Gallagher, an American comedian and producer, had a net worth of $200,000 at the time of his death in 2022. Known for his distinctive “prop” comedy, particularly the iconic “Sledge-O-Matic” routine where he smashed watermelons with a sledgehammer, Gallagher became a popular figure in the comedy scene during the 1970s and 1980s. His career included more than a dozen comedy specials, several of which he also produced. Gallagher was ranked #100 on Comedy Central’s 2004 “100 Greatest Standups of All Time” list and appeared in films and on television. Despite health challenges in his later years, he continued touring until the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Gallagher Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Comedian, Producer |
Early Life
Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr. was born on July 24, 1946, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He grew up in Lorain, Ohio, and later in South Tampa, Florida, after his family moved due to his asthma. Gallagher graduated from Henry B. Plant High School and earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Florida in 1970, minoring in English literature.
Gallagher Career
Gallagher began his career as a road manager for musician/comedian Jim Stafford, eventually trying his hand at comedy in California. His early appearances included “The 2nd Annual HBO Young Comedians Show” (1977) and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His first comedy special, “An Uncensored Evening” (1980), was the first stand-up special to air on cable. He followed with numerous specials such as “Mad as Hell,” “Totally New,” “Stuck in the Sixties,” “Melon Crazy,” and “Overboard.”
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Gallagher’s career spanned five decades, performing over 3,500 live shows. His comedy was sometimes controversial, leading to incidents where audience members were injured during performances. Despite criticism for offensive content, Gallagher remained a significant figure in comedy.
Personal Life
Gallagher married Deedra Kay Higgins in 1980 and Geralyn Ann Hines in 1988, both marriages ending in divorce. He had two children, Aimee and Barnaby. Gallagher suffered multiple heart attacks in his later years, impacting his health significantly.
Brother Lawsuit
In the early 1990s, Gallagher’s brother, Ron, began performing shows using Gallagher’s Sledge-O-Matic routine. After Ron failed to clarify that he was not Leo Gallagher, Leo sued him for false advertising and trademark violations. The courts ruled in Leo’s favor, stopping Ron from impersonating him.
Gallagher Cause of Death
Gallagher passed away on November 11, 2022, at his home in Palm Desert, California, due to organ failure related to his previous heart attacks.
Gallagher Awards
Gallagher received five CableACE Award nominations, winning for Writing a Comedy or Music Program for “Gallagher: The Maddest” in 1984. He also received nominations for Actor in a Comedy or Music Program, Writing in a Variety Program, Performance in a Comedy Special, and Directing a Comedy Special.
Gallagher Net Worth
Gallagher net worth was $200,000 when he died in 2002.