Comedian Gallagher. He is 76 years old.
Her former longtime manager, Craig Marcardo, confirmed to Fox News Digital that she passed away surrounded by loved ones in California.
“The legendary comedian known as Gallagher has died at the age of 76,” he shared in a statement.
Gallagher comes out of a coma and tells jokes
“After a short health battle, Gallagher, born Leo Gallagher, died surrounded by his family in Palm Springs, California. He had previously suffered multiple heart attacks and he and David Letterman had made a few appearances. Years ago.”
Gallagher’s rep says the comedian holds the record for most stand-up dates, only through attrition.
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Gallagher became a household name in the 1980s Comedy is special “An Uncensored Evening” directed by Mike Nesmith of “The Monkeys” fame. It was the first comedy stand-up special to air on cable television. He did 12 more for Showtime over the next 27 years. Only George Carlin has done more.
Gallagher toured frequently until the coronavirus pandemic hit, after which he spent time visiting his son Barnaby and his daughter Aimee.
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Gallagher gained notoriety from a clever act he performed with a handmade sledgehammer, which he dubbed the “Sledge-O-Matic”, at the end of which he would smash food onto the stage and spray it into the audience.
Marquardt described Gallagher’s enormous success, saying, “He’s the one #1 comedian In America for 15 years, the popularity of his stand-up specials aired on MTV in the early days brought him a whole new audience.”
Gallagher used a mallet to smash fruits and vegetables during his “Sledge-O-Matic” routine.
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For decades, Gallagher toured around the United States. His rep said he holds the record for most stand-up dates.
Gallagher toured frequently until the coronavirus pandemic hit, after which he spent his time visiting his son Barnaby and his daughter Aimee, with whom he appeared on specials when he was younger.
“Gallaher was known for his hard-hitting style, clever diction, and inventive stunts. In his later years, he starred in a long-running Zico commercial, appeared in his first movie (‘The Book of Daniel’), and embarked on a farewell tour. Gallagher had his detractors, he said. An undeniable talent and an American success story,” his former manager concluded in his statement.
In 2003, the comedian ran as an independent for governor of California.
Comedian Gallagher was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack
“I did it to get publicity,” Gallagher said during an interview Vallejo Times Herald In 2019.
In his campaign, he vowed to sing the national anthem in Spanish and “clean Southern California freeways with the help of military helicopters,” according to media reports.
“I insult both sides,” he added.
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Gallagher finished 16th in the state’s gubernatorial recall election after receiving nearly 5,500 votes.
In 2016, the comedian suffered several health battles.
Gallagher suffered a heart attack at a Texas bar before going on stage for a show in April of that year.
He was immediately admitted to the hospital and doctors put him in a medically induced coma.
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Earlier, Gallagher suffered a minor heart attack after collapsing during a performance in Minnesota.
He is survived by son Barnaby and daughter Aimee.
“Total coffee junkie. Tv ninja. Unapologetic problem solver. Beer expert.”