Angus Scrimm, also known as "The Tall Man", is a renowned screen villain who has made a lasting impression on modern cinema. Born in Kansas City, Scrimm moved to California in his teens and studied drama at USC under the guidance of William C. de Mille, brother of renowned filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille.
Scrimm's early career began with an educational film made by Encyclopaedia Brittanica, where he played another "Tall Man", Abraham Lincoln. This role led him to a steady career in theater, television, and film. His big-screen debut was in Jim, the World's Greatest (1975),directed by the then 18-year-old Don Coscarelli, who would later become a frequent collaborator.
Using his birth name, Lawrence Rory Guy, Scrimm initially began his acting career. However, he adopted the stage name Angus Scrimm three years later for his performance in Coscarelli's horror/sci-fi masterpiece, Phantasm (1979). This iconic role as the Tall Man earned him widespread critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Scrimm's success in the Phantasm franchise has led to numerous other malevolent roles, including the evil Dr. Sin Do in The Lost Empire (1984),Vlad the Vampire King in Subspecies (1991),and the nefarious Dr. Lyme opposite Nicolas Cage and Charlie Sheen in Deadfall (1993). He also showcased his versatility by playing the diabolical Seer and the angelic Systems Operator in Mindwarp (1991),co-starring with Bruce Campbell.
In addition to his acting career, Scrimm has made a name for himself as a journalist, writing and editing for publications such as TV Guide, Cinema Magazine, and the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. He has also written liner notes for thousands of LPs and CDs, covering a wide range of genres from classical music to jazz, and has won a Grammy award for best album liner notes.
Furthermore, Scrimm has made memorable cameos in films such as Fatal Frames (1996),opposite Stefania Stella and Donald Pleasence, and Transylvania Twist (1989),where he played a parody of himself as a hulking henchman.
