Gale – the actor who played the horror icon Chucky in some of the “Child’s Play” films – has died at 61, TMZ has confirmed.

A source who was with Ed when he passed tells TMZ he died Tuesday in hospice in L.A.

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.” His cause of death was not revealed.

She reflected on his wild journey to fame – hitching a ride to California at 20 with just $41 in his pocket … to starring in more than 130 movies, TV shows, and commercials