Reggie Bannister, 80, Launches GoFundMe for Health Issues

Reggie Bannister, 80, Launches GoFundMe for Health Issues

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Iconic 70s horror star Reggie Bannister has been forced to launch a GoFundMe amid his Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson's disease battle.

The 80-year-old actor - who is known for appearing in the Phantasm franchise - has been receiving hospice care at home but needs to move into a full-time care facility. 

His wife Gigi - whom he tied the knot with in 2001 - has been by her husband's side and taking care of him. But due to health problems of her own, she no longer has the physical capability to assist the actor. 

She told TMZ in an article published on Thursday that Bannister has lost mobility in his limbs and explained she is no longer able to lift or move the actor. 

He initially had plans to relocate to a full-time facility in Big Bear, where he would be covered through Veterans Affairs. However, it is no longer an option due to there being no availability. 

Another facility has monthly costs of over $5,000 and a GoFundMe page has since been launched to help cover 'overwhelming' costs of medical bills after Bannister's health took a 'difficult turn.' 

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Iconic 70s horror star Reggie Bannister, 80, has been forced to launch a GoFundMe amid his Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson's disease battle.; seen in 2012 in San Diego

The actor - who is known for appearing in the Phantasm franchise - has been receiving hospice care at home but needs to move to a full-time care facility; seen in Phantasm III: Lord Of The Dead (1994)

The page was set up by a close friend of the couple and the current goal of $50,000 has nearly been reached. 

But Gigi expressed to TMZ that due to Bannister not being able to get coverage through Veterans Affairs, they will most likely need more funds to help cover costs of a different facility. 

While Phantasm garnered mixed reviews from critics, the film has become a cult classic over the years 

When asked if he knew the film would have such an impact, the actor said, 'I probably didn't flash on the reality of it, but I had a gut feeling about it'; seen in 2016 in Burbank 

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When asked if he knew the film would have such an impact, the actor said, 'I probably didn't flash on the reality of it, but I had a gut feeling about it.

'On the very last day I shot on Phantasm, I had this kind of feeling,' he continued. 'What's funny, at the time acting was just fun and I'd have done it for nothing.'

Bannister also talked about what working on set of the supernatural horror film had been like. 

'It was fun. For the most part, working with Don is like working with my brother. It's pretty cool,' the star said, referring to the movie's director.  

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