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COMEDIAN GALLAGHER DEAD AT 76
Comedian Gallagher, famously known for smashing watermelons as part of his legendary act, has died … his longtime manager tells TMZ.
Gallagher died while under hospice care in the Palm Springs area early Friday morning, TMZ has learned. His manager tells TMZ Gallagher died of massive organ failure. He had been in ill health for a while, suffering numerous heart attacks over the years.
The rep tells TMZ, "Gallagher stayed on the road touring America for decades. He was pretty sure he held a record for the most stand-up dates, by attrition alone," adding, "While Gallagher had his detractors, he was an undeniable talent and an American success story."
Gallagher started working as a comedian after college … getting his big break after appearing on Johnny Carson's 'Tonight Show' back in 1975 … showing off his prop humor and quickly becoming one of the most popular and recognizable comedians in America.
His trademark bit was the "Sledge-O-Matic," where he'd use a large mallet to destroy a bunch of foods and objects – always ending with a watermelon. While it started as a parody of the Veg-O-Matic commercials, it would go on to be what millions would remember him for.
Gallagher's since become a pop culture phenomenon, getting parodied and referenced over the years for his act … most recently being played by fellow comedian Paul F. Tompkins in "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story."
The comedian had 17 specials spanning decades of his work … with his first special, "An Uncensored Evening," debuting in 1980. He appeared in episodes of "Hollywood Squares," "WTF with Marc Maron," "Tosh.0" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
He had a health scare back in 2011, as we reported, he collapsed onstage during a performance in Minnesota. He also suffered a heart attack the following year in Texas, moments before he was supposed to perform.
We last saw the comedian back in 2014 … and he offered us some fantastic advice for those looking to get someone a gift while stuck on a budget – and it's as hilarious as you'd expect.
Gallagher, who was retired, is survived by his daughter, Aimee, and his son, Barnaby.
He was 76.
RIP
https://www.tmz.com/2022/11/11/comedian-gallagher-dead-dies-watermelon/
KEVIN CONROY VOICE OF BATMAN DEAD AT 66
Kevin Conroy, known as the voice of animated Batman for decades, has died … TMZ has learned.
Kevin passed away Thursday, according to his rep Gary Miereanu … following a short battle with cancer.
The actor moved out to California in 1980, first getting cast in the soap opera "Another World" … before working in theater and television for a number of years.
Many remember Kevin as the titular voice of Batman for decades, first playing the dark knight in "Batman: The Animated Series" from 1992 to 1995.
Since first breaking out as the comic book hero, Kevin's played the character on TV, in movies and even in video games countless times – including "Batman Beyond," 2001's 'Justice League' series, "Batman: The Killing Joke" and every Batman 'Arkham' series video game.
He took home 7 awards over the years for his voice acting … including Best Actor for his video game work in 2015.
Kevin wrote a story called "Finding Batman" as part of DC Comics' Pride anthology in 2022 … going over his experiences in his life as a gay man.
Fellow voice actor Diane Pershing, known for playing villain Poison Ivy alongside Kevin, shared her pain following Kevin's passing … writing, "He will be sorely missed not just by the cast of the series but by his legion of fans all over the world."
Kevin is survived by his husband Vaughn C. Williams, sister Trisha Conroy, and brother Tom Conroy.
He was 66.
RIP
https://www.tmz.com/2022/11/11/kevin-conroy-batman-voice-dead-dies-arkham-justice-league/