Adam Sandler just gave one of the weirdest and most touching tributes in Hollywood history, because it wasn’t for a fellow actor, but for Morris the alligator.
The reptile who famously clashed with Sandler’s character in the 1996 golf comedy Happy Gilmore has died at the ripe old estimated age of over 80, and Sandler took to Instagram to say goodbye in the most Adam Sandler way possible. The post was filled with laughs, sarcasm, and a surprising amount of heart, proving again that Adam Sandler’s tribute to Morris the alligator wasn’t just a joke, it was genuine love for a one-of-a-kind co-star.
“Goodbye, Morris. We are all gonna miss you,” Sandler wrote, before poking fun at the gator’s behavior on set. “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.” Classic Sandler. The comedian continued, adding he’d miss the cold, bumpy skin, the tail sliding through tall grass, and above all, Morris’ “infectious laugh.” Yeah, you read that right, Sandler’s gator buddy had an infectious laugh.
The Colorado Gator Farm, where Morris retired back in 2006 after decades in showbiz, broke the news that the legendary reptile had passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Jay Young, who runs the farm, tearfully shared on Facebook that Morris had been acting strangely for about a week, no lunging, no eating, and eventually died of old age. “While we knew this was inevitable, we are very saddened by his passing,” the farm posted. Morris’ exact age wasn’t known, but he was already 9 feet long in 1975, and based on his size and tooth loss, he was likely over 80.
Adam Sandler’s tribute didn’t stop at heartfelt lines. He went full comedy mode recalling moments on the Happy Gilmore set. “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,” he joked. He even remembered a moment at craft services where they split a Three Musketeers bar, and Morris let him have the bigger half. “That’s who you were,” Sandler wrote, nailing the weirdly sentimental vibe that only he can pull off.
Of course, Morris didn’t make it into the Happy Gilmore sequel because, well, his character was decapitated in the first movie. But Sandler noted that Morris still managed to send the cast a fruit basket and a hilarious note. That kind of commitment even after “death”? Hollywood legend status.
Morris wasn’t just a one-gig gator either. He had a long list of film credits, showing up in Interview with the Vampire, Blues Brothers 2000, Dr. Doolittle 2, and starring roles in creature features like Alligator and Alligator II: The Mutation. Basically, if you needed an intimidating reptile with screen presence, Morris was the go-to guy.
Jay Young’s emotional goodbye showed just how much Morris meant to those who cared for him after Hollywood. “It may be strange to people that we get so attached to an alligator,” he said, “but he had a happy time here and he died of old age.” It’s clear that Morris wasn’t just a prop, he was a real character, both on and off-screen.
Adam Sandler’s tribute to Morris the alligator stands out not just because it’s funny, but because it actually hits you in the feels. Only Sandler could make mourning a scaly co-star sound like a bizarre mix of comedy and poetry. And honestly? We’re here for it.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
