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Kevin Di Cicco, dog trainer and creator of the famous "Air Bud" character, passed away at the age of 63 on March 21 in San Diego, according to his brother Mark, who confirmed the news to TMZ. Di Cicco spent time in palliative care before his death.
Di Cicco gained national recognition after rescuing a stray Golden Retriever near his cabin in Yosemite and training the dog to perform athletic skills. The dog, named "Buddy," appeared on shows such as "America’s Funniest Home Videos" and "Late Night With David Letterman."
He collaborated with independent producer Keystone Entertainment to produce the film "Air Bud," which was acquired for distribution by Miramax and released directly to video by Disney. The film achieved great success and led to a series of sequels including "Air Bud: Spikes Back" and "Air Buddies," making the character Buddy a family film icon. Di Cicco received 11 credits throughout the series as the character’s creator.
In his later years, Di Cicco faced health challenges including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which required hospitalization. He also revealed struggles with homelessness in San Diego and chronic health issues, yet remained focused on the legacy of Buddy and the joy the films brought to audiences.
Di Cicco told Fox 5 San Diego that he did not earn significant profits from the films due to contracts structured to limit creators’ financial returns, forcing him to face financial difficulties instead of enjoying a peaceful retirement.
Enduring Artistic Legacy
The "Air Bud" series continues to attract audiences, with a new installment titled "Air Bud Returns" announced for release in 2025, underscoring the lasting impact of the Buddy character created by Di Cicco in the realm of family films.
This news has been re-edited based on a report published by variety.com, while preserving the essential facts from the original source.