Gerrit Graham, Actor in ‘Phantom of the Paradise,’ Screenwriter and Grateful Dead Collaborator, Dies at 77

Actor, screenwriter, and songwriter Gerrit Graham has died at the age of 77. He passed away on Tuesday in Rhinebeck, New York, after suffering from lung disease and other ailments.

Over the course of his career, Graham established a diverse resume in film and music. He starred in Brian De Palma's early works alongside Robert De Niro and appeared in notable films such as 'Phantom of the Paradise,' 'Pretty Baby,' and 'Used Cars.'

In addition to his acting and screenwriting credits, Graham collaborated with the Grateful Dead. He co-wrote a song for the band and contributed the opening line, "Patience runs out on the junkie," to the Bob Weir and Grateful Dead track "Victim or the Crime."