LOS ANGELES — Ed Gale, the actor and stunt performer best known for his roles in Howard the Duck and the Child’s Play horror series, died Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 61.
Gale made his film debut wearing the full-body suit of the title character in the 1986 cult film Howard the Duck. He later portrayed the menacing doll Chucky in Child’s Play and returned for sequels including Child’s Play 2 and Bride of Chucky.
His niece, Kayse Gale, announced his passing in a heartfelt and humorous tribute posted to Facebook. “It is with a heavy heart and a surprisingly light coffin (see what I did there?) that we announce the sudden passing of our uncle, Ed Gale,” she wrote. “He lit up the silver screens in cult classics like Howard the Duck and Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town, earning himself some serious street cred at every con he attended.”
She added that Gale appeared in more than 130 films, TV shows, and commercials during his career. “He leaves behind a legacy full of questionable lighting and amazing one-liners,” she joked, describing him as the family’s “fun uncle” who shared his love for Hollywood and storytelling with his nieces.
Gale, born in Plainwell, Michigan, moved to Los Angeles at the age of 20 with just $41 and a dream of becoming an actor. He also played the dinosaur Tasha in the TV series Land of the Lost, appeared as a carnival performer on My Name Is Earl, and held a supporting role in the 2003 drama Tiptoes, which focused on a family of little people.
His extensive list of credits includes appearances in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Baywatch, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, and Friday the 13th: The Series.
Outside of his film work, Gale was a frequent guest at fan conventions and embraced his status as a cult icon. He was remembered fondly by fans for his humor, storytelling, and enthusiasm for the entertainment industry.
Gale’s family recalled his love for 7-Eleven hot dogs “with disgusting amounts of ketchup,” his time as a roller rink DJ, and his talent for telling stories and cheating at cribbage. “He had one hell of a laugh, and he will be missed,” his niece wrote. “Rest in love, you cranky bastard.”
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