Ed Gale, a cherished actor and stunt performer celebrated for his iconic roles in Child’s Play as Chucky and Howard the Duck, has died at the age of 61. The news of his passing was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by his niece, Kayse Gale, through a touching tribute on Facebook.
Gale passed away peacefully while in hospice care in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Details surrounding the cause of his death have not yet been disclosed.
In her heartfelt message, Kayse shared, “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 has taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife.” She fondly remembered his journey, saying, “Ed hitched a ride to California when he was twenty years old, with $41 and a dream, and he never looked back.”
With more than 130 credits in film and television, Ed Gale’s favorite role was that of the “fun uncle,” a title he embraced with warmth and humor. Kayse described his unique personality, sharing amusing stories of his love for 7-Eleven hot dogs loaded with ketchup, his days as a DJ at a roller rink, and his penchant for cheating at cribbage. “He had one hell of a laugh, and he will be missed. Rest in love, you cranky bastard,” she added. Final funeral arrangements are still pending.
Born on August 23, 1963, in Plainwell, Michigan, Ed Gale was born with dwarfism. Despite challenges, he pursued his passion for acting and quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood. His breakthrough came with Howard the Duck(1986), where he donned the suit of the titular character, while the voice was provided by Chip Zien.
Gale’s most memorable role was bringing the terrifying killer doll Chucky to life in the Child’s Play franchise. He portrayed Chucky in Child’s Play (1988), Child’s Play 2 (1990), and Bride of Chucky (1998), with Brad Dourif providing the voice.
Throughout his prolific career, Ed appeared in numerous films including Spaceballs (1987), Phantasm II (1988), Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991), Mom and Dad Save the World (1992), The Jungle Book (1994), O Brother, Where Art Thou?(2000), The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000), and The Polar Express (2004).
His television credits were equally diverse, with appearances in popular series such as Friday the 13th: The Series, Land of the Lost, Baywatch, Family Matters, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Just Shoot Me!, My Name Is Earl, and Bones.
Ed Gale’s legacy is one of laughter, heart, and unforgettable performances that continue to resonate with fans around the world. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable talent but also for the joy and inspiration he brought to those who knew him.
