Who Played Willy in Free Willy
Keiko, a captive orca, portrayed Willy in the 1993 family film Free Willy. The role was performed by the real whale, not a human actor.
About the Film and Its Star
Free Willy follows a boy who helps a captive orca return to the ocean. The movie was produced by Warner Bros. and became a family favorite.
Behind the Scenes and Legacy
Keiko was trained by specialized handlers for the film. After the movie, Keiko was relocated to Iceland, and his story was later documented in the film Keiko: The Untold Story of Free Willy.
For more information on the real orca who played Willy, visit National Geographic Orca.
