Air Bud creator Kevin DiCicco dead at 63… one year after revealing major health issues and homelessness

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Kevin DiCicco died in San Diego at age 63, just over a year after sharing that he was experiencing homelessness and struggling with serious health problems.

Charles Martin Smith, the creator of the ‘Air Bud’ movies, died on Saturday, March 21st, after a period in hospice care, according to his brother Mark, who shared the news with TMZ.

He had reportedly been a heavy smoker and developed advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition causes swelling and irritation – known as inflammation – inside the airways, making it harder to breathe.

Earlier this month, DiCicco was hospitalized with a serious case of pneumonia. He shared an update on a GoFundMe page – originally started in 2024 – explaining that he’d been receiving breathing treatments, undergoing tests, and taking antibiotics.

While staying at his cabin in Yosemite, DiCicco found a stray dog he called Buddy. He then taught Buddy to play sports like basketball and soccer.

DiCicco and Buddy became well-known when a video of the dog was featured on America’s Funniest Home Videos.

The Golden Retriever also appeared on David Letterman’s show to demonstrate what he could do.

Buddy then stepped into the world of Hollywood by starring in the 1997 Disney film Air Bud. 

A follow-up movie came out the next year, leading to a series of films like Air Bud: Spikes Back (2003) and Air Buddies (2006).

The dog was also nominated for Favorite Animal Star at the Kids’ Choice Awards in 1998.

Buddy passed away later that year at the age of nine due to complications of cancer. 

In November 2024, Kevin DiCicco, known for his work on the Air Bud movies where he received 11 credits, shared that he was experiencing homelessness and struggling with serious health problems.

He explained to TMZ that he was currently staying at a San Diego shelter, but his stay was limited to 90 days and he would soon be homeless again.

DiCicco confessed he was deeply frightened about being homeless, especially considering his ongoing health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

He had attributed his COPD diagnosis to his marijuana use. 

After facing bankruptcy, DiCicco struggled with depression and used marijuana to cope, but he didn’t use any other drugs.

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2026-03-24 23:03