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Cult horror icon dies after health battle but tells fans 'it's never over'

Reggie Bannister, who starred in the famous horror franchise Phantasm, has passed away after a battle with Parkinson's disease as his wife sharing a touching tribute

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Reggie Bannister has passed away(Image: Getty Images)

Cult horror icon Reggie Bannister has passed away at 80, as confirmed by his family. The star found fame in sci-fi horror franchise Phantasm.

His family said in a statement: Reggie Bannister fought debilitating effects of Parkinsons while resting comfortably in his Mountain home with caregivers and Gigi by his side. [His wife] Gigi was with him till the end, as she had vowed, until death and meant it. Reggies final request was to please let his fans know, 'Its never over.'"

Gigi also shared a post on Facebook in tribute to her late husband. She wrote: "He looked so quiet and peaceful. Like he was asleep. In his bed, 'In Our Mountain Home' as his song goes.

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Reggie's wife shared a touching tribute (Image: WireImage)

"In the snap of fingers, my best friend, my confidant, my partner, my soul mate was transitioned to another dimension a higher plane.

"He no longer suffers. Hes no longer in pain. That gives me solace. I will see you on the flip side, honey bunny. Save me a hug! Wait for me."

The supernatural horror was first released in 1979. Bannister played an ex-ice cream man who transformed into a gun-wielding hero. He did not just leave his role in the 70s, with Reggie reprising his role in the series, directed by Don Coscarelli, several times.

The star was on screen as recently as 2016.

All in all, he featured in six Phantasm movies: Phantasm (1979), Phantasm II (1988), Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998) and Phantasm: Ravager (2016).

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Reggie suffered from Parkinson's disease (Image: Getty Images)

Bannister was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2016. After the news, his wife claimed to TMZ that his health challenges were due to Agent Orange exposure during his military service.

He served in the military during the Vietnam War.

Elsewhere in his career, the star also appeared in Wishmaster, Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation, Cemetery Gates, Sawblad and The Obsidian Curse.

Bannister also had great talent in music and released six albums in the rock, country and folk genres.

The star entered hospice care in February last year, with a GoFundMe launched to help cover the costs.

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