Angus Scrimm was best remembered for his portrayal of “The Tall Man” in Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm and its four sequels. With his imposing height and menacing scowl, Angus was the perfect choice for the role of the mysterious, supernatural undertaker that was the center of the film series.

But, Angus was the opposite of his big screen persona. He started his career as Lawrence Guy, a prolific and respected journalist, whose writing appeared in TV Guide and The Los Angeles Herald. He also worked for Capitol Records, contributing liner notes to releases from everyone from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles. In 1974, he won a Grammy for his efforts.

Angus made his acting debut in 1951 in an 18-minute Encyclopedia Britannica educational film in which he portrayed Abraham Lincoln. After a twenty-year gap, Angus was featured in the psychological thriller Sweet Kills, using the name “Rory Guy.” He made a few more films until he was cast in Phantasm in 1979 under his new stage name “Angus Scrimm.” He went on to a productive career in film and television, with guest roles on Quincy, Trapper John MD and a recurring role in Alias. He even played Walt Disney’s father in a dramatization of the icon’s life on a segment of The Wonderful World of Disney.

I met Angus at a collector’s convention years ago, where he was seated behind a folding table signing autographs for fans. After purchasing a photo, I asked if he would mind posing for a photo with my son. At first he was hesitant, expressing his concern for my son’s health, as he revealed that he was currently battling a “nasty head cold.” He agreed to the photo, however, keeping a safe distance from my son. He sported a wide smile. He was soft-spoken, gracious and gentle — a surprising contrast from the malevolent figure he cut on the silver screen.

Angus passed away in 2016 at the age of 89, making one final appearance in a Phantasm film that was released posthumously.

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Pretty Janis Dremann headed for New York City after graduating college in her native Cleveland. She adopted her grandmother’s easier to spell and pronounce surname “Carter” and dreamed of becoming an opera star on the New York stage of the Metropolitan Opera. Unfortunately, a case of the nerves at her audition dashed her singing dreams. Janis, however, was determined and she found a comfortable home on the Broadway stage, landing roles in DuBarry was a Lady and Panama Hattie. Producer Darryl F. Zanuck was in the audience on the evening of her debut in Panama Hattie. Impressed with her performance, he signed the 27-year old actress to a movie deal.

Janis made her screen debut in Cadet Girl, alongside Carole Landis and George Montgomery in 1941. Over the next years, Janis co-starred in 30 films, appearing with popular box-office draws like Glenn Ford and John Wayne. After co-starring with Robert Young in the 1952 Western The Half-Breed, Janis bid farewell to Hollywood, returning to New York to try her hand at the budding television industry.

Finding plenty of roles in TV comedies and drama, Janis settled into a hostess role on the game show Feather Your Nest with host Bud Collyer. Although popular, it was a stint that would only last two years. In 1956, Janis married lumber tycoon Julius Stulman and she promptly left her show business career behind. Janis and her husband moved south where Janis became active in cultural and community activities.

Out of the spotlight for over forty years and living in near anonymity, Janis suffered a fatal heart attack in 1994. She passed away at the age of 80.

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At 20 years old, Vanessa Marquez made her acting debut in the 1988 drama Stand By Me. She landed guest roles in television series and several forgettable movies before securing the part of “Nurse Wendy Goldman” in the popular medical drama ER. Later, she took a turn at comedy in a recurring role on the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie.

It was on a 2005 episode of the reality series Intervention where she was confronted by a group of friends and family trying to convince the actress to seek help with her on-going depression. Vanessa was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and agoraphobia that essentially ended her acting career. Friends later revealed that the treatment Vanessa received was unsuccessful.

In August 2018, police were called to Vanessa’s South Pasadena apartment. Her home was in disarray and she told officers and accompanying medical personnel that she was having a seizure. However, when authorities approached her front entrance, Vanessa raised and pointed a gun at them. The officers — who at first retreated — called for her to drop the weapon. When she refused and continued to advance on them, they fired. Vanessa was shot and killed. It was later determined that Vanessa’s weapon was a BB gun. An investigation concluded that officers acted in self-defense. Vanessa was 49 years-old.

In February 2019, Vanessa’s mother filed a wrongful death claim against the City of South Pasadena. The claim alleged a number of charges including battery, negligence, unlawful entry, wrongful death, negligent training, conspiracy, seizure of property, failure to summon prompt medical care and violation of the Bane Act, which forbids acts of violence because of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin.

In March 2020, bodycam footage released by the police department show Vanessa pleading with police to kill her while she wielded the gun.

Vanessa’s cremated remains were scattered at the Hollywood sign.

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Mariska Veres was something of a child prodigy. Her father was a noted violinist and young Mariska would often accompany him on piano for performances.

Teenage Mariska bounced around a number of different pop bands in her native Netherlands. She sang, played guitar and keyboards and enchanted her audiences with her exotic dark looks and distinctive ancient Egypt-inspired eye makeup. She soon became a favorite of the budding psychedelic club scene in The Hague.

In 1968, Mariska was asked by guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen to audition for his band to replace the departing vocalist Fred de Wilde who had joined the military. She was reluctant at first, but soon became comfortable enough to take the lead vocalist position. In 1969, the band — Shocking Blue — scored an international hit with “Venus,” topping the charts in nine countries including the Number One spot on Billboard’s “Hot 100.” Shocking Blue received wide praise, with US entertainment columnist Earl Wilson singling out Mariska as a “beautiful busty girl.” The band released a string of follow-up songs — all hits — but none achieving the status of “Venus.” Some didn’t even crack the charts in the all-important United States or England. The band members eventually went their separate ways in 1974, with Mariska embarking on a successful solo career in Europe. Shocking Blue reunited briefly in 1984, riding on the success of Bananarama’s new-wave take on “Venus.” The reunion, however, was short-lived.

In the early 90s, Mariska formed a jazz ensemble and released jazz interpretations of Shocking Blue’s songs. In later years, she lamented about being treated like a “painted doll” by fans and the press. Diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, Mariska passed away in 2006 at the age of 59.

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