Graham died on Tuesday in Rhinebeck, New York in an assisted living facility, his ex-wife, Dede Taylor confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Veteran actor, screenwriter and songwriter Gerrit Graham has died at 77.
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. 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.
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.
This established a long creative relationship with the acclaimed filmmaker. Graham launched his screen career alongside Robert De Niro in Brian De Palma’s early films Greetings (1968) and Hi, Mom! (1970).
