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Phantasm Star Reggie Bannister Dies at 80, GoFundMe Raised $87K

8/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Reggie Bannister, 80, died peacefully at his Crestline, California home on August 9, 2026.
His wife Gigi said he was happy to be home during his final moments.
Bannister had been in hospice care, battling Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
A GoFundMe launched in February 2025 raised over $87,000 for his medical expenses.
He portrayed Reggie in all five Phantasm films (1979-2016) and appeared in more than 50 other projects.

History

Historical Context

Founded in San Diego in 2010, GoFundMe has become the leading U.S. medical-fundraising platform, processing more than $30 billion from over 150 million donors by early 2024. In 2025 actor Reggie Bannister’s campaign for Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s care raised $87,000, echoing the platform’s role in filling gaps that Congress is now urged to address through insurance reform.

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Story summary

Reggie Bannister, 80, died peacefully at his Crestline, California home on August 9, 2026.
His wife Gigi said he was happy to be home during his final moments.
Bannister had been in hospice care, battling Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
A GoFundMe launched in February 2025 raised over $87,000 for his medical expenses.
He portrayed Reggie in all five Phantasm films (1979-2016) and appeared in more than 50 other projects.

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