Angus Scrimm, born in Kansas City, Kansas, started out not in front of the camera but behind the typewriter—yes, that’s right, Angus Scrimm first made his mark as a journalist and writer. He contributed to well-known publications like TV Guide, Cinema Magazine, and The Los Angeles Herald Examiner. But wait, there’s more—Angus Scrimm wasn’t just writing about entertainment; he was deeply involved in it. For instance, he penned liner notes for numerous albums by legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Arthur Rubinstein, and Itzhak Perlman. That kind of cultural reach is no small feat.
Now, when most people think of Angus Scrimm, they don’t immediately picture a writer—they think of something far more chilling. That’s because Angus Scrimm became iconic for one unforgettable role: “The Tall Man” in the 1979 horror classic Phantasm. This low-budget, independently financed film introduced audiences to a sinister, sadistic undertaker—played by Angus Scrimm—who reanimates the dead as twisted dwarf zombies. These eerie minions serve his dark purpose: building an empire from beyond the grave, all part of a twisted plan to dominate the world. Creepy, right?
At first, critics didn’t quite know what to make of Phantasm. It didn’t set the box office on fire during its initial release, and honestly, many dismissed it. But over time—thanks in large part to late-night showings and word-of-mouth buzz—Phantasm developed a loyal cult following. And with that came sequels. Oh yes, Angus Scrimm returned as The Tall Man in Phantasm II (1988), followed by Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), and Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998). The last two were direct-to-video releases, which makes sense given their niche appeal, but fans still welcomed Angus Scrimm back with open arms.
Between appearances in the Phantasm series, Angus Scrimm kept busy with other roles. He showed up in a handful of genre films that horror buffs love, including Mindwarp (1992), Wishmaster (1997), and even the lesser-known Munchie Strikes Back (1994). Each role reminded audiences why Angus Scrimm had such a distinctive presence—tall, commanding, and quietly menacing.
Sadly, Angus Scrimm passed away in January 2016 in Los Angeles, California. He was 89 years old. His legacy, though, especially through the enduring image of The Tall Man, continues to haunt and inspire fans around the world. Angus Scrimm may have begun as a writer, but he’ll forever be remembered as a legend of horror cinema.
Angus Scrimm is perhaps best known for his role in the film Subspecies (1991), which happens to be his highest-rated movie. On the other hand, his performance in Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998) received the lowest ratings compared to his other works. While he has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, these two titles stand out as the most and least acclaimed, respectively.