Comedian Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. Dead At 76
Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. — known on stage as simply Comedian Gallagher — was confirmed dead at the age of 76 by his longtime manager. As TMZ reminds us, this comedian became famously known for smashing watermelons during his comedy routines.
Comedian Gallagher: Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. Dead At 76
According to the comedian’s longtime manager, Gallagher was residing in hospice care in Palm Springs at the time of his death. His manager revealed the comedian passed away early this morning. His cause of death was massive organ failure. Sadly, Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. had been having a rough go of life the past few years that included suffering through many heart attacks.
Gallagher, the prop comedian known for smashing watermelons as part of his act, has died. He was 76. https://t.co/tMERvSpcAX pic.twitter.com/TGUBwYyEfZ
— Variety (@Variety) November 11, 2022
His rep said in an official statement: “Gallagher stayed on the road touring America for decades. He was pretty sure he held a record for the most stand-up dates, by attrition alone. While Gallagher had his detractors, he was an undeniable talent and an American success story.”
Gallagher always knew he wanted to be a comedian. He wasted no time diving into the industry after college. It was in 1975 that he got his first break — an appearance on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. During his appearance, he was able to show off his prop humor. After this appearance, he quickly rose to fame as one of the most popular and well-known comedians within the United States.
JUST IN. Comedian #Gallagher, famously known for smashing watermelons as part of his legendary act, has died at the age of 76. (via TMZ) #RIP pic.twitter.com/Yld1ov2o6h
— Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) November 11, 2022
As those who were familiar with his performances know, his trademark was the “Sledge-O-Matic.” The bit involved using a big mallet to smash food. He always ended the bit smashing watermelon. Initially, this bit started out as nothing more than a funny parody of the Veg-O-Matic. It, however, quickly turned into what people remembered him best for.
His trademark bit was the “Sledge-O-Matic,” where he’d use a large mallet to destroy a bunch of foods and objects — always ending with a watermelon. While it started as a parody of the Veg-O-Matic commercials, it would go on to be what millions would remember him for.
Check out one of his impressive performances in the video down below:
Rest in peace, Comedian Gallagher. Your memory will live on via your incredible comedy acts.
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