Donald Gibb, the towering actor who gained fame as the menacing Ogre in the 1980s comedy classic Revenge of the Nerds, has passed away at the age of 71. His son Travis confirmed the news to TMZ, stating that Gibb died on Tuesday, 12 May, at his home in Texas due to ongoing health complications, surrounded by family and loved ones.
From Football to Film
Born in New York, Gibb stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and possessed a formidable physique. After a football career was cut short by injury, he turned to acting, quickly landing roles as wrestlers, bodyguards, and convicts. Early parts included Arnold Schwarzenegger's Conan the Barbarian (1981) and the comedy sequel Meatballs II (1984).
Breakthrough with 'Revenge of the Nerds'
His big break came in 1984 with Revenge of the Nerds, where he played Ogre, a campus bully who famously shouts "Nerds!" at incoming freshmen. He reprised the role in two sequels: Nerds in Paradise (1987) and Nerds in Love (1994). Gibb also appeared in the B-movie classic Bloodsport (1988) alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme, and featured in films such as Lost in America (1985), US Marshals (1998), and Hancock (2008).
Fans Saved His Life
In a 2025 interview on the Youngstown Studio Podcast, Gibb revealed how fan support helped him through a difficult divorce and depression. "When the young kids come up to me and yell 'nerds'... it is the cutest damn thing," he said. "My fans don't remember anything bad that I did... They only remember the good things." He added, "My fans have saved my life."
Travis Gibb wrote that his father "loved the Lord and his family, friends and fans with all his heart," requesting prayers and privacy. Gibb's death follows that of his Revenge of the Nerds co-star Robert Carradine, who died in February at age 71.
