Latest news with #Spaceballs
NBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Ed Gale, actor who played Chucky in 'Child's Play,' dies at 61
Ed Gale, the stunt actor who physically played the killer doll Chucky in the first two "Child's Play" movies and "Bride of Chucky," has died, his family announced. He was 61. "Ed Gale has taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife," Kayse Gale, his niece, said in a Facebook post Tuesday. Gale was hospitalized a few days before his death and was having difficulty breathing, Cindy Osbrink, his representative, told NBC News on Wednesday. He was being moved into hospice care when he died Tuesday morning in Los Angeles. One of Gale's closest friends traveled from the East Coast to meet with him one more time before his death. "I think he was waiting for the friend," Osbrink said. Born in Plainwell, Michigan, in 1963, Gale went to California when he was 20 "with $41 and a dream, and he never looked back," his niece wrote. Gale made his acting debut as one of multiple actors to physically play Howard T. Duck in the 1986 sci-fi comedy "Howard the Duck," followed by another role in sci-fi spoof "Spaceballs" in 1987. In 1988, Gale first physically portrayed Chuck in "Child's Play," then took the stunt role again for the 1990 sequel, "Child's Play 2." He continued with the franchise in the 1998 film "Bride of Chucky." Actor Brad Dourif has voiced the character since its debut. Gale appeared in more than 130 movies, television shows and commercials at the time of his death, according to his niece's post. He was credited with roles in "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown" (1989), "The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle" (2000) and most recently credited for "Pandemonic" in 2020. "With this wide ranging body of work, he leaves behind a legacy full of questionable lighting and amazing one-liners," Gale's niece wrote.
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Ed Gale, 'Chucky' actor from 'Child's Play' series, dies at 61
Ed Gale, who was born with dwarfism and stood 40 inches tall, played Chucky in three movies. Photos: Filepic, IMDB Ed Gale, the actor who brought the murderous Chucky doll to life in the 1988 horror film Child's Play, is dead at 61. His niece Kayse Gale announced with good humour on Facebook that her diminutive dad died Tuesday in a Los Angeles hospice. '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,' she wrote. In addition to portraying Chucky in three movies in the Child's Play saga, Gale played the title character in Howard The Duck and also had roles in Spaceballs and Bill And Ted's Bogus Journey . The character of Chucky has been voiced throughout the franchise's history by actor Brad Dourif. Kayse said her uncled 'has taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife.' She remembered him as man who loved 7-Eleven hot dogs covered in ketchup and hated comedian Bill Maher for reasons she can't explain. 'Rest in love you cranky bastard,' she concluded her informal obituary. The Michigan native's big screen successes preceded a slew of television appearances on programmes including Land Of The Lost , in which he played a dinosaur named Tasha on more than two-dozen episodes, according to IMDb. His television credits also include roles on Baywatch, Family Matters, 3rd Rock From The Sun, Just Shoot Me and The Hughleys. 'Ed hitched a ride to California when he was 20 years old, with US$41 and a dream, and he never looked back,' his niece recalled. Gale, who was born with dwarfism and stood 40 inches tall, played Chucky in Child's Play , Child's Play 2 and Bride Of Chucky in the series, which consisted of eight instalments including a 2019 reboot of the original. He told in a 2015 interview playing the knife-swinging doll when it turned evil required legitimate acting chops. 'I will not allow people to merely say I was Chucky's stunt double,' Gale insisted. He found himself depicted as a real-life monster in 2023 when a Southern California group called Creep Catchers Unit released video it said proves Gale admitted to pursuing a sexual encounter online with what he thought was a 14-year-old boy, according to Los Angeles station KTLA. That footage appeared to show Gale admitting to other acts of similar improprieties. 'I'm admitting I know it was wrong and it was illegal,' he confessed. 'I'm admitting that and I'm sorry.' The Los Angeles Police Department was reportedly investigating his alleged activities. He hadn't been charged with a crime at the time of his death. In an interview with a 2014 blog that was recycled by the site Rediscover the 80s, Gale thanked The Wizard Of Oz for inspiring him to enter show business when he was a child. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Chucky actor Ed Gale dies at 61 after hospice care in Los Angeles
Ed Gale, the actor best known for portraying the character Chucky in several films from the Child's Play horror franchise, has died at the age of 61, TMZ reported. A source present at the time of his death told TMZ that Gale passed away Tuesday while receiving hospice care in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Gale's niece, Kayse Gale, commemorated his passing with a touching Facebook tribute, referring to him as her 'fun uncle.' She wrote that Gale had 'taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife,' reflecting on his journey from a young dreamer with just $41 and a ride to California, to a prolific performer with over 130 acting credits spanning films, television shows, and commercials. Beyond his personal journey, Gale's career was defined by a wide range of memorable roles. He appeared in several cult classics, including Howard the Duck, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, Spaceballs, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? However, he was most widely recognized for physically portraying the killer doll Chucky in the original Child's Play and two of its sequels, helping bring one of horror's most infamous characters to life. Despite his accomplishments, Gale had been embroiled in legal controversy in recent years. At the time of his death, he remained under investigation for allegedly attempting to solicit sex from minors. No charges had been officially filed. Gale leaves behind a legacy marked by creativity, controversy, and unforgettable characters. He is remembered by fans and colleagues alike for his unique contributions to cult cinema and for helping shape a horror icon.
Elle
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Kaia Gerber and Lewis Pullman Seen Cuddling During Broadway Show
Kaia Gerber has a new love interest following her split from Austin Butler. The model was recently spotted with actor Lewis Pullman at a Broadway show, The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Succession's Sarah Snook. An eyewitness told Page Six, 'They are definitely together. Kaia sat resting her head on Lewis's shoulder throughout the performance.' Before their Broadway relationship debut, Gerber was seen at Pullman's birthday celebration in Los Angeles in January, sparking the first rumors of a budding romance. 'They've been spending time together the last few weeks,' a source told People. 'They're a cute couple and very low-key,' the insider added. In the photos, Gerber is seen closely holding onto Pullman's arm. Neither Gerber nor Pullman has officially confirmed their relationship. So, who is Lewis Pullman? Here's everything to know about the actor and his reported connection to Gerber. Pullman comes from a creative family. Pullman, 32, is the son of actor Bill Pullman and contemporary dancer and choreographer Tamara Hurwitz. His father is well-known for his roles in films like Independence Day, While You Were Sleeping, and Spaceballs. Though Pullman grew up living in both Los Angeles and Montana, his family largely kept him away from the entertainment industry. Pullman has opened up about how his father tried to keep his work as an actor away from their family's life at home, and how he didn't watch much TV growing up. Instead, his family focused on music and the arts, with Pullman eventually discovering acting in high school. 'My dad kept his career very separate so that we could have a somewhat normal upbringing,' Pullman said in a January 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. 'There was always an element of mystery behind his career. We were a very creative family, everyone is in the arts to some degree, but we weren't allowed to watch TV.' In a September 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, Pullman joked, 'None of us can do our taxes worth shit, but we can put on a nice, decent performance.' Pullman has steadily built a strong career in the entertainment industry. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Robert Floyd in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), alongside Tom Cruise. The success of the film was major for Pullman's career, but he had already made a name for himself in previous projects such as Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) and The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018). More recently, he starred in the Emmy-nominated Apple TV+ series Lessons in Chemistry, playing Calvin Evans, a highly intelligent but timid chemist, opposite Brie Larson. His performance secured him his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie in 2024, as well as his first Critics Choice nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television in 2024. 'It was such a good working experience. I didn't come home feeling like I was dragging any sort of demons with me. It was a very warm and loving experience for me that I was excited to keep going,' he said of his role as Calvin in an August 2024 interview with The Wrap. Pullman has also starred in the Western sci-fi series Outer Range and is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the superhero Sentry in Thunderbolts this year. He appeared in the 2024 thriller Skincare, too. In an August 2024 video interview with MovieWeb, he described his character, Jordan, as 'a Russian doll of all sorts of different reveals.' 'I just was really drawn to this idea of a person who is sort of a drifter. There's a lot you can't tell whether it's true or not. And there are parts where he's very successful at his game that he's running. And then there are parts that he's not so successful. But I think it was interesting to try and identify,' he added. In 2023, Pullman spoke with People about his early decision to become an actor and how his father's advice helped him through it—although he wanted to 'do it his own way' at first. 'Once I decided that's what I wanted to do, my dad was never like, 'You've got to do it,' or 'You shouldn't do this,'' Pullman said. 'He was just like 'Give it a shot. Whatever kaleidoscope you want to look at life through, if it feels good, do it.'' 'He knows what gets me excited, what makes me nervous, what scares me,' Pullman added. 'And then he also has so much experience in the business and with the craft. So all of his advice is catered towards me. I don't know where I'd be at without it.' Outside of acting, Pullman is a drummer for the band Atta Boy. The indie group has been together for over a decade, releasing multiple albums. In 2020, the band members regrouped for the first time in eight years. 'We were curious to get back together and see what our sound was because it had been eight years since we were in the same room together,' Pullman said in an interview with AudioFemme. 'My personal goal was to refine what our sound was and reintegrate and just kind of challenge ourselves to push each other into new realms.' Before being linked to Gerber, Pullman was in a relationship with Delilah star Rainey Qualley, the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley's sister. The two reportedly dated from 2020 to 2023, making one of their first public appearances as a couple at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in May 2022. However, by late 2023, they had seemingly separated, per PopSugar. Pullman and Qualley's parents were also co-stars in the past. 'And then actually we realized when we had started dating our parents had done a movie together, and we watched it together one night,' Qualley said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. Pullman won an award for Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking, Ensemble Cast, for his role in Them That Follow alongside his co-stars Kaitlyn Dever, Olivia Colman, Walton Goggins, Thomas Mann, and Jim Gaffigan. Pullman attended his first Academy Awards in 2023 following the success of Top Gun: Maverick, as it became 2022's 'biggest-grossing film.' 'I'm a little excited, but also terrified,' he admitted to GQ UK ahead of the event. He stepped out in a custom Thom Browne tuxedo, finished with grosgrain edge detailing and a Kentucky bow tie, a nod to his Montana roots. 'I want my clothes to reflect where I come from. I don't want to feel like I'm just a mannequin,' he added. Pullman presented the award for Excellence in Contemporary Television at the 2023 Costume Designer Guild Awards alongside his Top Gun: Maverick co-stars, Greg Tarzan Davis and Monica Barbaro. He stepped out in a Saint Laurent suit for the show. Unlike many other Hollywood actors, Pullman prefers to keep a low profile. He doesn't appear to have a public Instagram account and seldom addresses his dating history during interviews. In a January 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the interviewer said to him, 'This is why you need social media—to announce things like this,' when talking about Pullman's podcast idea. In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pullman shared that he wanted to start a podcast with his Top Gun: Maverick co-stars Danny Ramirez and Greg Tarzan Davis. 'We wanted to call it Knowledge Heist but that title was taken,' he said. 'Basically, we all have a really strong rapport but are very different guys, so the idea was to sit down together with great minds we've had the chance to meet over the years and steal all their golden nuggets of wisdom. It's like Smartless, but less smart. And less funny.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dixon Historic Theatre announces $100,000 anonymous donation
Apr. 28—DIXON — The Dixon: Historic Theatre has received a $100,000 anonymous donation to use for facility enhancements and programming, according to an announcement made Thursday, April 24, by the theater's board. There have been a lot of changes at the theater during the last two months, from reopening March 2 after a $1.5 million restoration project to firing former executive director Darren Mangler and filling the role with Spencer Aurand, former business manager at Dixon Stage Left, on April 8. Since 2019, when the new board — the Historic Dixon Theatre Group — took over the theater, donations and grant funds have been crucial to keeping it up and running, according to a news release. [ A grand debut: The Dixon Historic Theatre undergoing renovations, preparing for big 2025 season ] "This extraordinary gift will allow us to continue improving the facilities, expanding our programming, and supporting our goal of greater sustainability," Aurand said in the announcement. "The donor has given their blessing to release this information in hopes of sparking additional gifts to advance this community mission." "While the donor has requested to remain anonymous, we are deeply grateful for their generosity and belief in our mission. It is support like this that lets us know we are on a good path in advancing the cultural and economic benefits the theater can provide our community," Theater Board Chairman Mike Venier said. The major renovations — which included repairing the roof, ceiling and other structural work — are complete, but some cosmetic changes are still in the works. Free public tours of the theater are being offered starting at 10 a.m. every Saturday. "Come join us to see how things are progressing," the announcement said. Upcoming shows at the theater include "Larger than Life," a boy band tribute from 7-9 p.m. May 1; the movie "Spaceballs" from 7:30-9:30 p.m. May 2; and "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" from 7:30-9:30 p.m. May 3. For information, visit
