Ed Gale, Beloved Actor from ‘Howard the Duck’ and ‘Chucky,’ Dies at 61
Ed Gale, the actor behind cult characters like Howard the Duck and the menacing Chucky doll, has died at age 61 in Los Angeles. His family confirmed his passing on Tuesday.
A true character on and off screen, Gale left a unique mark on Hollywood. His niece, Kayse Gale, shared the news on Facebook with warmth and humor:
“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.”
From $41 and a Dream to Over 130 Screen Credits
Born in Plainwell, Michigan, Gale moved to Los Angeles at just 20 years old with little money and big dreams. He got his start by donning the duck suit in the 1986 cult film “Howard the Duck,” and later suited up again to portray Chucky in Child’s Play 2 and Bride of Chucky—the demonic doll possessed by a serial killer.
Throughout his career, Gale appeared in more than 130 movies, TV shows, and commercials, including roles in:
- Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town
- Oh Brother, Where Art Thou
- Friday the 13th: The Series
- 3rd Rock From the Sun
- Baywatch
- My Name Is Earl
- Tiptoes, alongside Matthew McConaughey
He also played the dinosaur Tasha in the TV version of Land of the Lost.
A Convention Favorite and “Fun Uncle”
Gale was a fixture at fan conventions, proudly sharing stories about his career and roles in cult classics. According to his niece, his favorite role of all was being the “fun uncle”, always eager to pass on his love of Hollywood to the next generation.
“He lit up the silver screens… and earned himself some serious street cred at every con he attended,” she wrote.
“He had one hell of a laugh, and he will be missed. Rest in love, you cranky bastard.”
Remembering a Hollywood Original
Gale’s legacy is more than just memorable characters. It’s in the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the countless fans he touched. From roller rink DJ to sci-fi icon, Gale lived boldly, laughed loudly, and left Hollywood just a little weirder—in the best way.
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