Prop and observational comedian known for his watermelon smashing, Gallagher (born Leo Gallagher), has died at 76, TMZ has reported. His manager confirmed that he was in hospice for some time due to various health issues, mostly from several heart attacks, and died from organ failure in Palm Springs this morning (November 11).

Gallagher had been a comedian since the 70s when he had toured constantly and had various specials. He had filmed specials in his career for premium cablers like HBO and Showtime. His big break after college was when he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1975. From there, his comedy career soared.

Legendary comedian Gallagher died in Palm Springs

After college, he started his career as a road manager for comic and musician Jim Stafford. When they got to California in 1969, he started his own comedy routine, which heavily involved prop comedy. He frequently performed at The Comedy Store and The Ice House. Meanwhile, he made attempts to get on The Tonight Show. Carson disliked prop comedy, so he was rejected through some contacts on the late-night show, where he made various appearances with guest hosts filling for Carson. He performed with Carson hosting in 1979.

Comedian Gallagher was best known for his bit “Sledge-O-Matic,” where he would smash objects and food. It would always end on a watermelon. The segment’s name was a play on Veg-O-Matic, one of the first food processors made. It was his signature act that fans and people in the comedy community would remember him.

Besides being a comedian, Gallagher had other ventures. The watermelon smasher had run as an Independent to become the governor of California. He was 16th out of 135 candidates with 5,466 votes. Arnold Schwarzenegger won and was governor of the state from 2003 to 2011 as a Republican.

Health problems started to occur in 2011. He collapsed on stage in 2011 and suffered a heart attack the following year before hitting the stage when he retired after over 30 years of performing.

He is remembered by his children, Aimee, and Barnaby Gallagher.