Who was comedian Gallagher Tributes pour in as watermelon-smashing comic dies at 76 Notifications New User posted their first comment this is comment text Approve Reject & ban Delete Logout

Who was comedian Gallagher Tributes pour in as watermelon-smashing comic dies at 76

Leo Gallagher, American Comedian Known for Smashing Watermelons, Dies at 76 (image via ZUMAPress.com/MEGA) On the morning of November 11, 2022, the American comedian reportedly died at the age of 76. The comedian gained nationwide popularity in the 1970s and '80s by appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and in numerous Showtime specials. Gallagher rose to fame with his signature sketch, "Sledge-O-Matic," where he took a large mallet to smash food on stage before ending in the main act — a watermelon. It quickly became the comedian's most legendary sketch and a major subject of parody. R.I.P. Leo Gallagher…no one worthy left to wield the Sledge-O-Matic!R.I.P. Leo Gallagher…no one worthy left to wield the Sledge-O-Matic! The news of his demise was first shared by his former manager, Craig Marquardo, who stated that the comedian "succumbed to his ailments" in his California home. The statement further continued: “He was the #1 comedian in America for 15 years, with some of that due to the popularity of his stand-up specials airing on MTV in its early days, bringing him an entirely new audience." Following the news of Gallagher's death, many fans took to Twitter to pay tribute to the legendary comedian.

Comedian Gallagher s early life and rise to fame

Gallaegher was one of America's most famous and loved comedians (image via Getty images/Michael S. Schwartz) A native of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Gallagher earned a chemical engineering degree from the University of South Florida before moving to and developing his comedy act at legendary venue The Comedy Store. He first appeared on TV on ABC's The Jim Stafford Show, which aired in 1975. In 1978, he starred on The Mike Douglas Show. Following this, he appeared on The Merv Griffin Show the next year. Moreover, the comedian has appeared on many talk shows throughout his career, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Match Game, David Letterman's NBC and CBS shows, and Howard Stern's TV and radio programs. He was also a regular on and Comedy Central. The prolific performer has notched a whopping 17 comedy specials during his over 50-year career. He was also portrayed by comedian Paul F. Tompkins in the new film Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. In his later years, Gallagher also appeared in a Geico commercial and in the movie The Book Of Daniel. In 2003, Gallagher was among more than 100 candidates running in the recall election for California governor, which was won by . Gallagher placed 16th out of 135 candidates with 5,466 votes.

Netizens took to Twitter to express their disbelief at the comedian s death

In a statement provided by Marquardo to The Rolling Stones, Gallagher died from organ failure while surrounded by his family in Palm Springs, California. He was reportedly unwell and had multiple heart attacks. With the news of his death surfacing on the internet, several Twitteratis began pouring tributes in honor of the legendary comedian. My friend Gallagher, world renowned comedian, passed away today Fri. 11/11/22 We met in the 70’s when I was on Jim Stafford’s Summer Replacement Show.We became great friends & kept in touch through the years even after I moved back to Nashville.
Rest In Peace Leo GallagherMy friend Gallagher, world renowned comedian, passed away today Fri. 11/11/22 We met in the 70’s when I was on Jim Stafford’s Summer Replacement Show.We became great friends & kept in touch through the years even after I moved back to Nashville. Rest In Peace Leo Gallagher I'm shocked and devastated twice in one day.

Earlier this morning, we lost two of our favorite legends...

Leo Gallagher Jr., the comedic watermelon smasher... and Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman.


I'm shocked and devastated twice in one day.Earlier this morning, we lost two of our favorite legends...Leo Gallagher Jr., the comedic watermelon smasher... and Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman. Crazy, funny, and entertaining. Leo Gallagher made us smile with his sledge-o-matic watermelon crusher. RIP Gallagher! Crazy, funny, and entertaining. Leo Gallagher made us smile with his sledge-o-matic watermelon crusher. RIP Gallagher! Although watermelons everywhere are breathing a sign of relief, it was a better world with Leo Gallagher in it. Sweet, smart, funny and talented, he will be truly missed. RIP GallagherAlthough watermelons everywhere are breathing a sign of relief, it was a better world with Leo Gallagher in it. Sweet, smart, funny and talented, he will be truly missed. RIP Gallagher Safe passage Leo Gallagher.

Now the Angels have to put up plastic in the front row. Safe passage Leo Gallagher.Now the Angels have to put up plastic in the front row.  RIP (Leo) at 76. According to "Hello Chattanooga" he first played on 7/6/83. I played his comedy album on so my wife and I had good seats. Yes, we got splashed by his Sledge-o-Matic watermelon bit. Other comics dissed him, but his fans loved him.RIP (Leo) at 76. According to "Hello Chattanooga" he first played on 7/6/83. I played his comedy album on so my wife and I had good seats. Yes, we got splashed by his Sledge-o-Matic watermelon bit. Other comics dissed him, but his fans loved him. RIP Gallagher! Keep smashing those watermelons up in heaven.RIP Gallagher! Keep smashing those watermelons up in heaven.

Gallagher s controversial past explained in the wake of comedian s death

Reminder that Leo Gallagher was a bigot who tried to give himself a pass because he claimed others wrote his jokes.

Anyways, now that he's dead us gays can finally take our place in the world.

Reminder that Leo Gallagher was a bigot who tried to give himself a pass because he claimed others wrote his jokes.Anyways, now that he's dead us gays can finally take our place in the world. The late stand-up was no stranger to controversy. His younger brother Ron also became a comedian, received Leo's initial blessing, and started his career as Leo's impersonator. In 2000, the latter sued Ron for trademark violations and false advertising and won the case. Ron was therefore barred from using his brother's routines. Leo Gallagher became increasingly controversial in recent years, stereotyping Mexicans and making racist and . He even walked out of an interview in 2011 with Marc Maron after he confronted him about his statements. In 2004, Gallagher was last placed on Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time list. Expressing his displeasure at the low rank, he told the Oregonian's Ed Condran: “I made 13 one-hour shows for Showtime, which are available on videotape. I invented the one-man show on cable.” Gallagher toured America for the majority of his career until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Following this, he used this break to spend time with his son, Barnaby, and daughter Aimee, the latter of whom had appeared with him on his specials when she was a child. Poll : 0 votes Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Thank You! Show More Comments No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ Be the first one to comment on this story More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... 1 Logout No Results Found