Famed Alligator Morris from ‘Happy Gilmore’ Passes Away at 80

ALAMOSA, Colo. — Morris the alligator, a well-known figure in Hollywood, has died at the age of at least 80 at the Colorado Gator Farm. The farm announced his passing in a Facebook post on Sunday after he exhibited unusual behavior, such as not eating and being less active, over the past week.

Weighing 640 pounds and measuring nearly 11 feet long, Morris was discovered in the backyard of a Los Angeles home as an illegal pet in 1975. He went on to appear in numerous films and television shows over the decades, including “Happy Gilmore,” “Interview with the Vampire,” and “Dr. Dolittle 2.” His role in the 1996 Adam Sandler comedy remains his most famous.

Jay Young, the owner of Colorado Gator Farm, shared his memories of Morris, saying, “He had a happy time here, and he died of old age.” Young was visibly emotional as he expressed his attachment to the alligator, highlighting the bond formed with animals at the farm.

Sandler paid tribute to Morris on Instagram, reflecting on their experiences together on set. He noted, “We are all gonna miss you,” and praised Morris for his fierce demeanor that contributed to the films’ success.

The Colorado Gator Farm intends to preserve Morris’ body through taxidermy, stating it was “what he would have wanted.” The farm continues to serve as a home for gators and other wildlife since opening to the public in 1990.