Kevin DiCicco, who co-created the hit 1990s Disney family film franchise Air Bud, has died aged 63 in hospice care following complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Hollie Beale, Fran Winston and Amy Denman Showbiz & TV Editor
14:08, 28 Mar 2026Updated 14:28, 28 Mar 2026
(Image: GoFundMe)
The man who created a beloved Disney family film franchise in the 1990s has died in a hospice.
Kevin DiCicco, who helped create Air Bud, died aged 63 in hospice care on Saturday, March 21, after suffering complications from advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The news was confirmed by his brother Mark to TMZ. His death came 16 months after the Hollywood personality revealed he had lost his home and was grappling with severe health problems.
It was disclosed in November 2024 that he had been left homeless following bankruptcy. Supporters set up a GoFundMe appeal hoping to raise $250k (£188,437) to help secure assisted living facilities for him while he fought chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which he attributed to cannabis consumption.
READ MORE: British celebs could face huge tax bills on return to UK after fleeing DubaiREAD MORE: Paul O’Grady’s widower announces touching special honour for star on death anniversary
Kevin DiCicco was behind the hugely popular Disney franchise Air Bud(Image: Getty)
**Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. **Click here to activate** or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.**
During that period, he revealed he was nearing the 90-day maximum stay permitted at a San Diego refuge and felt “terrified” about the prospect of homelessness, compounded by his declining health.
Despite being instrumental in establishing the successful Air Bud franchise and personally owning and training Buddy, the golden retriever who starred in the 1997 Disney production, he insisted he “never received much monetary compensation” from the media giant. Kevin discovered the athletic golden retriever wandering as a stray close to his Yosemite cabin back in 1989 and took him in, ultimately transforming him into a beloved icon.
The pair first rose to prominence via America’s Funniest Home Videos before making their mark in Hollywood. Buddy earned a nomination for Favourite Animal at the 1998 Kids’ Choice Awards, though he heartbreakingly died from synovial cell sarcoma the following year aged just nine, reports the Mirror US.
Despite this, the franchise continued until 2012, with Kevin amassing 11 credits for his creative contributions. The original Air Bud film hit cinemas in August 1997, raking in $23,144,499, according to Box Office Mojo, reports the Express.
Tributes poured in across social media following news of his death. “Bro Air Bud was a HUGE inspiration for my love of sports as a kid… I thought about Air Bud all the time during my football career. Kevin DiCicco can’t get enough flowers. RIP, good sir,” one fan shared on Facebook.
Another remarked, “That’s really sad that nobody in Hollywood reached out to help him. He is a fellow actor after all.” A third person added: “That’s so sad RIP thank you Kevin for making our childhood great with you’re touching heartfelt Air Bud film.” A fourth shared: “Loved Air Bud as a kid. I was 10 years old and also played basketball. Great film. Rest in peace.” A fifth commented: “This should never happen, idc if you’re famous or not. He deserved better. May he RIP.”
Meanwhile, a sixth stated: “RIP Loved Air Bud.. I hate that anybody has to struggle like this. It’s sad and not right.”
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.