Meet Bobby: The Rescue Dog Who Became a Hollywood Star

Dog News
By Andrea Wright

Have you watched any of the episodes of House of the Dragon season two? If you have then you mostly have already seen episode one where the ratcatcher, Cheese, kicked his dog. If you felt bad in that moment and were happy when the dog got even in the next episode, you’ll love learning about the real dog actor.

Meet Bobby: A dog rescued from the streets of Cypress, California. Bobby rose to fame for his roles in Cruella and, the recently hyped film, House of the Dragon. In the latter, Bobby has evidently captured the heart of viewers as fans were more upset about him being kicked than the other violent scenes in the episodes he was in.

Bobby the dog star (📷: Mark Stobbart/HBO)

Fortunately, City Watch Sergeant Blood actor Sam C. Wilson said that Bobby was never actually kicked. He also mentioned that Bobby is a sweet pup who had a fancy kennel on set, which can be likened to a mini-vanity van.

Bobby was found on the streets near Burbank where Disney Studios is. He was saved by a rescue organization that reached out to Hollywood animal trainer Julie Tottman, as she is known to be always on the lookout for rescue animals that she can train for Hollywood roles. Tottman has worked on many films, including popular J.K. Rowling movie Harry Potter.

Sure enough, Tottman saw Bobby’s potential and had him audition for a Disney movie. He got the part and played the adorable furry sidekick to Emma Stone’s character Cruella De Vil in Disney’s 2021 origin film “Cruella.” Emma Stone enjoyed working with Bobby so much that she even wrote the canine star a note of appreciation.

(📽️: @disneystudios)

Now, because of a photo Tottman shared on Instagram, curious fans are asking if Bobby is the same dog from House of the Dragon. Social media conversations on X describe just how much of a star Bobby truly is, with one fan even calling his rescue a “wags to riches story.” Indeed, Bobby’s life story could even be its own film.

Bobby’s performance in House of the Dragon has gained him new fans, placing him among other popular animal actors like Messi the dog from Anatomy of a Fall and Frodo the cat from A Quiet Place: Day One. The inclusion of animal actors have always complemented stories, and our enjoyment is proof of that. Without the participation of furry stars like Bobby, films would undoubtedly feel incomplete.

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Other Well-Known Dog Actors in Hollywood History

  • Pal from Lassie: Perhaps the most famous dog actor in canine acting history, Pal was the original dog who played Lassie in the popular TV series from the 1950s. Lassie was a heroic collie who always saved the day, helping people in trouble.
  • Beethoven from the Beethoven movie series: Beethoven (his real name) is a St. Bernard who starred in the “Beethoven” movie series that effectively introduced the world to the St. Bernard breed. The movies are about a mischievous but lovable dog who gets into all sorts of trouble while bringing joy to his family.
  • Terry (Toto) from The Wizard of Oz: Terry was a small Cairn Terrier who played Toto, Dorothy’s loyal companion in the classic 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz.”
  • Buddy from the Air Bud movie series: Buddy was an athletic Golden Retriever who starred in the “Air Bud” comedy movie. In the movie, Buddy was an incredible dog who can play various sports, like basketball, football, and soccer.
  • Rin Tin Tin from early Hollywood movies: Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd who became a movie dog actor in the 1920s and 1930s, making him the “first ever canine superstar.” He was rescued from a World War I battlefield and went on to appear in many silent films, contributing to the widespread popularity of German Shepherds throughout his career.

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  • Rowdy from 100 Deeds of Eddie McDowd: Rowdy was an Australian Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix who played a bully who turned into a dog and had to do 100 good deeds in order to turn back into his human self.
  • Beasley from Turner & Hooch: Hooch was played by a French Mastiff named Beasley in the movie “Turner & Hooch.” His character is a slobbery and unruly dog who helps Detective Turner (played by Tom Hanks) solve a murder case.
  • Buddy from Full House: Buddy, a Golden Retriever, played Comet on the popular TV show “Full House.” Introduced in season three, Comet was the Tanner family’s pet and often got involved in the family’s adventures and mishaps.
  • Spike from Old Yeller: Spike was a Mastiff/Labrador mixed dog who played Old Yeller, a brave and loyal dog who protects his family in the Texas frontier, in the classic Disney movie.
  • Max from The Mask: Milo, played by a Jack Russell Terrier named Max, is the dog that helps his “The Mask,” played by Jim Carrey, in many comedic situations throughout the movie.

These are just a few of the well-known dog actors among many others who have made memorable contributions to films and TV shows, showcasing their talents and intelligence, adding depth to the stories they have helped tell, just like Bobby the rescue dog.