Gallagher, a comedian with one of the most unique acts ever seen on stage, has passed away. Per TMZ, Gallagher's manager confirmed that the funnyman died while under hospice care on Friday morning. Reportedly, his health had been on the decline, leading to his death due to massive organ failure. He was 76 years old.
Born Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr., Gallagher got started in show business as a road manager for Jim Stafford before deciding to start his own act in the late 1960s. He is particularly well known for his prop comedy, most often involving the smashing of watermelons with a large hammer. The simple yet destructive act struck a chord with people, helping to turn Gallagher into one of comedy history's most memorable performers. During his run, he appeared in more than a dozen comedy specials for Showtime and had many more on HBO.
Gallagher had also appeared on The Tonight Show, including multiple appearances for Johnny Carson and many subsequent acts on the show for various guest hosts. He'd later make guest appearances on other shows like Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour, The Eric Andre Show, and Celebrity Big Brother 2. As an actor, he also appeared in the 1978 film Record City along with popping up in the 80s comedy series The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Gallagher also appeared as an astrologer in the 2013 film The Book of Daniel alongside Lance Henriksen.
Gallagher Has Been Struggling With Health Issues
Gallagher's health problems go back more than a decade, with the funnyman suffering a heart attack while performing on stage in 2011. The following year, he had a more serious heart attack that resulted in a medically induced coma. Though Gallagher never lost his sense of humor, his health would gradually worsen in the coming years leading up to his death.
"Surprise, I'm still here!" Gallagher told TMZ when leaving the hospital after his 2012 heart attack. "But in Texas, you get a deal: You get the heart transplant and the hair transplant. I think I look pretty."
He soon after said in an interview for 97.5FM WDCM in Marion, Ohio, that he's taking that as his cue to step back from live performances.
“I decided that this is enough," he said. "I have 32 years of live performing, and so I’m looking for just some little stuff, like retirement things, I‘d like to show up at maybe company parties,”
Gallagher had even gotten political, at one point running for office. He ran as an independent for Governor of California in 2003, though voters ultimately chose Arnold Schwarzenegger through the gubernatorial recall election.
Our thoughts are with those close to the legendary funnyman at this painful time. Rest in peace, Gallagher, and thanks for the laughs.