American comedian Leo Gallagher is believed to have passed away on November 11, 2022 at the age of 76. During the 1970s and 1980s, the comic became nationally known with an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and many Showtime specials. Gallagher became famous for his famous routine, “Sledge-O-Matic”, in which he smashed food on stage with a large hammer before ending with the main act – a watermelon . It quickly became the comedian’s most popular comedian and a popular subject for imitation.
Craig Marquardo, his former manager, announced the news of his death, saying that the comedian had “submitted to his weaknesses” at his home in California. The statement goes on to say:
“He was the number one comic in America for 15 years, thanks in part to the success of indie specials that appeared on MTV in his early days, which introduced him to a a whole new audience.”
Following the news of Gallagher’s death, many fans flocked to Twitter to pay their respects.
Gallagher’s childhood and his rise to prominence
Gallagher, a native of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in chemical engineering before moving to Los Angeles and honing his comedy acting at the popular club The Comedy Store. He made his television debut in 1975 on ABC’s The Jim Stafford Show. He appeared on The Mike Douglas Show in 1978. The following year, he appeared on The Merv Griffin Show. Furthermore, throughout his career, the comic has starred in a number of talk shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Match Game, David Letterman’s NBC and CBS shows, and radio shows and Howard Stern’s television. He has appeared on MTV and Comedy Central.
In his nearly 50-year career, this talented artist has recorded 17 incredible comedy specials. In the upcoming film Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, comedian Paul F. Tompkins plays him. Gallagher also starred in a commercial for Geico in the film The Book Of Daniel in his senior year. Gallagher was one of more than 100 candidates in the 2003 California gubernatorial election, which Arnold Schwarzenegger won. Gallagher placed 16th out of 135 candidates, with 5,466 votes.
Netizens expressed shock at the comedian’s death on Twitter.
Gallagher died of organ failure while traveling with his family in Palm Springs, California, according to a statement Marquardo released to The Rolling Stones. He was reported to be ill and having multiple heart attacks. As news of his death spread across the internet, countless Twitter users began paying homage to the iconic comic.
Crazy, funny and fun. Leo Gallagher makes us smile with his sleigh watermelon crusher. RIP Gallagher! #Gallagher #comedy pic.twitter.com/NO5t0g1oau
– Crazy stupid stuff (@ CrazyS2pid) November 12, 2022
Comedian Leo Gallagher has died aged 76. He was famous for his explosive antics on stage, smashing food (most famously watermelons) with giant hammers.https://t.co /Ne3Scj8OR1
– Daily monsters (@thedailybeast) November 11, 2022
Gallagher’s controversial story was told after the comedian’s death.
The late-night comedian is no stranger to controversy. His younger brother Ron, who became a comedian after receiving his first Leo endorsement, began his career as a Leo impersonator. The latter successfully sued Ron in 2000 for trademark infringement and false advertising. As a result, Ron was banned from using his brother’s actions. In recent years, Leo Gallagher has caused more controversy by impersonating Mexicans and making racist and homophobic remarks. He even stormed out of an interview with Marc Maron in 2011 after being asked about his views.
Gallagher was last named to Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Independent Performers of All Time in 2004. He informed The Oregonian’s Ed Condran of his displeasure with his low ranking:
“I produced 13 one-hour Showtime specials, available on VHS.” “I developed a one-man cable program.”
Gallagher spent most of his career touring in the US until the Covid-19 outbreak. He then took advantage of the hiatus to spend time with his son Barnaby and daughter Aimee, two of whom had been with him on special trips when he was a child.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: vcmp.edu.vn