'Chucky' actor Ed Gale dies at 61
Image: Instagram.
Hollywood actor Ed Gale, best known for his portrayal of the creepy doll Chucky in the horror film "Child's Play", has passed away while in hospice care in Los Angeles.
Details surrounding his death have not been made public yet.
Confirming the news, his niece Kayse Gale took to Facebook to share an emotional tribute to her "fun uncle".
She recalled how he embarked on his journey to California at the age of 20 with nothing more than $41 and a dream that would ultimately manifest into a prolific Hollywood career.
"Ed has taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife ... Ed loved 7-Eleven hot dogs 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," she posted.
Gale's career spanned nearly three decades, from 1986 until his retirement in 2014, during which he appeared in more than 130 films, television shows and commercials.
He was born with dwarfism, a condition that did not hinder his aspirations or achievements.
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Gale first stole hearts in the title role of Howard in the 1986 film "Howard the Duck", but it was his terrifying portrayal of Chucky that secured his place in horror film history.
Gale reprised this role in two subsequent sequels, cementing his status within the genre.
Beyond the world of Chucky, Gale's diverse range of appearances included a memorable role as dinosaur Tasha in the 1991 television series "Land of the Lost" and featured in films such as "Unstrung Heroes," which also starred Andie MacDowell, George Clooney, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and the 2013 "Mikeyboy."
Despite his Hollywood fame, his niece shared: "Ed's favourite role was that of the 'fun uncle'. His love language was sharing his love of the entertainment industry and the magic of Hollywood with his nieces."
Netizens took to the comments to share fond memories of the actor.
Connie Matlock Boss commented, "I remember him with my brother Richard running around at the roller rink. Coming to my parents' house. Raiding the refrigerator. Then the guys taking off to the Drive In or Roller Rink. He will be missed."
Jessica Bocade said, "I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that your uncle still continues to bring me joy and I will remember him always whenever I watch 'Dreamer of Oz'."
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