Ricou Browning’s death has left his family and fans devastated.

Yesterday a legendary figure in the film world passed away; Ricou Browning passed away at the age of 93. He was widely known as the ‘Gill-Man’ in the 1954 movie ‘Creature From the Black Lagoon’.

Both his son and daughter shared the news of his passing. According to Ricou Browning Jr. lost his life to natural causes while surrounded by his family at his home in Southwest Ranches, Florida.

His daughter fondly recalled her father’s career in film and described it as “providing great entertainment for past and future generations.” The entertainment industry has lost an inspiring icon and fans around the world are devastated to hear of this great loss.

An iconic actor in the Hollywood film industry, Ricou Browning made a lasting impression from his career spanning more than 50 years. His daughter, Kim Browning, spoke of her immense admiration for her father’s work when she confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter.

In addition to filling the Gill-Man suit for parts of the famous Black Lagoon films, Browning had contributed to numerous other films playing roles of stuntman, director, and more.

His stuntman credits include classic films such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Don’t Give Up the Ship. As a director, Browning was responsible for some unforgettable scenes such as those in Caddyshack and James Bond’s Thunderball.

He certainly left an indelible mark on Hollywood and was revered by many throughout his incredible career. Roy “Cougar” Browning was a legend in the Florida film industry, born in Fort Pierce and attending Florida State University.

For his years of service, he was awarded the first-ever Florida Legends Award from the State of Film Florida.

His legacy lives on through his four surviving children: Ricou Browning Jr., Renee, Kelly, and Kim, along with ten grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. His wife Fran unfortunately passed away in March 2020.

About Ricou Browning’s career

Ricou Browning’s storied career began as a teenager when he worked for Newt Perry as a stand-in for Johnny Weissmuller in ‘Tarzan’ films and also appeared in underwater newsreels and water shows at Weeki Wachee Springs

He was also a member of the United States Air Force swim team and was selected in 1968 to lead the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association.

Browning rose to fame playing the Gill-Man in the classic movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon”, starring Julie Adams and Richard Carlson as two characters exploring the Amazon.

He initially found the costume “awkward and clumsy”, but once in character, he forgot he had it on and embodied the creature fully.

He reprized the role in two sequels, “Revenge of the Creature” and “The Creature Walks Among Us”. them back to Florida.

He directed more than 30 episodes of the show after it became a hit. Born and raised in Florida, Browning spent his early years in the water, performing at Weeki Wachee Springs and even joining the United States Air Force swim team.

Despite initially finding the Gill-Man costume cumbersome, Browning did not let it hinder his performance and even filmed water scenes in freezing temperatures.