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Horror icon who played Chucky dead as family confirms devastating news

Horror icon Ed Gale has passed away at the age of 61. The Hollywood star was most recognised for his role as the eerie doll Chucky in the 1988 horror flick Child’s Play.

His niece Kayse Gale confirmed the heartbreaking news of his passing, sharing a poignant tribute to her “fun uncle” on Facebook. She also mentioned his fond memories of his DJing days, his dislike for Bill Maher and his infectious laughter.

She penned: “Ed Gale has taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife.

“Ed hitched a ride to California when he was twenty years old, with $41 and a dream, and he never looked back. He lit up the silver screens in cult classic films like Howard the Duck and Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town, earning himself some serious street cred at every con he attended. Which he never stopped bragging about. Ever.”

His niece announced the news online
(Image: Getty Images)

“Over the course of his career he appeared in over 130 movies, TV shows, and commercials. With this wide ranging body of work, he leaves behind legacy full of questionable lighting and amazing one-liners.

“Ed loved 7 eleven hotdogs with disgusting amounts of ketchup. He enjoyed reminiscing about his glory days DJing at the Plainwell roller rink. He hated Bill Maher for no good reason. He delighted in the slow build up of telling a good story, and cheating at cribbage. He had one hell of a laugh, and he will be missed. Rest in love you cranky b******.”

Child’s Play was a hit in the 80s
(Image: UNITED ARTISTS)

A source informed TMZ that the actor passed away on Tuesday in a hospice.

Brad Dourif provided Chucky’s iconic voice, while Gale donned the killer doll costume for scenes requiring a physical presence.

Born with dwarfism, Gale made his on-screen debut in the title role of 1986’s fantasy-comedy film Howard the Duck. However, it was his portrayal of the monstrous doll Chucky in 1988’s Child’s Play that catapulted him to fame.

(Image: Getty Images)

He reprised his role as the killer doll in two more films within the franchise before landing the role of dinosaur Tasha in the 1991 TV series Land of the Lost.

Gale’s later notable roles included a turn as Uncle Bobby Barry alongside Matthew McConaughey and Gary Oldman in the 2003 comedy-drama Tiptoes, a film that explores themes of dwarfism.

In 2006, Gale appeared in a minor role as “Little Eddie”, a carnival performer, in the popular US sitcom My Name Is Earl. Gale retired from acting in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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