2026 Sarasota Film Festival
Gallagher
Documentary Feature
Smashing a watermelon with a giant mallet to the messy delight of audiences, Leo Gallagher became one of the biggest comedy acts of the 1980s and shot to superstardom. But tastes change, and now the aging Gallagher seeks the respect he deserves as an innovator.
Directed by Josh Forbes
Premiere: Florida

Screening Details
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM EDT
Ends 6:15 PM EDT
New College of Florida/Sainer Pavilion
About This Event
With his witty wordplay and wacky props, Leo Gallagher became one of the biggest comedy acts of the 1980s. The comedian’s most famous bit: smashing a watermelon with a giant mallet to the messy delight of audiences. His signature act was a gift and a curse, shooting him to superstardom while breeding both dismissive detractors and imitators, including his own brother. As tastes change, the aging Gallagher seeks the respect he deserves as an innovator in the art of stand-up comedy. This dive into the rollercoaster life of the man behind the mallet reveals the secrets beyond his iconic stage antics, with comments from the likes of Bill Burr, Howie Mandel, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carrot Top, family members and Gallagher himself…plus clips from classic performances (co-starring some hapless watermelons).
Cast
Gallagher, Robin Riker, Howie Mandel
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