Gerrit Graham, a versatile actor, screenwriter, and musician who co-wrote a track for the Grateful Dead, passed away on Tuesday in Rhinebeck, New York. He was 77 years old. His death followed a struggle with lung disease and other health complications.
Graham launched his career alongside Robert De Niro in early Brian De Palma films, appearing in “Hi Mom!” and “Greetings.” His extensive filmography included roles in “Demon Seed,” “Pretty Baby,” “Child’s Play 2,” and “National Lampoon’s Class Reunion.” He was also recognized for his talent in impressions and accents, which led to television appearances on “Seinfeld,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “The Wonder Years,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and “Star Trek: Voyager.”
Among his most notable screen performances was the role of Beef, a glam rocker whose fate unfolds dramatically in De Palma’s “Phantom of the Paradise,” as well as a sleazy used car salesman in Robert Zemeckis’s “Used Cars.” In addition to acting, Graham worked as a screenwriter on Disney projects such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Oliver & Company,” episodes of “The Twilight Zone,” and a adaptation of “The Prince and the Pauper,” which he co-wrote with his brother, Chris Hubbell.
His musical collaboration with Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead resulted in the song “Victim or The Crime.” The track was recorded by the band for their “Built To Last” album and later performed by Weir and Rob Wasserman on their 1998 live album.
Born in New York City to John and Janet, Graham spent part of his childhood in Missouri and Michigan before his family settled in Chicago. He married his wife, Deborah, in 1982, and they had two sons together. In his later years, he lived in Rhinebeck, New York, where he served on the Burger Hill Preservation Society, having previously cared for his mother in California.
Graham is survived by his brother, Sam; his sons, Jack and Henry, along with their wives, Talia and Joelle; and his four grandchildren, Nolan, Micah, Vera, and Joey.
RIP. From De Palma to DS9, what a range. Glad he had time with his family in Rhinebeck before passing.
Disney didn’t need him. The Little Mermaid writing credit is interesting, but his weird indie cred is what matters here.
Child’s Play 2? Seriously? I have mixed feelings about his legacy given that franchise, but his early De Niro work was undeniable.
Victim or the Crime is such a solid Weir track. Didn’t know he co-wrote it though! Thanks for sharing that detail.
Phantom of the Paradise is a cult classic for a reason. Graham was magnetic as Beef. Sad to see him go at 77.