Hollywood is in mourning as beloved character actor Donald Gibb has passed away. The actor, who was 71, is perhaps best known for his role as Ogre in “Revenge of the Nerds.” Additionally, he appeared in films and shows such as “Hancock,” “Step by Step,” and “Bloodsport.” He will be missed.
According to TMZ and their conversation with Gibb’s son, Travis, the actor died on May 12 while at his home in Texas. Per the report, Gibb was surrounded by family and other loved ones. His death came as a result of various but unspecified health concerns and was not sudden.
“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,” his family wrote in a statement to Rolling Stone published May 13. “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.”
Tributes Are Pouring in for Donald Gibb
Gibb has more than 100 acting credits spanning decades in Hollywood. Because of this, many of his fans and some colleagues are taking to social media to pay tribute to his legacy. Notably, many say he was a significant part of their childhood thanks to “Revenge of the Nerds” and its sequels.
One person wrote on X, “Donald Gibb was such a huge part of some of my favorite movies growing up. Bloodsport especially had this strange, transportive feeling for me that I’ve carried my whole life, and Ray Jackson was a big reason why. ‘Anytime, anyplace, anywhere.’ RIP.”
Another fan wrote, “RIP Donald Gibb. He used to frequent this bar up on Broadway, I think, and if you walked in, you were encouraged to buy him a shot, at least. Very nice guy.”
Another fan stated, “GenX sadness. Just saw a news alert that Donald Gibb passed away. Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds. Ray Jackson in Bloodsport. Legend.”
“RIP Donald Gibb, a true original on screen. Gone far too soon. His performances always stood out. Sending love to his family and friends,” another person wrote.
He Leaves Behind a Vast Legacy
According to his bio on IMDb, Gibb was a star athlete and attended the University of New Mexico on a basketball scholarship before transferring to the University of San Diego, where he played both basketball and football. He earned a spot with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers before a car accident sidelined him, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and he moved to acting.
Gibb got his start in Hollywood in the early 1980s with three uncredited roles. Per IMDb, he first played a henchman in 1980’s “Any Which Way You Can,” and then a bouncer in “Stripes” the following year. After that, he was also in “Conan the Barbarian,” also uncredited.
Then, before what many would call his big break, Gibb made episodic appearances in various TV shows. Some are “Alice,” “Simon & Simon,” “Hardcastle and McCormick,” “The A-Team,” and “Just Our Luck.”
His first turn in “Revenge of the Nerds” came in 1984. This led to his appearance in the sequel, “Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise,” in 1987. Another of his most revered roles came the following year with “Bloodsport,” where he played Jackson. In 1994, his character Ogre starred in the TV movie “Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love.”
Gibb’s decades-long career included various 1990s sitcoms, such as “They Came from Outer Space,” “Doctor Doctor,” “Amen,” “MacGyver,” and “Boy Meets World.”
The actor also made a foray into soap operas with a three-episode stint on “Days of Our Lives.” More recently, in 2026, he appeared in “Hands” and “Secret Mountain Fort Awesome” in 2011.
Gibb’s death closely follows that of fellow “Revenge of the Nerds” actor Robert Carradine, who died by suicide at age 71 on February 23, 2026.
Rip very good actor seen him movies god bless u