Angus Scrimm
A cultured journalist and author who became an unlikely horror icon through his chilling portrayal of the otherworldly Tall Man.
1926–2016 (age 90)·American actor, author, and journalist·Birthday: August 19·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Angus Scrimm lived a double life. For decades, he was Lawrence Rory Guy, a respected journalist and writer for publications like the Los Angeles Times and TV Guide, and a biographer of film composers. Then, in 1979, director Don Coscarelli cast his friend in a low-budget nightmare called 'Phantasm.' As the Tall Man—a lanky, silver-haired undertaker from another dimension—Scrimm created one of horror's most enduring villains. His commanding voice, piercing glare, and terrifying silver spheres turned a modest film into a cult franchise spanning five decades. Scrimm embraced this second act with grace, attending conventions and reprising the role repeatedly, all while maintaining the dignified bearing of the literary man he always was. He proved that true menace could come from a place of intelligence and eerie calm.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Angus was born in 1926, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Angus Was Born
The biggest hits of 1926
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Angus's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1926Born
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1931Started school
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1939Became a teenager
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1942Could drive
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1944Could vote
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1947Turned 21
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1956Turned 30
Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $10,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Heartbreak Hotel" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: Around the World in 80 Days
1966Turned 40
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1976Turned 50
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1986Turned 60
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1996Turned 70
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 80
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2016Died at 90
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the Tall Man in the 'Phantasm' horror film series from 1979 to 2016.
- Worked as a journalist and writer for major publications including the Los Angeles Times.
- Authored the biography 'The Music of James Bernard' about the film composer.
- Became a beloved figure at horror conventions, recognized for his iconic villain role.
Did You Know?
His stage name, Angus Scrimm, was suggested by a friend and is an anagram of 'grim ushers.'
He was a graduate of the University of Southern California.
Before acting, he worked in the publicity department for Capitol Records.
He was an accomplished pianist and had a deep knowledge of classical music.
““Boy!””
