Watermelon-Smashing Comedian Gallagher Dead at 76

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty

Gallagher, the prop comic who made a name for himself smashing watermelons, has died. He was 76.

Gallagher had experienced several health setbacks over the years and wasput in a medically induced comain 2012 after suffering a heart attack. It was his second heart attack in as many years after he collapsed on stage in Minnesota in 2011.

Paul Natkin/Getty

Born Leo Anthony Gallagher, Jr., on July 24, 1946, the comic cut his teeth with comedy club gigs before he captured the nation’s attention with appearances onThe Tonight Show, even though hostJohnny Carsonfamously did not appreciate prop comedy. After his first appearance on Dec. 5, 1975, appearance, Gallagher returned to amuse Carson once more — on May 9, 1979 — and revisited the late-night talk show several times when other comics, includingJoan Rivers, filled in for Carson.

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His signature “Sledge-O-Matic” bit parodied the Veg-O-Matic infomercial and always ended in spectacularly messy fashion with the comedian bashing a watermelon to smithereens.

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He also dabbled in politics, running as an independent to become the governor of California in 2003. (He finished 16th out of 135 candidates.)

source: people.com