Morris, "Happy Gilmore" Star Alligator, Dies at Over 80
Morris, the alligator best known for his memorable role in the 1996 comedy "Happy Gilmore," has passed away at the age of over 80. The Colorado Gators Reptile Park, where Morris resided in his retirement, announced his death on Facebook on Sunday, May 11, nearly three decades after the film’s release.
The sanctuary’s post conveyed their sadness at the loss of their oldest alligator, acknowledging the inevitability of his passing due to old age. "While we knew this was inevitable, we are very saddened by his passing to old age," they wrote, adding, "RIP Morris."
Morris’s career extended far beyond "Happy Gilmore." He boasts an impressive filmography, having appeared in a variety of movies and television shows from 1975 to 2006. His credits include "Dr. Dolittle 2," "Interview with the Vampire," "Eraser," "Night Court," and "Blues Brothers 2000." He even made a cameo alongside the legendary Steve Irwin on "The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno."
Jay Young, the operator of the Colorado Gator Farm, spoke with USA TODAY about the circumstances surrounding Morris’s death. He noticed something was amiss when Morris refused to eat, an unusual behavior for the usually voracious reptile. "I thought, ‘Well, maybe, he’s just not hungry. He ate too much the other day,’" Young recalled.
He emphasized that Morris had been in good health just weeks prior. "Two weeks ago, he was trying to eat dogs and kids through the fence. He was fine a couple weeks ago."
Concerned, Young entered Morris’s enclosure to investigate. When the alligator didn’t exhibit his typical aggressive behavior, Young attempted to force-feed him. However, Morris swam away and regurgitated the food.
Young reflected on the situation, stating, "A lot of the times, it’s like, ‘Oh, we could have done this differently or sooner.’ In this case, I don’t think there’s anything we could have done differently. It’s said, but it’s not as tragic."
The Colorado Gator Farm announced on May 12 that Morris would be taxidermied, allowing him to continue to "scare children for years to come." This unique tribute speaks to the lasting impact Morris had on visitors to the park and his enduring legacy as a Hollywood star.
Morris’s journey to stardom was an unlikely one. Before his Hollywood career, he was kept as an illegal pet. Fortunately, he was eventually placed in the care of animal wrangler Jim Brockett, who supplied animals for films and TV shows. This marked the beginning of Morris’s illustrious career in show business.
"Brocketts Film Fauna had him from 1975 to 2006," Young explained. "He was nine feet long when they got him in 1975. They didn’t know his exact age, maybe 20 to 50 years, but he worked in the film industry for 31 years."
In 2005, Brockett reached out to Young, seeking a suitable home for the aging alligator. He admitted he could no longer adequately care for "this big alligator."
Morris spent nearly 19 years with Young, residing in a custom-built habitat designed for feeding, lounging, and even spending time with his former "girlfriends," Paris and Britney – alligators who have since moved on.
Based on Morris’s growth rate and tooth loss, Young estimates that he was over 80 years old at the time of his death. This remarkable lifespan is a testament to the care and attention he received throughout his life, both during his Hollywood career and in his retirement at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park.
Morris’s passing marks the end of an era. He was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a cherished resident of the Colorado Gators Reptile Park. His unique story, from illegal pet to Hollywood star to respected elder statesman of the alligator world, will continue to fascinate and entertain for years to come. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his film appearances, his taxidermied form, and the countless memories he created. He truly was a one-of-a-kind alligator, a testament to the unexpected paths life can take, and a reminder that even the most fearsome creatures can possess a certain charm and appeal. The world has lost a true original, and the Colorado Gators Reptile Park is a little emptier without him.
