BIO

Reggie Bannister is an actor and musician best known for his portrayal of the ice cream-scooping, quad-barrel shotgun-toting Reggie in the Phantasm film series.

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Bannister’s journey as a performer began at just three years old, when he sang “If I Knew You Were Coming, I’d Have Baked a Cake” on the Walkin’ Talkin’ Charlie Aldridge Show. By the 1960s, he had become an integral part of the burgeoning folk music scene, performing with The Young Americans before finding national success with the acclaimed Greenwood County Singers. Their version of The New Frankie and Johnny climbed the Billboard charts, and the group toured the country on popular programs including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Frank Sinatra Show, and Hullabaloo. Another major milestone came with their rendition of Cat Ballou, the title song for the Oscar-nominated film of the same name.

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In 1965, while opening for Carol Channing in Lake Tahoe with the Greenwoods, Bannister received a surprise visit from his parents who had driven up from Long Beach, California to deliver his draft notice. Just weeks later, he was serving in Vietnam.

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After returning home from war, Bannister decided to go full steam ahead with music and acting. His breakthrough came in 1979 with Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm, where his portrayal of Reggie became a genre-defining role that would span four sequels across four decades. Beyond Phantasm, Bannister has appeared in Bubba Ho-Tep, Wishmaster, Satan Hates You, and Bloody Bloody Bible Camp. He has also composed and performed original music for films, including contributions to the Phantasm franchise.

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Bannister has earned a loyal following for his charismatic performances, offbeat charm, and enduring on-screen presence. Today, he is celebrated not only for his contributions to film and music, but also for his deep connection with fans, and—most importantly—his love and creative partnership with his wife, Gigi, with whom he frequently collaborates.