What To Know
- Donald Gibb, best known for his role as Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds, died at age 71.
- His death comes less than three months after his co-star Robert Carradine died.
- Gibb was remembered for his memorable roles in films in fan tributes.
Revenge of the Nerds star Donald Gibb is dead at 71.
On Tuesday, May 12, Gibb — who played Fred “The Ogre” Pawlowski in the film series — died at his home in Texas, TMZ was the first to report. He struggled with “ongoing health issues” and was surrounded by his family when he died, according to the outlet.
Gibb’s death came less than three months after his Revenge of the Nerds co-star, Robert Carradine, died by suicide at 71 on February 23. In the wake of a second alum’s death, fans of the 1984 film took to social media with tributes for Gibb.
“If you grew up watching ’80s movies, there’s a good chance you remember him as the unforgettable Ray Jackson in Bloodsport or Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds,” the Instagram account I Remember That S*** wrote. “Bigger than life, hilarious, intimidating, and somehow always memorable every single time he was on screen. Another familiar face from our childhood gone too soon.”
Another fan commented, “Rest in peace 🙏 😢. He was the heart and soul of Bloodsport.”
Someone else shared, “He owned a tattoo shop in Venice on Lincoln and Rose called Ogres Revenge. I got my first tattoo there. He was really cool to me, and [may] he rest in peace!!❤️.”
A different Instagram user wrote, “Rest in peace, big dog! 🫡🕊️,” of the 6-feet-4-inches-tall actor.
Meanwhile, yet another fan lamented, “Nooooooo! Rest in peace, big fella.”
In addition to Gibb and Carradine, Revenge of the Nerds starred Anthony Edwards, Timothy Busfield, Andrew Cassese, Curtis Armstrong, Larry B. Scott, Brian Tochi, and Julia Montgomery, among others
Gibb returned for Revenge Of The Nerds II: Nerds In Paradise in 1987 — however, he did not appear in the third film, Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation. Other notable acting credits included Bloodsport (1988), U.S. Marshals (1998), Hancock (2008), and more.