Alligator that starred in Happy Gilmore dies of old age in Colorado

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Happy Gilmore's Alligator Co-Star, Morris, Dies at 80 in Colorado

The world is mourning the loss of Morris, the alligator who charmed audiences in the 1996 Adam Sandler comedy *Happy Gilmore* and numerous other films and TV shows. Morris, a Hollywood veteran of over three decades, passed away at the Colorado Gator Farm in Alamosa County, Colorado, at the ripe old age of at least 80.

The farm announced the sad news on Sunday via Facebook, sharing that Morris, who was nearly 11 feet long and weighed 640 pounds, had been acting strangely in the week leading up to his death. Owner Jay Young, visibly emotional, shared that Morris "died of old age" and was a beloved member of the farm's family.

Morris's journey to stardom began in 1975 after being found as an illegal pet in a Los Angeles backyard. He went on to star in a variety of productions, including *Interview with the Vampire*, *Dr. Dolittle 2*, and *Blues Brothers 2000*. He also made appearances on popular shows like *Coach*, *Night Court*, and *The Tonight Show with Jay Leno*, often alongside the late wildlife expert Steve Irwin.

However, Morris's most iconic role was undoubtedly in *Happy Gilmore*, where he memorably confronted Adam Sandler's character. Sandler himself paid tribute to Morris on Instagram, reminiscing about the alligator's demanding nature on set. The Colorado Gator Farm plans to preserve Morris's body through taxidermy, ensuring he continues to "scare children for years to come."

Keywords: Morris the alligator, Happy Gilmore, Adam Sandler, alligator death, Colorado Gator Farm, Alamosa County, alligator actor, movie alligator, film alligator, Interview with the Vampire, Dr. Dolittle 2, Blues Brothers 2000, Coach, Night Court, The Tonight Show, Steve Irwin, alligator taxidermy, Colorado news, animal news, celebrity animal

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