Comedian Gallagher Passes Away At 76

Gallagher, the inventive prop comedian known for smashing watermelons as part of his act, died Friday of organ failure. According to Variety, he was 76.

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

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. His hammer’s trademark victim was the watermelon. Gallagher also became famous for his witty wordplay and sharp observational comedy.