The creator of the iconic "Air Bud" movies, Kevin diCiccio, died on Saturday, March 21, as reported by TMZ.
The "Air Bud" creator's brother, Mark, told the outlet that before his death, he spent some time in hospice in San Diego. TMZ has said that DiCiccio developed advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to his smoking habit.
diCiccio found Buddy, the star dog in "Air Bud", roaming around near his Yosemite cabin in 1989. After bringing him home to San Diego, he taught him loads of sports tricks. When Buddy got the hang of things, diCiccio recorded a video of his tricks and sent them off to "America's Funniest Home Videos".
After a producer for David Letterman saw the video and booked them onto his late-night talk show, things just exploded. Buddy became the main star in the now iconic "Air Bud" film in 1997, sparking a long-lasting saga of films.
But tragically, diCiccio never got a full payday despite being the mastermind behind "Air Bud". This eventually led to him becoming homeless, with donations pouring in for him as he lived in an assisted living facility for a time.
He'd previously had complications with pneumonia, ending up in hospital with the severe complication only last year.
His dog, Buddy, tragically suffered with joint cancer in the legs. This lead to him having to have his leg amputated. Buddy tragically passed away in 1998 in his sleep, due to the cancer.
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Tributes Have Poured in For the "Air Bud" Creator
People have sent their condolences on social media following the tragic passing.
Many highlighted the nostalgia behind the classic film. One wrote, "Air Bud was a whole childhood era. The idea of a golden retriever playing basketball somehow became one of the most beloved kids franchises ever made. Kevin DiCiccio gave a generation of kids something genuinely magical."
Another wrote, "Everyday I lose a bit of my 90s childhood.", with another writing "air bud was my childhod, i was justplanning to rewatch it this week, rest in peace to a childhood icon."
May the man that created a legendary franchise rest in peace.
