BREAKING: Angus Scrimm, Phantasm’s Tall Man, Dies at 89

I’m beyond devastated to report that Angus Scrimm, best know to horror fans as the Tall Man in the Phantasm franchise, died on January 9th.

Entertainment Weekly broke the news:

EW was informed of Scrimm’s death by his friend and longtime collaborator Don Coscarelli, who directed Scrimm in 1979’s Phantasm and its three subsequent sequels, among other projects.

From Coscarelli:

“Angus Scrimm passed away peacefully tonight surrounded by his friends and loved one.  [His] performance as the Tall Man is a towering achievement in horror film history. He was the last in a long line of classic horror movie stars. He was a terrific actor and an even better friend. He will be missed.”

Angus was adored by “Phans” worldwide, still a major draw at conventions like last year’s Texas Frightmare Weekend in April.

I saw Phantasm on VHS when I was 9 years old, and it’s definitely a seminal film in terms of inspiring my love of horror.  The movie was a surreal and terrifying nightmare that had me captivated; it’s a film I’ve continue to revisit to this day.  The Tall Man was an epic and haunting figure, more unnerving than the Grim Reaper himself.

Yet the man himself was clearly a pillar of grace and professionalism.  He honestly seemed to appreciate his cult status, making genuine connections with those lucky enough to meet him.

I’m still coming to terms with this loss, and imagine I’ll be processing Angus’s passing for quite some time.

You reside with the likes Vincent, Boris, and Bela now, Mr. Scrimm.  I hope to meet you on the other side!

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Feel free to share your memories of Angus Scrimm in the Comments section.