RIP: Ricou Browning

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Ricou Browning died on February 27, 2023, from natural causes.  He was 93.

Best known as the actor who played The Creature from the Black Lagoon in all of the movie’s underwater scenes, Mr. Browning was much more.  Over the course of his career Ricou Browning was an actor, stunt man, writer, producer and director.

Ricou Browning was born in Fort Pierce, Florida and he majored in physical education at Florida State University. Mr. Browning worked as a performer at both Wakulla Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs.  When a camera crew came to Weeki Wachee it was Mr. Browning who showed them around and swam underwater for their test shots.  They liked what they saw and Ricou Browning was offered the part of the Creature for all underwater filming.  Mr. Browning could hold his breath for extended periods of time and that was a plus for the role.  Mr. Browning was brought back to play the Creature in both sequels, Revenge of the Creature and The Creature Walks Among Us.

As an actor Ricou Browning appeared in: Creature from the Black Lagoon; Revenge of the Creature; The Creature Walks Among Us; Sea Hunt (tv – 1 episode); Flipper’s New Adventure and Flipper (tv – 2 episodes).

Ricou Browning wrote or co-wrote: Flipper; Flipper’s New Adventure; Flipper (tv – 33 episodes); Salty; Island Claws; Flipper (1996) and Flipper (tv – 34 episodes).

Ricou Browning severed as director for: Flipper (tv – 37 episodes); Thunderball (2nd unit – underwater sequences); Around the World Under the Sea (underwater sequences); Gentle Ben (tv – 14 episodes); Off to See the Wizard; Island of the Lost (underwater sequences); Hello Down There (underwater sequences); Primus (2 episodes); Joe Panther (2nd unit); Hot Stuff (2nd unit); Caddyshack (2nd unit);  Salty; Mr. No Legs; Nobody’s Perfekt (2nd unit) and Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (2nd unit).

Ricou Browning performed stunt work for: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (stunt diver); Don’t Give Up the Ship (Jerry Lewis’ underwater swimming double); The Heavenly Kid (stunt coordinator); Opposing Force (stunt coordinator).

Ricou Browning will forever be linked with one of the Classic Universal Movie Monsters, The Creature from the Black Lagoon.  If that was the only thing he ever did, Mr. Browning’s legend would live forever.  As you can see from his resume, he was a rare talent who could do it all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ricou Browning’s family, friends and fans.