'Flipper': What Happened To The Cast?

The family adventure series Flipper was quite popular after it premiered in 1964, lasting for several seasons. It was based on the 1963 film of the same name and its sequel Flipper's Great Adventure. Luke Halpin returned as "Sandy Ricks," while Brian Kelly reprised his role of "Porter Ricks". Tommy Norden also joined the cast as "Bud Ricks".

Those who loved Flipper are likely wondering where their favourite cast members ended up years later. Unfortunately, several of them have passed away, and it seems as if the others have disappeared from the spotlight. Click through to find out what we know about the cast of Flipper!

Brian Kelly played the role of widow-turned-park ranger "Porter Ricks" in Flipper. He first appeared as the character in Flipper's Great Adventure, and was one of the series regular cast members. 

After his time on Flipper, Brian Kelly was only seen in a few more projects. He was seen in the 1968 film The Longest Hunt as "Chad Stark," and appeared in several made-for-television films. Kelly also produced the sci-fi action movie Blade Runner, which came out in 1982. He then passed away in 2005 after suffering pneumonia, leaving three children behind.

Luke Halpin played "Sandy Ricks" in Flipper! He first took on the role of the show's young hero as a teenager, and it led to him being considered a heartthrob during the time period.

Halpin did continue acting after Flipper, but none of his roles made as big of a splash. He had a handful of small roles in various films and television series— including a cameo in the 1996 reboot of Flipper!

Tommy Norden was the young star who played "Bud Ricks" on Flipper! As "Sandy's" younger brother, he first appeared in the franchise with the 1963 movie.

Norden's acting career ended shortly after Flipper finished in 1967. He had a few small roles in various television series, before making the decision to leave Hollywood behind. Norden made the move from New York to Miami, Florida, where he joined the family business of recruiting.

Of course, fans of the series will also wonder what became of the dolphin who played its titular character. While there were five dolphins who were trained to star as "Flipper," the main one was known as Kathy.

Sadly, the bottlenose dolphin ended up suffering a tragic death in 1970— just years after Flipper had come to an end. It is thought by her trainer Rick O'Barry that Cathy chose to stop breathing in his arms while at her home, Miami Seaquarium.