focus on what matters most – being there for Reggie during this incredibly difficult time.’
His wife Gigi told TMZ in an article published on Thursday that Bannister has lost mobility in his limbs and explained she is no longer able to lift or move the actor
Another facility has monthly costs of over $5,000 and a GoFundMe page has since been launched to help cover ‘overwhelming’ costs of medical bills after Bannister’s health took a ‘difficult turn’
The page was set up by a close friend of the couple and the current goal of $50,000 has nearly been reached
In a message on the GoFundMe page, Bannister is described as a star who has ‘brought joy and inspiration to countless fans over the years’
In conclusion, the close pal who set up the page called on the horror and entertainment community to offer any possible assistance to Bannister and his wife.
‘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.’
Recent photos of Bannister were also shared to the post, with one showing the horror star holding what appeared to be fan letters as he sat on a chair.
Just weeks earlier, Gigi took to her main Instagram page to give a health update on the actor and revealed that he recently suffered from a fall.
She explained to her followers that Bannister did not harm himself during the incident but added that she hurt her back while helping him.
The couple first crossed paths in the 90s and the pair officially said ‘I do’ in 2001.
Bannister was diagnosed with dementia and Parkinson’s in 2016 and entered at-home hospice care in 2025.
Bannister was diagnosed with dementia and Parkinson’s in 2016 and entered at-home hospice care in 2025
In 1979, he was cast to portray the character of Reggie in the supernatural horror film Phantasm (seen above)
The actor – who is a U.S. military veteran who served in the Vietnam War – began his career in the entertainment industry in the mid-70s.
In 1979, he was cast to portray the character of Reggie in the supernatural horror film Phantasm.
The movie was made on a budget of $300,000 and was a box office success when it raked in $22 million upon its release in theaters.
The project – which was directed by Don Coscarelli – also starred Michael Baldwin, Bill Thornbury, Kathy Lester and Angus Scrimm.
While Phantasm garnered mixed reviews from critics, the film has become a cult classic over the years.
A number of sequels have also been released including Phantasm II (1988), Phantasm III: Lord Of The Dead (1994), Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998) and Phantasm: Ravager (2016).
During a past interview with Icon Vs. Icon, Bannister reflected on the success of the franchise and how it is beloved by fans.
While Phantasm garnered mixed reviews from critics, the film has become a cult classic over the years
When asked if he knew the film would have such an impact, the actor said, ‘I probably didn’t flash on the reality of it, but I had a gut feeling about it’; seen in 2016 in Burbank
When asked if he knew the film would have such an impact, the actor said, ‘I probably didn’t flash on the reality of it, but I had a gut feeling about it.
‘On the very last day I shot on Phantasm, I had this kind of feeling,’ he continued. ‘What’s funny, at the time acting was just fun and I’d have done it for nothing.’
Bannister also talked about what working on set of the supernatural horror film had been like.
‘It was fun. For the most part, working with Don is like working with my brother. It’s pretty cool,’ the star said, referring to the movie’s director.
