NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
SPOTLIGHT
SOME ACTORS HAVE FOUR LEGS
Text By Douglas Schwartz
All content in this SPOTLIGHT © copyright the respective artists. All rights reserved.
If you need an actor who can speak fluent canine...hire a dog! This should be fairly obvious. An ability to bark a line, however, is not
the only requirement for casting a particular canine in a motion picture or television program. An actor of the four-legged variety must
also possess other personality and acting talents. This, of course, also applies to the ones who meow, squeal, growl, grunt and
whinny. Every animal actor featured in this SPOTLIGHT definitely fits the bill.
As with all artists, the job of an actor is to communicate something. The way in which an actor does this encompasses different
methods. To say that actors with four legs are not real actors because they don't speak lines comprised of human words is as wrong
as saying that mimes or silent movie stars are not actors for the same reason.
While I obviously cannot include all four-legged actors in this SPOTLIGHT, I will name many of those who have impressed me with
their thespian talents over the years. Some have worked as supporting cast members in motion pictures or television programs.
Others were the actual stars of the productions and received incredible fame and fortune. This allowed them to own luxury homes...
have human butlers, maids and chauffeurs...and vacation in the South of France. At least that's how my vivid imagination sees it.
the only requirement for casting a particular canine in a motion picture or television program. An actor of the four-legged variety must
also possess other personality and acting talents. This, of course, also applies to the ones who meow, squeal, growl, grunt and
whinny. Every animal actor featured in this SPOTLIGHT definitely fits the bill.
As with all artists, the job of an actor is to communicate something. The way in which an actor does this encompasses different
methods. To say that actors with four legs are not real actors because they don't speak lines comprised of human words is as wrong
as saying that mimes or silent movie stars are not actors for the same reason.
While I obviously cannot include all four-legged actors in this SPOTLIGHT, I will name many of those who have impressed me with
their thespian talents over the years. Some have worked as supporting cast members in motion pictures or television programs.
Others were the actual stars of the productions and received incredible fame and fortune. This allowed them to own luxury homes...
have human butlers, maids and chauffeurs...and vacation in the South of France. At least that's how my vivid imagination sees it.
Famous canine actors include Petey
in The Little Rascals (shown right), Rin
Tin Tin in The Adventures of Rin Tin
Tin, and a little dog who traveled with
Dorothy down the yellow brick road to
the Emerald City in the classic film,
The Wizard of Oz. I'm speaking of
Toto, of course, whose real name was
Terry (shown left). Toto may have been
small in stature, but was a giant when
it came to dealing with that evil witch!
in The Little Rascals (shown right), Rin
Tin Tin in The Adventures of Rin Tin
Tin, and a little dog who traveled with
Dorothy down the yellow brick road to
the Emerald City in the classic film,
The Wizard of Oz. I'm speaking of
Toto, of course, whose real name was
Terry (shown left). Toto may have been
small in stature, but was a giant when
it came to dealing with that evil witch!
Then there's the dog who is known by countless fans throughout the world. If I tell you
that this dog is a collie, can you guess the name? If you said, Lassie, you are correct!
Played by several different collies over the years...much the same as how many
different human actors have played Hamlet or Macbeth...the real name of the first
dog to play the part in Lassie Come Home was Pal. Pal was trained by Rudd
Weatherwax who also owned and trained the collies that played Lassie on television
as well. While the character of a female dog called Lassie has become an icon of
the entertainment world, it is my understanding that all the collies who played Lassie
were actually male dogs. Lassie's long fur, shall we say, concealed this anatomical
fact.
that this dog is a collie, can you guess the name? If you said, Lassie, you are correct!
Played by several different collies over the years...much the same as how many
different human actors have played Hamlet or Macbeth...the real name of the first
dog to play the part in Lassie Come Home was Pal. Pal was trained by Rudd
Weatherwax who also owned and trained the collies that played Lassie on television
as well. While the character of a female dog called Lassie has become an icon of
the entertainment world, it is my understanding that all the collies who played Lassie
were actually male dogs. Lassie's long fur, shall we say, concealed this anatomical
fact.
There is another canine actor by the name of Higgins whose charismatic charm and
outright cuteness shined like a beacon in the night. You would probably know him
better as the little dog with the simple name of Dog on the Petticoat Junction television
series. Higgins would follow that role and go on to become a genuine star as the title
character in the motion picture, Benji. Several other Benji movies followed featuring
Higgin's real-life daughter, Benjean, proving that talent does indeed run in the family!
Discovered in a homeless shelter, Higgins seemed to express his appreciation for
being rescued by acting his tail off. Owned and trained by Frank Inn (who had many
other animal actors in his menagerie including Benjean), Higgins would respond to
Frank's hand gestures as if the two were spiritually connected, which I believe they
were. Higgins could light up the screen with his pint-sized appeal and attracted
audiences worldwide. Having watched the film, Benji, again recently in preparation
for this SPOTLIGHT, I feel confident in saying that Higgins appeared to truly enjoy
his work.
outright cuteness shined like a beacon in the night. You would probably know him
better as the little dog with the simple name of Dog on the Petticoat Junction television
series. Higgins would follow that role and go on to become a genuine star as the title
character in the motion picture, Benji. Several other Benji movies followed featuring
Higgin's real-life daughter, Benjean, proving that talent does indeed run in the family!
Discovered in a homeless shelter, Higgins seemed to express his appreciation for
being rescued by acting his tail off. Owned and trained by Frank Inn (who had many
other animal actors in his menagerie including Benjean), Higgins would respond to
Frank's hand gestures as if the two were spiritually connected, which I believe they
were. Higgins could light up the screen with his pint-sized appeal and attracted
audiences worldwide. Having watched the film, Benji, again recently in preparation
for this SPOTLIGHT, I feel confident in saying that Higgins appeared to truly enjoy
his work.
Continuing with our list, we come to the comical character Frank the Pug played by Mushu (shown below right) in Men in Black,
Asta in The Thin Man movies played by Skippy (shown below left), Beasley the Dog who plays Hooch in Turner and Hooch,
several canine actors who played Jerry Lee in K-9, and the character known as Pard in the movie High Sierra which was played
by Humphrey Bogart's real life dog, Zero.
The canine television characters known as Fred on the I Love Lucy show as well as Fremont on Dennis The Menace were each
played by a dog named Danny, and the sheepdog with the regal sounding name of Lord Nelson (shown below center) played
parts in The Doris Day Show, My Three Sons and Please Don't Eat The Daisies. Then there is the amusing little dog in The Jerk
with Steve Martin who was referred to in the film as both Lifesaver and Shithead.
Asta in The Thin Man movies played by Skippy (shown below left), Beasley the Dog who plays Hooch in Turner and Hooch,
several canine actors who played Jerry Lee in K-9, and the character known as Pard in the movie High Sierra which was played
by Humphrey Bogart's real life dog, Zero.
The canine television characters known as Fred on the I Love Lucy show as well as Fremont on Dennis The Menace were each
played by a dog named Danny, and the sheepdog with the regal sounding name of Lord Nelson (shown below center) played
parts in The Doris Day Show, My Three Sons and Please Don't Eat The Daisies. Then there is the amusing little dog in The Jerk
with Steve Martin who was referred to in the film as both Lifesaver and Shithead.
There is one tabby, however, by the name of Orangey (also trained by Frank Inn) who could
match the acting talents of any canine. Orangey appeared in several television shows including
The Dick Van Dyke Show as Mr. Henderson and The Beverly Hillbillies as Rusty. Orangey
also starred on the big screen in the movies Rubarb, The Diary of Anne Frank and Breakfast
at Tiffany's.
Three excellent actors appeared in the rainy last scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's...namely,
Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard and Orangey. While the human actors did their jobs quite
well, I believe that Orangey owned the cinematic moment paws down! The look on the wet
feline's face expressed precisely what was needed at that moment in the story, even though
Orangey was probably thinking something to himself like...I fully expect to be dried-off promptly
at the conclusion of this scene, fed whatever I damn well please, and shown to my dressing
room for a much deserved rest...or else!
match the acting talents of any canine. Orangey appeared in several television shows including
The Dick Van Dyke Show as Mr. Henderson and The Beverly Hillbillies as Rusty. Orangey
also starred on the big screen in the movies Rubarb, The Diary of Anne Frank and Breakfast
at Tiffany's.
Three excellent actors appeared in the rainy last scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's...namely,
Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard and Orangey. While the human actors did their jobs quite
well, I believe that Orangey owned the cinematic moment paws down! The look on the wet
feline's face expressed precisely what was needed at that moment in the story, even though
Orangey was probably thinking something to himself like...I fully expect to be dried-off promptly
at the conclusion of this scene, fed whatever I damn well please, and shown to my dressing
room for a much deserved rest...or else!
A familiar spirit by the name of Pyewacket was played by a Siamese cat in the movie, Bell, Book and Candle, which also
features human actors Kim Novak and James Stewart. As is often the case when it comes to animals appearing in movies,
many of the best moments center around the magical spell of the four-legged actor. As far as I can tell, the real name of
the feline actor who played the part of Pyewacket was never disclosed, contributing to the supernatural aura of the
bewitching film.
A tabby cat by the name of Tonto played the title character with the same name in the film, Harry and Tonto. This is a road
movie which takes the audience from New York City to Los Angeles, with many occurrences along the way. The
camaraderie between Tonto and Harry, played by Art Carney, is both amusing and touching. I highly recommend it, in spite
of its melancholy ending.
Commercials have used the screen appeal and acting talents of four-legged actors since the early days of television. One
long running series of ads for cat food featured another tabby cat as the hard-to-please connoisseur of feline cuisine, Morris
The Cat. While Morris may have been a finicky eater, his persona pleased television audiences for many years.
One motion picture combined the character of a cat named Sassy, played by Tiki, and two dogs named Shadow and
Chance, played by Ben and Rattler. The film is entitled, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and tells the story of the
three animals working together to overcome the dangers of the wilderness, in which they are lost, in order to make their way
back home. As spectacular as the scenery is in the film, it is the lovable appeal of the four-legged actors which jumps off the
screen.
features human actors Kim Novak and James Stewart. As is often the case when it comes to animals appearing in movies,
many of the best moments center around the magical spell of the four-legged actor. As far as I can tell, the real name of
the feline actor who played the part of Pyewacket was never disclosed, contributing to the supernatural aura of the
bewitching film.
A tabby cat by the name of Tonto played the title character with the same name in the film, Harry and Tonto. This is a road
movie which takes the audience from New York City to Los Angeles, with many occurrences along the way. The
camaraderie between Tonto and Harry, played by Art Carney, is both amusing and touching. I highly recommend it, in spite
of its melancholy ending.
Commercials have used the screen appeal and acting talents of four-legged actors since the early days of television. One
long running series of ads for cat food featured another tabby cat as the hard-to-please connoisseur of feline cuisine, Morris
The Cat. While Morris may have been a finicky eater, his persona pleased television audiences for many years.
One motion picture combined the character of a cat named Sassy, played by Tiki, and two dogs named Shadow and
Chance, played by Ben and Rattler. The film is entitled, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and tells the story of the
three animals working together to overcome the dangers of the wilderness, in which they are lost, in order to make their way
back home. As spectacular as the scenery is in the film, it is the lovable appeal of the four-legged actors which jumps off the
screen.
Animal actors, other than dogs and cats, have appeared on television and in motion
pictures as well. Bamboo Harvester became a television star by mouthing the words
spoken by an off-screen human actor. The character that Bamboo played was a
palomino horse by the name of Mister Ed. While the human words certainly added
to the appeal of the series, I believe that Bamboo's on-screen magnetism was what
captivated audiences the most.
While growing up in the 1960s, two of my favorite television shows were Bamboo's
portrayal of Mister Ed, and the on the road adventures of Lassie. I also enjoyed
watching The Flintstones, which had an animated dinosaur named Dino in the cast,
and The Jetsons, which had an animated dog named Astro. I know these two animal
actors aren't real like the others featured in this SPOTLIGHT, but they sure seemed
real to a much younger me! That's due to the personalities given to them by their
animators.
pictures as well. Bamboo Harvester became a television star by mouthing the words
spoken by an off-screen human actor. The character that Bamboo played was a
palomino horse by the name of Mister Ed. While the human words certainly added
to the appeal of the series, I believe that Bamboo's on-screen magnetism was what
captivated audiences the most.
While growing up in the 1960s, two of my favorite television shows were Bamboo's
portrayal of Mister Ed, and the on the road adventures of Lassie. I also enjoyed
watching The Flintstones, which had an animated dinosaur named Dino in the cast,
and The Jetsons, which had an animated dog named Astro. I know these two animal
actors aren't real like the others featured in this SPOTLIGHT, but they sure seemed
real to a much younger me! That's due to the personalities given to them by their
animators.
Motion picture director, Alfred Hitchcock, once described human actors as cattle.
The funny thing is that a real cow graced the television screen with her acting abilities.
Remember Elinor in the Green Acres series? While Elinor didn't move around much
in the show, she did an excellent job of portraying a cow to perfection nonetheless.
Also appearing in the Green Acres series was an extremely likable pig by the name of
Arnold Ziffel. In case you don't know, Arnold was the adopted "son" of two human
characters on the show, Fred and Doris Ziffel. This fact alone should illustrate the
zaniness of that situation comedy! Played throughout the series by several different
pigs, Arnold always was a delight to watch.
The funny thing is that a real cow graced the television screen with her acting abilities.
Remember Elinor in the Green Acres series? While Elinor didn't move around much
in the show, she did an excellent job of portraying a cow to perfection nonetheless.
Also appearing in the Green Acres series was an extremely likable pig by the name of
Arnold Ziffel. In case you don't know, Arnold was the adopted "son" of two human
characters on the show, Fred and Doris Ziffel. This fact alone should illustrate the
zaniness of that situation comedy! Played throughout the series by several different
pigs, Arnold always was a delight to watch.
What do all of the animal actors in this SPOTLIGHT have in common? I believe the answer to that question is very simple.
They are all very likable. They had to be or else they wouldn't have become famous and have a lasting impact on audiences
to this day.
If you think about it, animals aren't all that different than humans. Yes, they may have four legs and many of them have fur,
but they have feelings just like us. They can feel happy and they can feel sad. They can also feel lonely and afraid. I've
personally known them to smile and even cry...in their own way, of course.
Are animals only performing for treats and praise when it comes to their acting? One look in their eyes says otherwise.
For while they may not be able to speak our verbal language, animals do express an emotional language which goes far
beyond mere words. It is one which resonates in the heart and touches the soul. The first three words in the opening theme
song for the Benji movie are, "I feel love." What greater emotion does any actor need to feel?
They are all very likable. They had to be or else they wouldn't have become famous and have a lasting impact on audiences
to this day.
If you think about it, animals aren't all that different than humans. Yes, they may have four legs and many of them have fur,
but they have feelings just like us. They can feel happy and they can feel sad. They can also feel lonely and afraid. I've
personally known them to smile and even cry...in their own way, of course.
Are animals only performing for treats and praise when it comes to their acting? One look in their eyes says otherwise.
For while they may not be able to speak our verbal language, animals do express an emotional language which goes far
beyond mere words. It is one which resonates in the heart and touches the soul. The first three words in the opening theme
song for the Benji movie are, "I feel love." What greater emotion does any actor need to feel?
Other memorable canine performers include the affable character of Eddie played by Moose on the Frazier television series,
the character Daisy played by Spooks in the Blondie movies, the dog who played several different television characters
including Horrible on The Dick Van Dyke Show and Blue on The Andy Griffith Show, and Frannie the beagle who played the
title character in the movie Shiloh.
Some people may feel that the dog who played Duke on The Beverly Hillbillies television series didn't do very much in his role
as a lazy bloodhound. I, however, contend that he acted his part quite convincingly, typecast as he may have been.
In my opinion, the award for the best performance (actually three performances) by a four-legged actor in a role of extreme
sorrow goes to the three Akita dogs…namely, Layla, Chico and Forrest...who combined their acting talents to create the part
of Hachi for the movie based on a true story entitled, Hachi: A Dog's Tale. Because of the passage of time in the story, three
different dogs, from young to elderly, were needed in order to show the aging of Hachi. I watched this very well-made film only
once years ago and haven't seen it since because of its intense sadness. If you have the desire and courage to see it, I
suggest you have an ample supply of tissues on hand.
Having known both dogs and cats in my life, I feel confident in saying that cats don't take direction as well as dogs. This is due
to their independent nature and assertive style. Because of this fact, perhaps cats would make better directors. Just a thought.
the character Daisy played by Spooks in the Blondie movies, the dog who played several different television characters
including Horrible on The Dick Van Dyke Show and Blue on The Andy Griffith Show, and Frannie the beagle who played the
title character in the movie Shiloh.
Some people may feel that the dog who played Duke on The Beverly Hillbillies television series didn't do very much in his role
as a lazy bloodhound. I, however, contend that he acted his part quite convincingly, typecast as he may have been.
In my opinion, the award for the best performance (actually three performances) by a four-legged actor in a role of extreme
sorrow goes to the three Akita dogs…namely, Layla, Chico and Forrest...who combined their acting talents to create the part
of Hachi for the movie based on a true story entitled, Hachi: A Dog's Tale. Because of the passage of time in the story, three
different dogs, from young to elderly, were needed in order to show the aging of Hachi. I watched this very well-made film only
once years ago and haven't seen it since because of its intense sadness. If you have the desire and courage to see it, I
suggest you have an ample supply of tissues on hand.
Having known both dogs and cats in my life, I feel confident in saying that cats don't take direction as well as dogs. This is due
to their independent nature and assertive style. Because of this fact, perhaps cats would make better directors. Just a thought.
Bart The Bear played in both dramatic motion pictures, including The Bear,
and comedic ones such as The Great Outdoors, demonstrating his versatility
as a performer. He was also featured in the television series, The Life and
Times of Grizzly Adams. While Bart was one of the largest animal actors in
history and his disposition may have been easy going, it was probably not a
good idea to disagree with his artistic judgment when it came to how he
should play a scene.
and comedic ones such as The Great Outdoors, demonstrating his versatility
as a performer. He was also featured in the television series, The Life and
Times of Grizzly Adams. While Bart was one of the largest animal actors in
history and his disposition may have been easy going, it was probably not a
good idea to disagree with his artistic judgment when it came to how he
should play a scene.
There was another show on TV back then that I enjoyed watching as well. This one was live action and featured an aquatic actor who has no legs, yet is faster than lightning under the sea. His name, of course, is Flipper. I know Flipper doesn't fit the description of the title for this SPOTLIGHT, but how could I not include that talented and adorable dolphin?!
