14-05-2025
Morris, the alligator from Happy Gilmore, dies aged over 80
The famous alligator that appeared in films such as Happy Gilmore and Doctor Dolittle 2 has passed away, aged 80.
Morris the alligator, whose film career spanned three decades from 1975 to 2006, is perhaps best known for biting off the hand of former golf pro Chubbs Peterson (in Happy Gilmore, not real life).
His filmography also transcended genres, including horror films such as Interview with the Vampire and ALLIGATOR, and action films such as Eraser alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The famous alligator that appeared in films such as Happy Gilmore and Doctor Dolittle 2 has passed away, aged 80. Pic: Universal/Everett/REX/Shutterstock
He retired in 2006 to Colorado Gator Farm, which announced his passing on social media — admitting that while they knew it was coming, they were still sad to see him pass.
'Colorado Gators is sad to report the passing away of our oldest alligator, Morris,' the gator farm wrote. 'Morris was known for his work in many movies and TV shows from 1975 to 2006, when he retired to live out his days at Colorado Gators.
'His exact age was unknown, but he was 9 feet long in 1975, and by his growth rate and tooth loss, we can estimate his age at over 80 years. While we knew this was inevitable, we are very saddened by his passing to old age. RIP Morris.'
With such a distinguished career, the gator farm added that they were going to taxidermy him 'so that he can continue to scare children for years to come,' adding 'it's what he would've wanted.'
Speaking to USA Today, Jay Young, who runs the farm, said that he knew something was wrong when Morris wasn't eating after he was given his breakfast.
'I thought 'Well, maybe, he's just not hungry. He ate too much the other day,'' he said. 'Two weeks ago, he was trying to eat dogs and kids through the fence. He was fine a couple weeks ago.
'A lot of the times, it's like 'Oh, we could have done this differently or sooner,' Mr Young added. 'In this case, I don't think there's anything we could have done differently… it's sad, but not as tragic.'
