Ed Gale, 'Child's Play' and 'Howard the Duck' Star, Dies at 61

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Ed Gale, ‘Chucky’ and ‘Howard the Duck’ Actor, Dies at 61

Besides his star turn in the 1988’s original Child’s Play movie, Gale also worked in the 1990 sequel. But his big break in Hollywood came with the 1986 Universal comedy adventure film Howard the Duck, where he was cast as a Howard suit performer, while Chip Zien voiced the character. “I was very excited to get the role, but I had no idea who Howard the Duck was or that he was a Marvel comic book character. Yes, I was in the suit every day for nearly 10 months. I was the only actor who played the role of Howard the Duck,” Gale recalled in a 2018 interview with Rediscover the 80s. Gale also appeared in Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and Chopper Chicks in Zombietown.

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The Hollywood Reporter

Ed Gale, Chucky and ‘Howard the Duck’ Actor, Dies at 61

Ed Gale, who made his film debut wearing the “Howard the Duck” suit and went on to play Chuckie in “Child’s Play” and two other films in the series, died Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 61. His niece Kayse Gale wrote on Facebook, “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. 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.

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Variety

‘Chucky’ actor Ed Gale dead at 61

In 1986, he made his film debut as the title role in the film “Howard the Duck.” Two years later, Gale played Chucky in 1988’s “Child’s Play,” the very first film in the popular horror franchise. The movie was directed by Tom Holland and also starred Chris Sarandon, Catherine Hicks, Alex Vincent, Dinah Manoff and Tommy Swerdlow. He played the serial killer doll again in 1990’s “Child’s Play 2” and 1998’s “Bride of Chucky.” He was also in the films “Spaceballs,” “The Jungle Book” and “Tiptoes.”

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New York Post

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News Results

‘Chucky’ actor, of horror films, dead at 61: ‘He lit up the silver screens in cult classic films’

TMZ reports Gale died Tuesday in hospice in Los Angeles. The cause of death was not mentioned. Gale appeared in more than 130 movies, TV shows and commercials, including “Bones,” “Spaceballs” and “O Brother, O Brother.”

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3d ago

'Chucky' Actor Ed Gale Dead at 61

The three-foot-four-inch-tall actor was announced by his niece, Kayse Gale, on Facebook yesterday. His cause of death was not specified. He appeared in over 130 movies, TV shows, and commercials, according to his Facebook post. He is best known for playing the serial killer doll Chucky and Marvel comic book character Howard the Duck.

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Chucky actor dies in hospice aged 61 as tributes pour in for beloved star

Ed Gale, who brought the killer doll Chucky to life in the Child's Play films, has died at the age of 61. A source close to the actor revealed he died on Tuesday (May 27) in hospice care in Los Angeles. Ed’s niece Kayse Gale paid tribute to her fun uncle in a heartfelt Facebook post.

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3d ago

'Chucky' and 'Howard The Duck' star Ed Gale dies, aged 61

Ed Gale played Chucky in two Child's Play films and the title role in Marvel adaptation Howard The Duck. The actor, born with dwarfism, was the physical performer for horror icon Chucky. Gale would also appear alongside George Clooney in 2000's Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?, as well as The Polar Express.

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3d ago

Horror icon who played Chucky dead as family confirms devastating news

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" She also mentioned his fond memories of his DJing days, his dislike for Bill Maher and his infectious laughter.

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3d ago

Ed Gale: 5 Things About the Late ‘Chucky’ Actor Who Died

Ed Gale died in May 2025. He was 61 years old. He appeared in over 130 movies, TV shows, and commercials. His favorite 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.

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Ed Gale Dies: ‘Child’s Play’ Stunt Performer Who Played Chucky Was 61

Ed Gale died Tuesday in hospice care in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. His niece Kayse Gale confirmed the death in a Facebook post. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed. He was known for roles in Child’s Play and Howard the Duck.

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3d ago

Ed Gale, known for playing frightful doll Chucky and 'Howard the Duck,' dies at 61

Gale's rep, Angela Strange, confirmed his death to USA TODAY May 28. Gale stood at 3 feet 4 inches tall, a fact that was often played up for his starring roles. Gale appeared in 1988's "Child's Play," returning for the 1990 sequel "Child’s Play 2" and later "Bride of Chucky"

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3d ago

Ed Gale, Actor Who Played Chucky in 'Child's Play' Films, Dies at 61

Gale's niece Kayse Gale announced his death as "a sudden passing" in a Tuesday, May 27 Facebook post. TMZ reported that Gale died in hospice in Los Angeles, citing a source who was with the actor when he died. A cause of death was not immediately provided.

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3d ago

‘Chucky’ Actor Ed Gale Was on Probation, Suffering Serious Health Issues When He Died

“Child’s Play” star Ed Gale was suffering debilitating illnesses in the months leading up to his death, and he was on probation for solicitation of a minor ... TMZ has learned.

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3d ago

Ed Gale, actor who played Chucky in ‘Child’s Play,’ dies at 61

Gale also had roles in “Howard the Duck,” “Spaceballs” and “The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle.”

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3d ago

"Chucky" Actor Ed Gale Has Died at 61 — Here's What We Know About His Cause of Death

Ed Gale played the original Chucky in the cult classic Child's Play. He went on to star in Howard the Duck, Spaceballs, Land of the Lost, and other recognizable movies or series. Gale was 61 years old when he passed away in 2025. Here's what we know about his cause of death.

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