Horror has lost one of its most beloved icons. Reggie Bannister, best known for playing the badass ice cream man Reggie in Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm franchise, has died at the age of 80.

A longtime friend and collaborator of director Don Coscarelli, Bannister first appeared as Reggie in the original Phantasm in 1979. What began as a supporting role quickly became one of horror’s most recognizable characters, with Bannister returning for Phantasm II (1988), Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998), and Phantasm: Ravager (2016).

Over the course of his career, Bannister accumulated more than 50 film and television credits outside of the Phantasm series. His genre appearances included Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation, Wishmaster, Bubba Ho-Tep, The Mangler Reborn, Cemetery Gates, The Rage, Doctor Spine, Bonejangles, and Killer Waves 2.

Coscarelli shared the news on social media, writing:

“I lost my hero yesterday. I am very sorry to report that my dear friend and collaborator, Reggie Bannister, died yesterday at age 80.”

The filmmaker went on to celebrate Bannister’s unique contribution to the Phantasm series, describing how the actor transformed Reggie from a simple ice cream vendor into an unlikely action hero.

According to Coscarelli, Bannister brought much of his own personality to the character. Fans who met him at horror conventions knew him as cool, funny, loyal, and steadfast—the same qualities that made Reggie such a beloved figure on screen.

“Reggie the character was Reggie the friend,” Coscarelli wrote, emphasizing just how closely Bannister embodied the character he played for nearly four decades.

Outside of acting, Bannister was also a musician, releasing several albums throughout his career. He and his wife, Gigi Bannister, also operated Production Magic Inc., an entertainment production company involved in live events, music, and film projects.

Coscarelli concluded his tribute by calling Bannister “a gifted creative collaborator” and “a dear friend,” adding that he would be sincerely missed by the filmmaker and the countless fans who grew up with Phantasm.

“Yes, Reg, to me and your legion of fans, you’ll always be Hot as Love.”

Bannister is survived by his wife, Gigi, and his daughter, Ellen.

Rest in peace, Reggie.