An 11-foot-long alligator who gained fame starring in films and TV shows died this week at a Colorado preserve. A video posted to Facebook on May 11 announced the news of his death. It shows handler Jay Young stroking the alligator and giving a tearful tribute.
Young said he was unsure of Morris’ age but he thinks he was at least 80-years-old, according to the Associated Press.
Adam Sandler, who co-starred alongside the scene-stealing Morris in the 1996 film “Happy Gilmore,” posted a tribute to the gator on his X profile:
“Goodbye, Morris. We are all gonna miss you. You could be hard on directors, make-up artists, costumers — really anyone with arms or legs — but I know you did it for the ultimate good of the film. … I will miss the sound of your tail sliding through the tall grass, your cold, bumpy skin, but, most of all, I will miss your infectious laugh. Thanks to Mr. Young for taking care of you all these years, and vaya con dios, old friend.”
The 640-pound Morris was also known for roles in the films “Interview with the Vampire,” “Dr. Dolittle 2″ and “Blues Brothers 2000,” as well as television shows like “Coach” and “Night Court.”
“He started acting strange about a week ago. He wasn’t lunging at us and wasn’t taking food,” Young told the Associated Press. “… He had a happy time here, and he died of old age,” he said.
Morris was found in 1975 in the backyard of a Los Angels home, AP reported. When he retired from acting in 2006, he went to live at the Colorado Gator Farm in Mosca, Colo.
