“CHILD’S PLAY” ACTOR ED GALE DIES AGED 61

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Ed Gale, best known for doubling the famous Chucky doll in 1988’s Child’s Play, has ed away.

From his birth on August 23rd 1963, Gale suffered from dwarfism.

After discovering his love of performing, Gale moved to Los Angeles in 1984. Immediately, the actor was told that his small stature could easily get him in the film business.

This came to in 1986, when Gale was recruited to play the titular character in Howard the Duck. Although voiced by Chip Zen, Gale provided most of the character’s in-suit appearances.

The actor would be given similar responsibilities on the set of 1988’s Child’s Play. Here, Gale was employed to undertake any taxing or realistic movement for the infamous Chucky doll. This means Gale is present any time we see the doll running or climbing stairs. However, it is during the sequence where the character catches on fire wherein Gale has the most screen-time. It is for doubling Chucky that Gale would remain best known.

Gale would continue to double for the famous doll in future productions, reprising the role in 1990’s Child’s Play 2 and 1998’s Bride of Chucky.

Gale would again play a homicidal doll in 1991’s cult hit Dolly Dearest. This time, playing the character throughout, suited as a psychotic porcelain-style doll.

Gale would work periodically in film until 2013, often playing roles that used his disability to his advantage. His other work includes roles in The Jungle Book, O Brother, Where Art Thou, The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, and The Polar Express.

On television, Gale’s best-known role is undoubtedly his 28-episode arc in Land of the Lost, between 1991 and 1992. He would also appear in a sizeable role in the 1993 made-for-television film Lifepod.

Other television work includes appearances in Baywatch, Weird Science, 3rd Rock from the Sun, My Name is Earl, and Bones.

By 2013, Gale’s health had deteriorated due to his disability, forcing him to mostly retire from the industry.

In recent years, Gale encountered serious controversy when he was caught in an online sting. It was alleged that the actor had been communicating with and soliciting material from underage males. Gale’s smart devices and computers were seized, but the actor was not charged at the time. At the time of Gale’s death, he was still under investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.

Ed Gale died on May 27th 2025, reportedly whilst receiving care in a Los Angeles hospice. He was 61 years old.

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