Adam Sandler paid a heartfelt tribute to one of his Happy Gilmore “costars” after the announcement of their death at the age of “well over 80 years old.” The reason for the vagueness of the age, is that the star in question was , who appeared in the movie with Sandler as one of several TV and movie roles. The original news of the reptile’s death was revealed by Colorado Gator Farm owner Jay Young, who said in a Facebook video, “While we knew this was inevitable, we are very saddened by his passing to old age.”
Sandler was also saddened by the news, and took to his own social media account to share a lengthy post in memory of the alligator. Tinged with more than a little of Sandler's brand of humor, he wrote:
“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 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.
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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. Thanks to Mr. Young for taking care of you all these years, and vaya con dios, old friend.”
What a guy, and what a gator.
While his memorable appearance in Happy Gilmore was one role of Morris’, his full career was longer than some movie stars. From 1976 to 2006, Morris became a go-to character actor, as long as that character required someone green, scaly, and over nine feet long. His resume includes dozens of roles in movies, including Alligator 1 & 2, Dr. Doolittle 2, Blues Brothers 2000, Eraser, and Interview with the Vampire.
Sandler’s memories of the alligator have become the statement that will no doubt live on as Morris’ true legacy, as having touched the heart of A-list celebrities, he has also been a part of the lives of millions of moviegoers.
On a happier note, literally, Sandler will soon be back on the course in Happy Gilmore 2, which will debut on Netflix on July 25, 2025. While Morris did not have a role in the movie, for obvious reasons to anyone who has seen the original film, Sandler will be joined by many familiar faces in the belated sequel, including Julie Bowen, Dennis Dugan, Christopher McDonald, and Ben Stiller reprising their roles from the original movie.
