Donald Gibb, ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ and ‘Bloodsport’ Actor, Dead at 71

Donald Gibb, known for playing the raucous fraternity bro Frederick Aloysius “Ogre” Palowaski in the 1984 cult classic Revenge of the Nerds, has died at the age of  71.

Gibb’s family confirmed his death in a statement to Rolling Stone. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Gibb — a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and actor. Donald loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and his fans with all his heart,” they wrote. “Known for his larger-than-life presence on screen and his kindness off screen, he brought joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories to countless people throughout his life and career.”

His family continued, remembering his “strength, generosity, and spirit will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of knowing him personally and by the many fans whose lives he touched over the years.” They asked “for prayers and privacy for the family during this difficult time while celebrating a life well lived and a legacy that will continue on forever.”

Gibb’s towering figure (he was 6′ 4″) and knack for delivering the oft-repeated line of “Nerds!” with full gusto, made him one of the most memorable characters from Jeff Kanew’s Eighties comedy film. The actor would reprise the role of Ogre for 1987’s Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise and the TV film sequel Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love in 1994.

He also co-starred with Jean-Claude Van Damme in the 1988 martial arts film Bloodsport as Ray Jackson, playing the wild counterpart to Van Damme’s leveled Frank Dux. He returned for the movie’s sequel, Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite, in 1996.

Born Aug. 4, 1954, in New York City, New York, Gibb grew up in California and later attended the University of New Mexico on a basketball scholarship, before transferring to the University of San Diego and played football. He had a roster spot on the San Diego Chargers prior to pursuing an acting career, according to IMBD.
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Throughout his career, Gibb also featured in many films throughout the 1980s and 1990s including Conan the Barbarian (1982), Meatballs Part II (1984), Jocks (1986), Magic Kid 2 (1994), and Hancock (2008). The actor also took on TV guest-starring roles and would appear in Magnum, P.I. (1982), MacGyver (1991), Cheers (1992), The X-Files (1993), and Seinfeld (1995), among others. He also played Leslie “Dr. Death” Krunchner on the HBO sitcom 1st & Ten, which went on for six seasons. 

Gibb’s death comes months after the passing of his fellow Revenge of the Nerds alumni, Robert Carradine, who died on Feb. 23 at the age of 71.