Reggie Bannister: In His Own Words. A Journey Through Horror, Music, and Independent Cinema

For horror fans, few names evoke the same sense of cult-classic nostalgia as Reggie Bannister. Best known as the guitar-strumming, shotgun-wielding ice cream man in Phantasm (1979) and its sequels, Bannister has built a career that transcends the boundaries of traditional horror stardom.

But Reggie is more than just a horror icon. He’s a musician, independent filmmaker, and Vietnam veteran who has spent his life in creative pursuits. Through interviews and personal insights, this piece explores his journey—from his early days in music and theater to his place in one of horror’s most beloved franchises, all in his own words.

Finding His Way to Horror: Early Years and the Birth of Phantasm

"Don Coscarelli was this young, enthusiastic guy who came to one of my performances in Long Beach. I was doing a series of one-act plays, and afterward, he introduced himself and said he wanted me in a movie. That movie turned out to be Kenny & Company.” (The College Crowd Digs Me)

That fateful meeting led to a friendship and creative partnership that would change both their lives. After working together on Kenny & Company (1976) and Jim, The World’s Greatest (1976), Coscarelli approached Bannister for what would become one of the most surreal horror franchises of all time—Phantasm.

"Phantasm was this weird, mind-bending film. I don’t think any of us really understood just how big it would become. But what made it special was that Don let us have creative input. He trusted me to bring my own energy to Reggie, and I think that’s why people connected with him." (Ain’t It Cool News)

Released in 1979, Phantasm blended horror, sci-fi, and fantasy into something wholly unique. At its core was Reggie, a down-to-earth, working-class guy caught in a cosmic battle with the sinister Tall Man (Angus Scrimm). Though initially a side character, Reggie Bannister’s charm and everyman appeal would make him the franchise’s unlikely hero.

A Cult Phenomenon: From Indie Horror to Universal Studios

By the late ‘80s, Phantasm had grown into a full-fledged cult classic, prompting Universal Pictures to finance a sequel. Bannister, however, was nearly left behind.

"When Universal got involved with Phantasm II, they started making demands—one of which was that Michael Baldwin couldn’t come back as Mike. Don fought for me, though. They wanted a different actor, but Don put his foot down and said, ‘Nope. If we do this, Reggie stays.’" (Media Mikes)

Though the studio’s decision to recast Baldwin upset longtime fans, the film itself was a bigger-budget take on the Phantasm mythos, complete with Reggie’s now-iconic quad-barrel shotgun.

"When we were making Phantasm III, Don knew exactly what he wanted to do—make Reggie the main character. It was a total shift. Instead of following Mike’s story, now it was my movie." (Horror Geek Life)

That third installment cemented Bannister’s place as one of horror’s most unlikely action heroes—a middle-aged ice cream man, rolling into battle with a muscle car, a shotgun, and zero hesitation. The films would continue with Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998) and Phantasm: Ravager (2016), bringing a decades-long horror saga to its mind-bending conclusion.

Beyond Phantasm: The Musician and the Filmmaker

While most fans know Bannister for his film roles, his first love was always music.

"Before I ever stepped in front of a camera, I was playing music. Folk, rock, gospel—you name it. In high school, I was in barbershop quartets, madrigal groups… music was just always part of my life." (Ain’t It Cool News)

Bannister performed with the Greenwood County Singers in the ‘60s, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show and Hullabaloo. Later, he fronted The Reggie Bannister Band and recorded albums like Fool’s Paradise and Naked Truth.

"That scene in Phantasm where I’m playing guitar on the porch? That wasn’t in the script. Bill Thornbury and I were just jamming, and Don thought it worked. That’s the beauty of working with a director who trusts his actors." (The College Crowd Digs Me)

Alongside his wife, Gigi Bannister, he has also become an advocate for independent filmmaking, producing and starring in multiple projects.

"The thing about indie films is that you’re not just acting—you’re doing everything. I’ve been a producer, a stunt coordinator, a sound guy, you name it. And I love it. The freedom is worth the struggle." (Media Mikes)

The Horror Community and Reggie’s Legacy

For Reggie, one of the greatest joys of his career has been the horror fan community.

"I’ve done conventions for years, and I’ll tell you—horror fans are the most dedicated, loyal people I’ve ever met. I’ve had people tattoo my signature on their arms. I’ve signed boobs, cars, guitars—you name it." (Horror Geek Life)

One moment that stuck with him was a surreal brush with his own legacy.

"I was working a day job, delivering flowers for a funeral home. I pull into a gas station, look up, and across the street is this huge Phantasm II billboard. It was the weirdest moment of my life." (The College Crowd Digs Me)

Even after decades in the business, Bannister remains grateful for the opportunities Phantasm gave him.

"I’ll never take it for granted. Being part of something that means so much to people—that’s special. And to still be out here, meeting fans, making music, working on movies? I couldn’t ask for more." (Ain’t It Cool News)

Reggie Bannister’s Enduring Impact

For over four decades, Reggie Bannister has been more than just the Phantasm franchise’s heart—he’s been a symbol of blue-collar heroism, indie filmmaking resilience, and artistic versatility. Whether wielding a shotgun or strumming a guitar, his journey has resonated with generations of fans.

Now in his seventies, Bannister continues to connect with fans at conventions, work on creative projects, and face life with the same fearless attitude that made Reggie one of horror’s most beloved protagonists.

"Life is a ride, man. Just like in Phantasm, you take the hits, you roll with the punches, but you never stop moving forward." (Media Mikes)

And in the world of horror fandom, the Ice Cream Man will always be ready for one more fight.