Veteran actor, screenwriter and songwriter Gerrit Graham has died at 77. Graham died on Tuesday in Rhinebeck, New York in an assisted living facility, his ex-wife, Dede Taylor confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
One of his most celebrated performances came in De Palma’s 1974 cult musical Phantom of the Paradise, where he played flamboyant rock singer Beef. The song was later re-recorded by Weir and bassist Rob Wasserman for their 1998 live album.
He also wrote the Grateful Dead song “Victim or the Crime” with Bob Weir. Graham collaborated with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead to co-write “Victim or the Crime,” which appeared on the band’s 1989 album Built to Last. Graham, the interesting character actor, had appeared in Phantom of the Paradise and three other early films for Brian De Palma. The character remains one of the film’s most iconic figures and has earned a devoted following over the decades. Television audiences also saw him in popular series such as Seinfeld, Laverne & Shirley, The Wonder Years, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager as guest appearance. His work extended into music as well.
Graham’s Early Career with De Palma
Graham began his screen career in the late 1960s, appearing alongside Robert De Niro in Brian De Palma’s films, “Greetings” (1968) and “Hi, Mom!” (1970). This collaboration marked the beginning of a significant creative partnership with De Palma, contributing to both their careers in the film industry.
