Gallagher | Comedian Gallagher Died | Gallagher Sledge-O-Matic dead | Gallagher die | Leo Gallagher

Gallagher | Comedian Gallagher Died | Gallagher dead | Comedian Anthony Gallagher die Comedian Gallagher, best known for his watermelon-smashing comedy routine and many popular specials in the 1980s, died Friday morning He was 76.

Gallagher, the inventive prop comedian known for smashing watermelons as part of his act, has died. His signature bit involved a handmade sledgehammer he called the “Sledge-O-Matic,” which he would use to smash food onstage and spray it onto the audience

Gallagher had been in hospice care in California after suffering multiple heart attacks in recent years.

Born Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr., the mononymous comedian became a household name in 1980 with “An Uncensored Evening,” the first standup comedy special to ever air on Showtime. Gallagher would go on to create 12 more hourlong specials for the network, as well as several popular programs for HBO.

Gallagher’s signature bit involved a handmade sledgehammer he called the “Sledge-O-Matic,” which he would use to smash food onstage and spray it onto the audience.