Overview
- His brother told TMZ that he died Saturday, March 21 in a San Diego hospice from complications of advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- He had disclosed in November 2024 that he was homeless after bankruptcy, and friends launched a GoFundMe seeking $250,000 to place him in assisted living.
- DiCicco discovered Buddy near Yosemite in 1989, trained the golden retriever, and built early buzz through TV spots like America’s Funniest Home Videos before shaping the film franchise.
- The first Air Bud film opened in August 1997 and grossed $23,144,499, and the series continued for years with DiCicco credited across multiple entries.
- Coverage notes he linked his COPD to cannabis use and said he received little compensation from the company behind the films, claims reported without independent verification.