Gallagher dies aged 76: Comedian famed for smashing watermelons passes away from 'organ failure'

dailymail.co.uk:

Comedian Gallagher has died from 'massive organ failure' aged 76.The TV personality, real name Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr., who shot to fame after appearing on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show in 1975, died in a Palm Springs hospice on Friday morning, reports TMZ.Gallagher, who was famed for smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer on stage during his act, had been in ill health for many years and had suffered multiple heart attacks.

Tragic loss: Comedian Gallagher has died from 'massive organ failure' aged 76 (pictured 1980)His representative told the publication: '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.' The star announced his retirement from performing live in March 2012, after 32 years on the comedy circuit and days after suffering his second heart attack in less than two weeks.He was heading towards the stage at a Texas bar in March 2012 when he suddenly collapsed.

Icon: Gallagher, who was famed for smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer on stage during his act, had been in ill health for many years and had suffered multiple heart attacks (pictured 1981) Routine: The star announced his retirement from performing live in March 2012, after 32 years on the comedy circuit and days after suffering his second heart attack in less than two weeks (pictured 1984)He told an WDCM radio in Ohio: 'I decided that this is enough.