Gerrit Graham, the versatile character actor best known for his role as the flamboyant glam-rock singer Beef in Phantom of the Paradise, has died at 77.
Graham died September 15 in Rhinebeck, New York, according to his family. His death was attributed to complications from lung disease.
A statement posted on Graham’s Facebook page said he died peacefully with his two sons by his side. He is survived by his sons Jack and Henry, four grandchildren and his brother Sam.
His most famous role was in ‘Phantom of the Paradise’
Graham’s best-known performance came in Brian De Palma’s 1974 cult rock musical Phantom of the Paradise.
He played Beef, an eccentric and theatrical glam-rock performer whose flamboyant presence became one of the film’s most memorable elements.
Graham had already begun working with De Palma years earlier, appearing in Greetings in 1968 and Hi, Mom! in 1970.
The Phantom of the Paradise performance remained closely associated with Graham throughout his career, particularly among fans of cult cinema.
Graham also appeared in ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Child’s Play 2’
Graham worked extensively in television and film, building a career that lasted more than four decades.
His television credits included Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager, as well as Seinfeld, Law & Order, Family Matters, Miami Vice, The A-Team and The Larry Sanders Show.
He also appeared in films including Pretty Baby, Used Cars and Child’s Play 2.
Graham was also a voice actor on the animated series The Critic, where he played Franklin Sherman.
He was also a screenwriter and songwriter
Graham’s work extended beyond acting.
He wrote teleplays for the 1980s revival of The Twilight Zone and contributed additional dialogue and voices to Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
He also had an unusual connection to the Grateful Dead.
Graham co-wrote the lyrics to “Victim or the Crime” with guitarist and songwriter Bob Weir. The song appeared on the Grateful Dead’s 1989 album Built to Last and became part of the band’s live repertoire.
Tributes follow Graham’s death
News of Graham’s death prompted tributes from fellow actors and filmmakers.
Actor Michael McKean remembered Graham as a gifted comic performer, while filmmaker Edgar Wright highlighted his memorable performance as Beef in Phantom of the Paradise.
Graham had largely stepped away from acting in later years as health problems affected his ability to work.
He was 77.