Legendary comedian Gallagher dies at 76

Comedian Gallagher, famous for smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer, has died. He was 76 years old.

His former long-time boss confirmed with Fox News Digital that he passed away surrounded by loved ones in California.

“The legendary comedian known as Gallagher has passed away at the age of 76,” he said.

“After a brief health battle, Gallagher, born Leo Gallagher, succumbed to his illnesses and died in the midst of his family in Palm Springs, California. He had previously suffered several heart attacks, something he and David Letterman had talked about in his appearances for years.

Gallagher became a household name in 1980 with his comedy special “An Uncensored Evening,” directed by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees. This was the first stand-up comedy special to be broadcast on cable television. For Showtime over the next 27 years, only George Carlin did more.

Gallagher rose to fame with a little wit he did with a hand-made sledgehammer he called “Sledge-O-Matic,” and at the end of the clip he smashes food on stage and sprinkles it on the audience.”

Describing Gallagher’s phenomenal success, he said, “He has been America’s number one comedian for 15 years, in part due to the popularity of his improvisational specials that aired on MTV in their early days, bringing him a whole new audience.

While his peers have continued to present sitcoms, host talk shows, and star in films, Gallagher has stayed on the road to tour America for decades. He was sure to hold the record for the most standing date, by attrition alone. He toured steadily until the Covid-19 pandemic, after which he spent his time between visiting his son, Barnaby, and daughter Amy, who appeared with him on his own shows when she was young.

Gallagher was known for his dramatic style, great wordplay, and innovative props. In his later years, he did a long-running commercial for Geico, appeared in his first movie (The Book Of Daniel), and launched a farewell tour.

While Gallagher had his critics, he was an undeniable talent and an American success story.”