Donald Gibb, the actor fans knew as Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds and Ray Jackson in Bloodsport, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home in Texas. He was 71.

His son, Travis Gibb, said the actor died after health complications following ongoing health issues. No detailed medical cause was publicly released.

Why Revenge of the Nerds Fans Remember Ogre

Gibb became a 1980s cult-film favorite as Frederick Aloysius “Ogre” Palowaski in the 1984 comedy Revenge of the Nerds. His booming “Nerds!” line, towering frame and comic intimidation made the character one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces.

He returned in Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise in 1987 and Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love in 1994, keeping Ogre tied to the film series’ long pop-culture memory.

Bloodsport, TV Roles and a Lasting Screen Legacy

Gibb also built a strong action-film following as Ray Jackson in Bloodsport opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme. He later appeared in Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite, extending his reach beyond comedy audiences.

Before acting, Gibb was an athlete who played college sports and briefly spent time with the San Diego Chargers. That physical presence helped shape many of his screen roles, from Conan the Barbarian and U.S. Marshals to Hancock.

Family and Fans Remember Donald Gibb

On television, Gibb appeared in 1st & Ten, Seinfeld, The X-Files, MacGyver, Cheers and other shows. His family remembered him as devoted to faith, relatives, friends and fans, while viewers remembered the rare mix of toughness, humor and warmth that made him stand out.