Comedian Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr., better known by the stage name Gallagher (Gallagher: The Maddest, Gallagher: Overboard), passed away Friday morning at the age of 76. Gallagher’s death was reported by his manager, Craig Marquardo, according to CNN.
The comedian died “after a short health battle” and “passed away surrounded by his family in Palm Springs. California,” according to a statement administered by Marquardo to CNN. Marquardo also specified to TMZ that Gallagher died of massive organ failure. The comedian’s death was derived from a lengthy struggle with various health issues, inclusive of numerous heart attacks, one of which he suffered while he was on stage in Minnesota in 2011, according to Vulture.
“Gallagher was known for his edgy style, brilliant wordplay, and inventive props,” said Marquardo to HuffPost.
Born in North Carolina, Gallagher was a comedy foundation who cultivated his act at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. The comedian got his first mainstream debut appearance on The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson in 1975.
“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,” says Marquardo. “While Gallagher had his detractors, he was an undeniable talent and an American success story.”
The comedian became a household name with a comedy special titled An Uncensored Evening, which was released in the early ’80s. It was the first comedy stand-up special to ever air on cable television, according to an obituary that was shared by Marquardo.
“Sledge-O-Matic” is the comedian’s best-known signature bit, where he would take a large mallet and release his emotions by smashing a plethora of foods and different objects. Gallagher would force his live audience to safeguard themselves with goggles and plastic during his performances because he would aim his prop bits toward his audience. The comedian’s fans were more enthused about his love for the obliteration of watermelons, even though he smashed everything from edible objects like pound cake to inedible objects like a newspaper vending machine.
“That was something else he liked to claim credit for, which was physically engaging the audience in that manner,” the obituary said, according to CNN.