Fans of ‘80s cult classics are mourning the loss of one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable tough guys. Donald Gibb — the towering actor who became famous for playing Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds and the brutal fighter Ray Jackson in Bloodsport — has died at the age of 71.
The beloved character actor passed away on Tuesday, May 12, according to his longtime talent agent Tina Presley-Borek. News of his death quickly spread online after reports from TMZ and Rolling Stone, leaving longtime fans stunned.
Gibb’s family later confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional statement shared with PEOPLE.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Gibb — a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and actor,” the statement read. “Donald loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and his fans with all his heart.”
The family described the actor as a larger-than-life figure both on and off screen, saying he “brought joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories” to generations of fans throughout his decades-long career.
“His strength, generosity, and spirit will never be forgotten,” the statement continued. “Our father will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
For many movie lovers, Gibb was instantly recognizable thanks to his role as the terrifying yet hilarious frat brother Ogre in the 1984 comedy hit Revenge of the Nerds. Standing 6-foot-4 with a massive frame and booming voice, Gibb became one of the film’s breakout stars and later returned for multiple sequels, including Nerds in Paradise and Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love.
But it was his role alongside martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme in the 1988 cult action classic Bloodsport that cemented his place in action movie history. Gibb played Ray Jackson, the loudmouth but lovable fighter whose brutal beating in the underground Kumite tournament became one of the movie’s most memorable scenes.
After news of Gibb’s death broke, Van Damme shared a touching tribute on Instagram Stories, posting a photo from the Bloodsport set and writing, “Rest in peace, my brother.”
Before becoming a cult movie icon, Gibb quietly built his career with small roles in films like Conan the Barbarian and Any Which Way You Can. He also appeared on hit television shows throughout the 1980s, including The A-Team, Magnum, P.I., and Hardcastle and McCormick.
Over the years, Gibb became one of Hollywood’s go-to tough guys, racking up nearly 100 acting credits. Fans also remember him from the football comedy series 1st & Ten, appearances on The X-Files, and his role in Will Smith’s superhero film Hancock.
Even after stepping away from Hollywood for several years, Gibb never stopped connecting with fans. According to his personal website, he had recently returned to acting, appeared at fan conventions, and was even working on a new book before his death.
In a bittersweet twist, Gibb had just returned to the screen earlier this year in the film Hands and had completed work on another upcoming movie, Burlesque Ghost Hunters, which filmed in New Mexico in 2024.
Beyond the movies, Gibb’s family says his greatest pride was being a father to his five children: Moana, Lehua, Travis, Mykkal, and Olivia.
For fans who grew up watching Revenge of the Nerds and Bloodsport on repeat, Donald Gibb wasn’t just another actor — he was one of those unforgettable faces that defined an era of over-the-top ‘80s movies. And now, Hollywood is saying goodbye to one of its biggest personalities.
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