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Comedian Gallagher Awakens From Coma

LEWISVILLE (AP) - The comedian Gallagher is back to telling jokes after doctors woke him from a medically induced coma.

Gallagher's promotional manager, Christine Scherrer, says the comedian recognized his family, when he woke up. She says he's breathing on his own, moving and joking around.

The comedian, whose full name is Leo Anthony Gallagher, is known for smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer.

Scherrer says Gallagher had two stents replaced after collapsing Wednesday before a performance at Lewisville bar.

Doctors had planned to wake the 65-year-old comedian on Saturday but decided to keep him sedated in order to wake him slowly.

Gallagher had a minor heart attack last March after collapsing while performing in Minnesota.

Scherrer isn't sure how long Gallagher will remain hospitalized. She says he appreciates his fans' thoughts and prayers.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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