KEY POINT
- Gerrit Graham died Tuesday in Rhinebeck, New York, at age 77 after suffering from lung disease and other ailments.
- His film work included Phantom of the Paradise, TerrorVision, Child’s Play 2, Demon Seed and Chopping Mall.
- Beyond acting, Graham worked as a screenwriter and songwriter, including projects connected to Disney and The Grateful Dead.
Graham died Tuesday in Rhinebeck, New York, according to the supplied report. Variety reported that he suffered from lung disease. He is survived by his brother Sam, sons Jack and Henry, daughters-in-law Talia and Joelle, and four grandchildren: Nolan, Micah, Vera and Joey.
One of Graham’s most recognizable performances came in Brian De Palma’s 1974 musical horror film Phantom of the Paradise. He portrayed Beef, a flamboyant glam-rock performer selected by record executive Swan to headline his new club. The role became one of the defining parts of Graham’s screen career despite his limited amount of screen time.
Graham also became familiar to horror audiences through TerrorVision, in which he played Stan Putterman, the father of a family whose newly installed satellite system inadvertently brings an alien presence into their home. His later genre credits included Child’s Play 2, where he portrayed Andy Barclay’s foster father.
His filmography reached beyond those cult horror titles. Graham appeared in Demon Seed, Chopping Mall, C.H.U.D. II: Bud the C.H.U.D. and National Lampoon’s Class Reunion. His television work included appearances on Seinfeld, Laverne and Shirley, The Wonder Years, Tales from the Crypt, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager.
Graham’s career also extended behind the camera. He worked as a screenwriter on Disney films The Little Mermaid and Oliver & Company, as well as episodes of The Twilight Zone and The Prince and the Pauper.
His creative work further included songwriting and lyric writing. Graham collaborated with the Grateful Dead and members of the band on various projects, adding another dimension to a career that moved between acting, writing and music.
Graham began his acting career in Brian De Palma’s early films Greetings and Hi, Mom!, appearing alongside Robert De Niro. He was also known for his ability to perform impressions and accents, skills that contributed to his range across film and television.
The supplied material says thoughts were extended to Graham’s family and friends following his death. No additional public reaction was provided in the material.
