Ed Gale, the actor who famously 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, according to . Ed's niece Kayse Gale paid tribute to her fun uncle in a heartfelt Facebook post, saying he's "taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife."

"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. 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," she added. "Ed's favorite role was that of the "fun uncle," she continued. "His love language was sharing his love of the entertainment industry and the magic of Hollywood with his nieces."

Kayse also shared memories of his wild rise to fame, recalling how he hitched a ride to California at just 20 years old with only $41 in his pocket-before going on to star in more than 130 films, TV shows, and commercials.

She remembered Ed as the man who "loved 7 eleven hotdogs with disgusting amounts of ketchup".

She continued: "He enjoyed reminiscing about his glory days DJ'ing at the Plainwell roller rink. He hated Bill Maher for no good reason.

"He delighted in the slow build up of telling a good story, and cheating at cribbage. He had one hell of a laugh, and he will be missed. Rest in love you cranky b*****d."

His cause of death has not been disclosed.

While best known for physically portraying Chucky in the original Child's Play and two of its sequels, Gale also left his mark in cult favourites like Howard the Duck and Chopper Chicks in Zombietown.

His resume included roles in Bones, Spaceballs, and the Coen Brothers' classic O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Tributes from fans and those who knew him have poured in for the iconic actor, remembering the man behind the mask of one of horror's most iconic villains.

"Rip Ed Gale and thank you for giving us one of the iconic scenes in horror movie history," said one fan, accompanied by an iconic clip of him in the Chucky film. Another penned: "Rest in peace."

More chimed in, adding: "His unforgettable role scared generations and left a lasting legacy in horror cinema."

Gale was born in Plainwell, Michigan, and lived with dwarfism but often appeared as a stunt performer in many major movies and TV shows. His debut was as the title role of Howard in the 1986 film Howard the Duck.

He also had a supporting role as Matthew McConaughey and Gary Oldman's characters' uncle Bobby Barry in Tiptoes, a film that revolves around a family of little people.