2006 Legend Award Winner: Ricou Browning

His career was born under water – from playing Gill Man in Creature from the Black Lagoon and its two sequels to helming the TV series Flipper. Ricou Browning is an underwater film and television pioneer, and his splashy five decade career is being celebrated as Film Florida honored him as the first recipient of the Film Florida Legends Award.

Film Florida, a not-for–profit corporation that provides a leadership role in Florida's film and entertainment industries by representing a coalition of interest, including private industry, local film commissions, labor organizations and industry associations, hosted the 1st Annual Legends Awards on Tuesday, June 27 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Miami's Design District at the historic Moore Building.

Browning and his son, Ricou Browing, Jr. were on hand to receive the award for his contributions to the film and television industry in Florida and beyond. “When we were faced with the task of selecting our first ‘Legend', there were a number of deserving candidates,” said Jeff Peel, Director of the Miami-Dade Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment and Legends event coordinator for Film Florida. “But Ricou Browning stood out among the rest, as he is a true pioneer. He led the way when it came to underwater photography and marine coordination,” said Peel. “And now his son Ricou Jr. is following his footsteps. We're very enthusiastic about honoring Mr. Browning, and hope that the hundreds of cast and crew who worked with him over the years will join us in celebrating his contributions."

Born in Fort Pierce, Florida, Ricou Browning grew up in nearby Jensen Beach and got a career start diving and springboard diving in local water shows. In the 1940s, Browning helped start the tourist attraction and starred as a "merman" at Weeki Wachee Springs.

He retains cult status among horror movie fans for his role as the Gill Man in the underwater scenes of Universal Pictures 1954 hit Creature from the Black Lagoon and its sequels Revenge of the Creature, The Creature Walks Among Us. A Universal Pictures remake of Creature from the Black Lagoon is scheduled to begin filming this summer.

Following his performances in three "Creature" films, Mr. Browning joined Ivan Tors Films as Second Unit Director and President of the Underwater Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, for such projects as Aquanauts and Sea Hunt. He was also the creator of Flipper and Directed 12 episodes of Gentle Ben.