California — Gallagher, the prop comedian known for smashing watermelons as part of his act, died at a hospice here Nov. 11. He had several heart attacks in recent years. He was 76.
Born Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr., he was the subject of a sarcastic tirade by Tom Servo in episode 211- FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS. He was also mentioned in episode 318- STAR FORCE: FUGITIVE ALIEN II.
Thanks to regular commenter “AlbuquerqueTurkey” for the heads up.
Too soon for a watermelon joke, I guess. RIP
I only know him for the anecdote that he tried to steal some of Joel’s prop ideas.
that would be a smashing idea.
I get the impression that Joel deeply disliked Gallagher. But the man tried to make people laugh. A life could be spent doing much worse things. So rest in peace good sir. Even if you did something to piss off the creator of our favorite show.
Gallagher was also mentioned in a host segment in 1306 Demon Squad, when Joel implied that the Mads’ invention was ripping him off.
The original Watermelon Man