A small but unforgettable star from a 90s favorite is now gone—but not forgotten
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Hollywood is no stranger to emotional farewells—but this one hits differently.
Adam Sandler, the beloved comedian and star of Happy Gilmore, has just paid a touching tribute to a scene-stealing co-star who wasn’t human, but who captured hearts (and yes, a few limbs): Morris, the iconic alligator from the 1996 comedy classic.
If you remember the infamous moment when Chubbs Peterson (played by Carl Weathers) loses his hand, then you already know Morris.
But behind that memorable scene was a real-life reptile with an extraordinary story—and now, after a legendary life spanning over 80 years, Morris has passed away.
Morris’s rise to fame is a tale as wild as any in Hollywood. Once kept illegally in a backyard in Los Angeles, Morris was rescued and eventually ended up with a handler who worked in film.
By the time he landed the role in Happy Gilmore, Morris had already been in show business for decades, appearing in movies and TV shows since 1975.
Measuring an impressive 2.7 metres (about 9 feet), Morris had a commanding presence—but what really set him apart was his on-set charm (and occasional diva behaviour).
He became a favourite character for his unforgettable role as the alligator that bites off Chubbs’ hand—and meets his own grisly end when Happy Gilmore presents his severed head as a trophy.
When news of Morris’s death broke, Adam Sandler posted a moving tribute that was equal parts funny and emotional:
“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.”
“The day you wouldn’t come out of your trailer unless we sent in 40 heads of lettuce taught me a powerful lesson: never compromise your art.”
“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.”
It’s the kind of tribute only Sandler could write—one that captures the humour, absurdity, and genuine affection of a unique Hollywood friendship.
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Morris wasn’t a one-hit wonder. His résumé includes appearances in Dr. Dolittle 2, where he shared a scene with Steve Irwin and Eddie Murphy, and Interview With the Vampire, alongside Tom Cruise.
In one standout moment, Irwin—playing himself—yells, “Crikey… Me arm!” after a cheeky nip from Morris. It was vintage Morris: on cue, a little mischievous, and always unforgettable.
After his film career wrapped in 2006, Morris retired to the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, where he lived peacefully for the rest of his days.
According to the park’s caretakers, Morris had shown signs of slowing down in the weeks before his passing. “He wasn’t looking at us and wasn’t taking food,” said Jay Young, the park’s owner.
“It’s the worst part of what we do, losing animals. But this isn't as tragic as some of the things we've experienced in the past. He had a happy time here, and he died of old age, and it's not as tragic as some of the family members we've lost here.”
“But that's part of life. Everything that lives must die,” he added
Morris’s exact age was never confirmed, but based on his size in 1975 and tooth loss in recent years, experts estimate he was over 80 years old—a rare feat for an alligator in captivity.
To preserve his legacy, the park plans to taxidermy Morris, allowing him to continue educating—and startling—visitors for years to come. “Morris [will be] taxidermied so that he can continue to scare children for years to come,” Young joked.
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Tributes flooded in from fans and animal lovers alike:
Morris’s passing comes just months after the death of Burt, the 5.1-metre crocodile from Crocodile Dundee, who lived well into his 90s.
Together, these reptilian icons defined a generation of animal acting—and reminded audiences that sometimes the biggest stars don’t speak a single line.
For many of us, Happy Gilmore is more than just a comedy—it’s a beloved memory from movie nights, sleepovers, and backyard golf games gone wrong.
And while Morris may have been cast as a villain on-screen, in real life, he was a legend with a gentle soul and a surprising sense of humour (just ask anyone who saw him demand 40 heads of lettuce).
Rest in peace, Morris. You may be gone—but your legacy still has bite.
Read next: Zoo scandal shocks visitors—what’s really happening behind the scenes?
Did you know about Morris’s Hollywood past? Do you have a favourite animal actor or a fond memory of watching Happy Gilmore? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear how this iconic gator touched your life
Adam Sandler, the beloved comedian and star of Happy Gilmore, has just paid a touching tribute to a scene-stealing co-star who wasn’t human, but who captured hearts (and yes, a few limbs): Morris, the iconic alligator from the 1996 comedy classic.
If you remember the infamous moment when Chubbs Peterson (played by Carl Weathers) loses his hand, then you already know Morris.
But behind that memorable scene was a real-life reptile with an extraordinary story—and now, after a legendary life spanning over 80 years, Morris has passed away.
Morris’s rise to fame is a tale as wild as any in Hollywood. Once kept illegally in a backyard in Los Angeles, Morris was rescued and eventually ended up with a handler who worked in film.
By the time he landed the role in Happy Gilmore, Morris had already been in show business for decades, appearing in movies and TV shows since 1975.
Measuring an impressive 2.7 metres (about 9 feet), Morris had a commanding presence—but what really set him apart was his on-set charm (and occasional diva behaviour).
Morris, the iconic alligator from the 1996 comedy classic, has passed away. Image Source: Balls Tesla / YouTube
He became a favourite character for his unforgettable role as the alligator that bites off Chubbs’ hand—and meets his own grisly end when Happy Gilmore presents his severed head as a trophy.
When news of Morris’s death broke, Adam Sandler posted a moving tribute that was equal parts funny and emotional:
“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.”
“The day you wouldn’t come out of your trailer unless we sent in 40 heads of lettuce taught me a powerful lesson: never compromise your art.”
“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.”
It’s the kind of tribute only Sandler could write—one that captures the humour, absurdity, and genuine affection of a unique Hollywood friendship.
Also read: Shocking cause behind Florida panthers' rapid decline revealed!
Morris wasn’t a one-hit wonder. His résumé includes appearances in Dr. Dolittle 2, where he shared a scene with Steve Irwin and Eddie Murphy, and Interview With the Vampire, alongside Tom Cruise.
In one standout moment, Irwin—playing himself—yells, “Crikey… Me arm!” after a cheeky nip from Morris. It was vintage Morris: on cue, a little mischievous, and always unforgettable.
After his film career wrapped in 2006, Morris retired to the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, where he lived peacefully for the rest of his days.
According to the park’s caretakers, Morris had shown signs of slowing down in the weeks before his passing. “He wasn’t looking at us and wasn’t taking food,” said Jay Young, the park’s owner.
“It’s the worst part of what we do, losing animals. But this isn't as tragic as some of the things we've experienced in the past. He had a happy time here, and he died of old age, and it's not as tragic as some of the family members we've lost here.”
“But that's part of life. Everything that lives must die,” he added
Morris’s exact age was never confirmed, but based on his size in 1975 and tooth loss in recent years, experts estimate he was over 80 years old—a rare feat for an alligator in captivity.
To preserve his legacy, the park plans to taxidermy Morris, allowing him to continue educating—and startling—visitors for years to come. “Morris [will be] taxidermied so that he can continue to scare children for years to come,” Young joked.
Also read: This bizarre tiger case has a twist straight out of the Joe Exotic playbook
Tributes flooded in from fans and animal lovers alike:
- “I was able to visit Morris a few times over the years. He was a famous movie star.”
- “So sad! Sorry for the loss of this beautiful gator.”
Morris’s passing comes just months after the death of Burt, the 5.1-metre crocodile from Crocodile Dundee, who lived well into his 90s.
Together, these reptilian icons defined a generation of animal acting—and reminded audiences that sometimes the biggest stars don’t speak a single line.
For many of us, Happy Gilmore is more than just a comedy—it’s a beloved memory from movie nights, sleepovers, and backyard golf games gone wrong.
And while Morris may have been cast as a villain on-screen, in real life, he was a legend with a gentle soul and a surprising sense of humour (just ask anyone who saw him demand 40 heads of lettuce).
Rest in peace, Morris. You may be gone—but your legacy still has bite.
Read next: Zoo scandal shocks visitors—what’s really happening behind the scenes?
