Watermelon-Smashing Comedian Gallagher Dead at 76: Performer Dies After ‘Short Health Battle’
usmagazine.comGallagher, the comedian known for smashing watermelons during his act, has died at age 76.The North Carolina native — whose full name was Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. — died on Friday, November 11, “after a short health battle,” his manager, Craig Marquardo, confirmed to CNN.
The spokesperson confirmed that the performer “passed away surrounded by his family in Palm Springs, California.”The comic’s son-in-law told NBC News that Gallagher had previously suffered “multiple heart attacks.” In March 2011, the Book of Daniel star collapsed on stage during a performance after suffering a minor heart attack.
The following year, Gallagher was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering what his manager described as a “mild to serious” heart attack.After his recovery, he continued touring and made cameo appearances on The Eric Andre Show in 2013 and Celebrity Big Brother 2 in 2019.
That same year, he embarked on his farewell tour, called The Last Smash.Gallagher’s signature act included a segment he called the “Sledge-O-Matic,” where he would destroy various foods and objects using a large mallet.
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