Adam Sandler says goodbye to Morris, the alligator in 'Happy Gilmore'
DENVER (KDVR) — Adam Sandler said goodbye to Morris, the famous alligator from "Happy Gilmore," who retired in Colorado and died of old age over the weekend.
Morris was originally found in a backyard in Los Angeles as an illegal pet and eventually made his way to the big screen. In his heyday, he was featured in films like “Dr. Dolittle 2,” “Interview With the Vampire,” and “Blues Brothers 2000.”
However, his big claim to fame was for his role in "Happy Gilmore."
In the movie, Morris played an alligator that chomped off the hand of Chubbs Peterson, a former pro golfer played by Carl Weathers. The alligator later wrestled with Happy Gilmore, played by Sandler.
It's been nearly 30 years since the movie was filmed, but Sandler still remembers the famous reptile.
On Wednesday, Sandler released a eulogy-style post on X, saying goodbye to Morris.
"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," said Sandler.
"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 never forget at craft service that time when we split the Three Musketeers bar and you let me have the bigger half. But that’s who you were," said Sandler.
After taking part in several movies, Morris spent the rest of his days at Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca, Colorado. Owner Jay Young said Morris was known for his aggressive behavior, like chomping and hissing, but eventually retired from film after tearing up a movie set in the '90s.
While "Happy Gilmore 2" is in the works, Morris wasn't scheduled to be part of the film. Not only was he too big and too old to travel, but he also died in the first movie, as Sandler mentions in his post.
"I know your character’s decapitation in the first movie precluded your participation in the sequel, but we all appreciated the fruit basket and the hilarious note. 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," said Sandler.
Morris died around the age of 80 years old. After a teary goodbye over the weekend, Colorado Gators Reptile Park said on Facebook that Morris would be taxidermized, so he can "continue to scare children for years to come."
"Thanks to Mr. Young for taking care of you all these years, and vaya con dios, old friend," Sandler said.