Born Lawrence Rory Guy, Angus Scrimm was an American actor, journalist, and author. He began his career in journalism, contributing to various publications like TV Guide and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. Scrimm also worked for Capitol Records, crafting liner notes for albums by a diverse range of artists, from Frank Sinatra to the Beatles, earning a Grammy for his work on an Erich Wolfgang Korngold album.

His acting career took off with his iconic portrayal of the Tall Man, the primary antagonist in Don Coscarelli's 1979 horror film Phantasm and its subsequent sequels. Scrimm's distinctive height and presence were amplified for the role using tailored suits and platform shoes. Beyond Phantasm, he had a consistent presence in the horror genre, as well as appearing in theater and television productions, including a recurring role on the series Alias. Angus Scrimm passed away in 2016 at the age of 89.

Before his notable acting career, Angus Scrimm established himself as a journalist. He penned and edited for numerous publications, including TV Guide and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. His talents extended to the music industry, where he worked for Capitol Records. In this capacity, Scrimm wrote the descriptive liner notes for a wide array of LPs and CDs, accompanying artists such as Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Arthur Rubinstein, and Itzhak Perlman. His contributions were recognized with a Grammy Award, credited to his birth name Rory Guy, for his liner notes on the 1974 album 'Korngold: The Classic Erich Wolfgang Korngold'.

Scrimm achieved widespread recognition for his chilling performance as the Tall Man, the central villain in Don Coscarelli's independent horror film 'Phantasm' (1979) and its sequels. Standing at approximately 6 feet 4 inches, Scrimm employed specific techniques to enhance his imposing stature on screen. This included wearing suits that were several sizes too small and platform shoes, contributing to the character's unnerving and memorable appearance. The role of the Tall Man became synonymous with Scrimm, leading to a sustained acting career primarily within the horror film genre.

Following his breakout role in 'Phantasm,' Angus Scrimm cultivated a steady career in acting. While the Tall Man remained his most famous character, he also appeared in other horror films, further solidifying his presence in the genre. His acting work extended beyond film to include roles in theater productions and television. Notably, he held a recurring role as an agent for SD-6 in the popular television series 'Alias,' showcasing his versatility across different mediums.