Throughout the seventies and eighties, eco-horror was a sub-genre that dominated the box-office charts.
Audiences couldn’t get enough of nature striking back at civilisation, be that through vegetation, genetic mutation, or simply a wild creature going berserk.
Developing a strong cult-following over the years, 1980’s Alligator was a clear favourite to emerge from the eco-horror sub-genre.
Detailing a former pet alligator flushed away and growing into a blood-hungry monster, the film had one clear breakout star.
Morris the alligator, known affectionately as Morris the Movie Star, provided all the live-action shots of the titular beast. Just one role in a storied career that puts most actors to shame, we’re saddened to report that Morris the Movie Star has passed away.
News of Morris’ passing was delivered on Wednesday May 14th 2025, via a Facebook post from Jay Young of Colorado Gator Farms, where Morris had lived comfortably since his 2006 retirement. Young stated:
“I know it’s strange to people … that we get so attached to an alligator. To all our animals; we love our cats and dogs, too. It’s the worst part of what we do, losing animals. He had a happy time here, and he died of old age.”
In his prolific 30-year career, Morris appeared in almost one hundred productions. He can be seen in films such as The Blues Brothers 2000, Happy Gilmore, Interview with the Vampire, Eraser, and Dr Doolittle 2.
Morris would also reprise his most iconic role, in 1991’s little-seen sequel Alligator II: The Mutation.
Although gone, Morris’ legacy will continue to endure, with keeper Jay Taylor announcing one last, and very fitting, tribute:
“We have decided to get Morris taxidermied so that he can continue to scare children for years to come. It’s what he would have wanted.”
Although an official age was difficult to determine, Morris the Movie Star was estimated to be between 80 and 100 years old at the time of his passing.
Rest in peace Morris, you truly were a star!
