Gerrit Graham, the actor best known for his roles in Phantom of the Paradise and the Star Trek franchise, has died at the age of 76, writes Deadline.
Graham died of lung disease and other health complications on Tuesday in Rhinebeck, New York, according to Variety.
Born on 27 November 1949 in New York City, Graham studied at Columbia University, where he headed the Columbia Players theatre company. He made his screen debut in Brian De Palma’s 1968 film Greetings.
He became widely known for playing glam rocker Beef in De Palma’s 1974 rock musical horror film Phantom of the Paradise. Graham also appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager, playing different characters in the two series.
Throughout his career, Graham appeared in a wide range of films, including Beware! The Blob (1972), Demon Seed (1977), Used Cars (1980), National Lampoon’s Class Reunion (1982), TerrorVision (1986), Chopping Mall (1986), Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989), C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud (1989), The Little Mermaid (1989), Child’s Play 2 (1990), This Boy’s Life (1993) and My Girl 2 (1994).
His television credits included Dynasty, Starsky & Hutch, Laverne & Shirley, The A-Team, The Dukes of Hazzard, The Twilight Zone, St. Elsewhere, Miami Vice, Dallas, Tales from the Crypt, The Wonder Years, Seinfeld, Family Matters, Babylon 5 and Law & Order.
Graham was also a writer. He penned two episodes of The Twilight Zone and wrote songs with Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir.
