Comedian Gallagher Hospitalized after Collapsing on Stage

By Christo Varghese Posted Mar 11th 2011 02:30AM

Comedian Gallagher was hospitalized after collapsing during a performance in Minnesota.

TMZ is reporting that Gallagher, whose real name is Leo Anthony Gallagher, was performing in Rochester, Minn., when all of a sudden the comedian was seen collapsing on to his back and clutching his chest.

A number of witnesses said that Gallagher was performing his famous "sledge-o-matic" routine -- where Gallagher smashes watermelons with a sledgehammer -- when he fell backward onto the stage. It is reported that his eyes were closed and he was visibly shaking.

There were a few doctors in audience, and they immediately rushed on stage to helped the comedian, according to reports. They waited by his side until the ambulance arrived.

ABC News is saying that a witness told the Rochester Post-Bulletin that Gallagher had complained of pain in his left arm and shortness of breath earlier in the evening.

Gallagher's manager, Craig Marquardo, is quoted saying that the comedian was in stable condition and would be hospitalized overnight.

Marquardo also said he did not know what caused Gallagher to collapse.

Video: Watch Gallagher perform his famous Sledge-o-Matic trick in 2008

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Tags: comedian gallagher, gallagher, Leo Anthony Gallagher

Comments

(44)

Friday 11 March

By ruler777

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Lucky he was in Rochester, MN, where the Mayo Clinic is and about 2000 doctors

By Al Schrader

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Has anybody seen my custard pie ? I had it right there. ...Al

Wednesday 16 March

By florida1

Did the doctors use the sledge to restart his heart?

By bob

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Ah, but which Gallager? Little known fact, there are two of him.
Brothers, that take different bookings.

By dave

proof it

By MartineSF

Bob, you are correct, there are two Gallaghers. The most famous and original is Leo Anthony Gallagher; his brother Ron Gallagher also performs using a similar routine and advertised his shows as "Gallagher Too". Leo sued Ron for copyright infringement and won.
@dave..Your line 'proof it' is actually supposed to be written 'Prove it' and why should he have to prove it? Do a little work and google Gallagher and all the websites pop up with all the information.

By Squirdlockean Menendozavich

proof it ? School much

Sunday 13 March

By antfitz

There were 2 gallaghers, but the real one sued his brother for false advertising or something, and the brother is no longer able to do a show under that name or use his "bits."

By Zero

Strenuous exercise, if you're not in shape can make you do that. When you run really fast, then your body metabolism speeds up, which has to slow back down and you have to rest. If you just keep going though you will not have energy to remain awake.

By tony

he still alive?

By Frostbytn

I went to a Gallagher show and was amazed by the energy this guy puts out, in 3 hours he left the stage once for a fraction of a second, and that was 20years ago.
I'm surprised he is still performing or was until this.
Best of wishes to Gallagher.

By John F.C. Taylor

How old is he? I've seen his act. It takes a lot of energy. Maybe he's just getting to old and needs to alter his act for a less strenuous routine.

By ken

used to love his shows on showtime 80s 90s? every year a new one for like ten years they where great and differt from anything else at the time loved them thanks gallagher

By Don

He'll probably do another stint, after they put in the stent, from doing that stunt..........

By Blue

I'm almost ashamed of myself for laughing at that ..... like I was almost ashamed of myself for laughing at Carlin's reference to his contest with Richard Pryor.

By bckari

finally, someone literate, and a pun king. Both Gallaghers would be impressed. (i think leo would laugh, too.)

By Clint

This has been is still selling tickets?
What a great career, smashing things with a sledgehammer.

By lita

And yet, he takes people away from their day-to-day, and makes them laugh, and they go home feeling entertained. I'm guessing that, after a years of salting fries and cleaning the milkshake machine, you are miserable (and make others around you miserable) because of lousy choices you made. If I am fortunate enough to sit in one of Gallaghers audiences, I certainly won't be thinking about you, nor will anyone else. Now, get out there and sweep that parking lot for minimum wage!

By Brian

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yeah, he's been at it for over 20 years. Must be making a pretty good living at it. How long have you stuck with anything? Has been? Guess you'd know...meanwhile, he's still out makin em laugh; doesn't sound too 'has been' to me... but don't worry, you'll never have that problem...you have to be something before you can ever be a has been....

By Stan

Did he die?

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