Associated Press
Ricou Browning, a talented swimmer finest identified for his underwater position because the Gill Man within the quintessential 3D black-and-white Nineteen Fifties monster film “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” has died, his household advised numerous media retailers. He was 93.
Browning died Feb. 27 at his dwelling in Southwest Ranches, Florida.
In addition to appearing roles, Browning additionally collaborated as a author on the 1963 film “Flipper,” and the favored TV collection of the identical identify that adopted.
He advised the Ocala Star Banner newspaper in 2013 that he got here up with the concept after a visit to South America to seize fresh-water dolphins within the Amazon.
“One day, when I came home, the kids were watching ‘Lassie’ on TV, and it just dawned on me, ‘Why not do a film about a boy and a dolphin?’” he advised the newspaper.
Browning directed the 1973 comedy “Salty,” a few sea lion, and the 1978 drama “Mr. No Legs,” a few mob enforcer who’s a double amputee. He additionally did stunt work in numerous movies, together with serving as Jerry Lewis’s underwater double within the 1959 comedy “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” in response to The New York Times.
But nothing would mark Browning’s Hollywood profession like swimming underwater in an elaborately grotesque go well with because the Gill Man, a personality that will maintain its personal in horror film lore alongside aspect monsters like King Kong and Godzilla. Browning did the swimming scenes in two sequels, “Revenge of the Creature” (1955) and “The Creature Walks Among Us” (1956). Other actors performed the Gill Man on land.
Browning advised the Ocala Star Banner, he may maintain his breath for minutes underwater, making him particularly adept for the swimming half.
He was found when the movie’s director visited Silver Springs, the place Newt Perry, who carried out as a stand-in for “Tarzan” actor Johnny Weissmuller, was selling considered one of Florida’s first vacationer points of interest the place Browning received a job as a teen swimming in water exhibits.
Perry requested Browning to take the Hollywood guests to Wakulla Springs, one of many largest and deepest freshwater springs on the planet. They later recruited Browning to look within the film, which was partly filmed on the springs.
Ricou Ren Browning was born on Feb. 16, 1930, in Fort Pierce, Florida. He swam on the U.S. Air Force swim staff.
Survivors embody his 4 kids, Ricou Browning Jr., Renee, Kelly and Kim; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. His spouse, Fran, died in March 2020. His son Ricou Jr. is a marine coordinator, actor and stuntman like his father, in response to The Hollywood Reporter.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”