AceShowbiz - Kevin DiCicco, the owner and trainer of Buddy, the basketball-playing golden retriever who starred in the original Air Bud film, has passed away at the age of 63. His brother, Mark, confirmed that DiCicco died on Saturday while in hospice care in San Diego after battling respiratory issues and experiencing recent homelessness.

DiCicco’s journey with Buddy began in 1989 when he found the golden retriever near his cabin in the Sierra Nevada. He trained Buddy to perform a variety of sports skills including basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. Their talents gained national attention through appearances on America’s Funniest Home Videos and David Letterman’s “Stupid Pet Tricks.”

In a 2024 interview, DiCicco reflected on their unique bond, saying, "My obsession with sport, and his obsession with ball playing, the combination of the two, created this tremendous canine athlete." This partnership led to the launch of Air Bud Productions and the release of the 1997 film Air Bud, directed by Charles Martin Smith. The movie tells the story of Buddy, a circus dog who escapes his abusive clown owner and helps a young boy’s basketball team win a championship.

The original Air Bud movie, produced by Keystone Entertainment and Disney’s Miramax label, was a commercial success, earning $23 million on a modest $3 million budget. It spawned a sequel, Air Bud: Golden Receiver (1998), and numerous direct-to-video follow-ups released between 2000 and 2012, including titles like Air Buddies, Snow Buddies, and Santa Buddies. Another Air Bud film is currently in development.

Although Buddy passed away in February 1998 at nine years old, he appeared only in the first film. DiCicco continued the legacy by breeding and training three of Buddy’s descendants to star in subsequent movies, keeping the franchise alive for fans worldwide.

Despite the franchise’s estimated earnings exceeding $200 million, DiCicco revealed that he did not benefit significantly from the financial success. He explained, "They are so cleverly crafted to make sure that these films don't really ever receive the big money." Due to this, he faced financial hardships rather than enjoying retirement.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DiCicco lost his job as a property manager, which led to homelessness and clinical depression. He developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which was worsened by his use of medical marijuana, eventually requiring oxygen support. A GoFundMe campaign helped provide some relief during this difficult period.

The passing of Kevin DiCicco marks the end of a chapter for the beloved Air Bud franchise’s original owner and trainer, whose dedication brought Buddy to life and helped create a lasting family entertainment legacy.