Gerrit Graham Cause of Death: ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Seinfeld’ Actor Dead at 76

Gerrit Graham, who has appeared in popular releases like Star Trek, Seinfeld, and Phantom of the Paradise, has died. He was 77 at the time of his death on September 15. According to Variety, he was suffering from lung disease and ultimately died of it in Rhinebeck, New York. Graham also had other health complications.

Apart from his on-screen credits, Graham also worked as a writer. He penned two episodes of The Twilight Zone. He also co-wrote the song Victim or the Crime for the rock band Grateful Dead’s 1989 album Built To Last.

Gerrit Graham’s Best Known Works Apart from Star Trek

Gerrit Graham in Phantom of the Paradise (1974) | Credit: 20th Century Fox

Gerrit Graham was born on November 27, 1949, in New York City. His passion for acting flourished at a young age. Although he did not finish his graduation at Columbia University, he served as the head of Columbia Players, which was the school’s theater company. Later, Graham made his on-screen debut in Brian De Palma’s Greetings, a 1968 film starring Robert De Niro.

He reunited with Palma for his 1974 rock musical horror Phantom of the Paradise. He played the lead as glam-rock singer Beef. Although the film delivered a poor box-office performance, it rose as a cult classic for musical horror-comedy fans.

Graham and Palma had a few more collaborations, including Hi, Mom! (1970) and Home Movies (1979). The actor appeared in several other movies, including Demon Seed (1977), Used Cars (1980), and Last Resort (1986), and more. His final big-screen credit is Cove Road, a 2012 movie. His television appearance extends to The Rookies (1974), Just Friends (1979), The Twilight Zone (1986), Sidekicks (1986-1987), Miami Vice (1988), Senfeld (1992), Law & Order (1998-2000), and others.

One of his most notable acting work includes Star Trek. Graham portrayed two different characters within the franchise. In Deep Space Nine, he was the alien hunter of Tosk. He returned for the episode ” Death Wish of Star Trek: Voyager, appearing as a member of the Q Continuum.

Graham also had a notable stage career with credits like Dreams Die Hard (1995), The God Committee (2004), and Communicating Doors (1998).