It is with a heavy heart today that we report the passing of a lesser known Hollywood great. It’s not often a specific animal has such longevity in the industry that they make a name for themselves. Sure, you have Keiko from “Free Willy,” Moose aka Eddie the dog from “Frasier,” and who can forget Bart the Bear from “White Fang,” and “The Edge?” But another of those greats was Morris the Alligator, and we are very sad to report his time on this Earth has ended.
Morris had a number of parts in film and television. Along with appearing in episodes of “Coach” and “Night Court” he was mostly remembered for being the gator who got Chubbs’ hand in “Happy Gilmore.” No, Morris didn’t actually only have one eye, as you can see from an actual picture of him, he’s definitely got both eyes securely in place. According to markers used to indicate an alligator’s age, like growth rate and tooth loss, Morris was estimated to be about 80 years old.
The Colorado Gator Farm, where Morris lived, reacted to the death with a mix of genuine sadness and good humor. Jay Young, the farm’s owner said, “I know it’s strange to people that we get so attached to an alligator, to all of our animals. … He had a happy time here, and he died of old age.” It’s not really that strange when you think about what animals can contribute to the well being of others. RIP WallyGator.
Adam Sandler, Morris’s co-star in “Happy Gilmore” also reacted to his passing.
