Happy Gilmore Alligator Morris Dead: Where Does He Go From Here?

A staple in Hollywood’s animal scene, Morris, most well-known as the Happy Gilmore alligator, died on Sunday, May 11th. Nearly 30 years after the film’s release, Morris lived to be over 80 years old and had several roles in the industry.

The Colorado Gators Reptile Park confirmed the news with a statement, saying they were “sad to report the passing away of our oldest alligator, Morris.”

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The Death of a Scaly Legend

When he died, Morris was 9 feet long, 640 pounds, and estimated to be between 80 and 90 years old. Farm operator Jay Young was interviewed after Morris’s passing, saying, “He started acting strange a week ago. He wasn’t lunging at us and wasn’t taking food.”

Young later commented through tears, “It’s the worst part of what we do, losing animals. He had a happy time here, and he died of old age.”

Morris had been at the farm since 2006 after a long career in film and television.

Morris’s Beginnings

Morris started his life as an illegal pet, but was eventually put into the care of animal wrangler Jim Brockett, who supplied animals for films and TV shows. Morris then began his career in show business, aged between 20 and 50 years, with Brocketts Film Fauna keeping him from 1975 to 2006.

In 2005, Brockett contacted Jay Young and asked if we would be able to take care of the alligator, as Brockett couldn’t handle him anymore.

This kickstarted Morris’s retirement for 19 years at the Gator Farm, hanging out with other alligators and keepers until his recent death.

Film Appearances

Morris was not just the Happy Gilmore alligator; he appeared in several prominent films and TV series.

These include Dr. Dolittle 2, Interview with the Vampire, Eraser, Night Court, and Blues Brothers 2000. Morris also made an appearance with Steve Irwin on The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno for an episode.

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Still Scaring Kids

This isn’t the end for Morris, though. The Colorado Gator Farm has decided they will taxidermy Morris and put him on display “so that he can continue to scare children for years to come.”

Morris’s history and impact will continue to be remembered at the Gator Farm, which is located in San Luis Valley, Colorado. Visitors can go see him during open hours.