DENVER (KDVR) – The alligator movie star once featured in such films as “Happy Gilmore” and “Dr. Dolittle 2” died at 80-plus years old.
On Sunday, the Colorado Gator Farm posted on Facebook about the passing of their oldest alligator, Morris. The gator was known for his work in several movies and television shows before retiring at Colorado Gators Reptile Park.
Morris stayed at the park for 19 years before dying of old age. While the farm doesn’t know his exact age, they estimate that based on his size and teeth, he was at least 80 or 90 years old. He may have even been 100 years old.
Before Morris retired in Mosca, Colorado, he was once the “it” alligator in Hollywood.
Morris was found in a backyard in Los Angeles as an illegal pet. At the time, he was estimated to be about 10 to 20 years old. Morris was given to the only person in the city with the right permits – someone who worked in the film industry named Jim Brockett – and the rest was history.
According to Jay Young, the owner of the reptile park, Morris was a star because of his aggressive behavior, as seen in “Happy Gilmore,” with his feisty chomping and hissing. He was in such films as “Dr. Dolittle 2,” “Interview with the Vampire,” “Eraser” and “Blues Brothers 2000.” He was also on “The Jay Leno Show” with the late Steve Irwin.
Colorado Gators told Nexstar’s KDVR that Morris was forced to retire after he tore up the set of the ’90s sitcom “Coach.” Then he moved to Colorado in 2006, where he spent the rest of his days.
Source: Fox 8 News Channel