1. Willy
This famous Orca Whale won our hearts in the movie, Free Willy in 1993. Willy was actually played by an Orca Whale named Keiko. Keiko went on to star in the movie sequels Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home and Free Willy 3: The Rescue.
2. Babe
The movie that showcases this famous pig, was based on the novel by Dick King-Smith. The famous pig was actually played by 48 different baby pigs as well as an animatronics model. This was the number of pigs needed during filming as baby pigs grow very quickly.
3. Taco Bell Chihuahua
Gidget is the name of this famous Chihuahua who was featured in the successful ad campaign launched by Taco Bell.
4. Spuds McKenzie
This Bull Terrier launched its career during a Bud Light Beer commercial during the Super bowl in 1987. The dog was often seen surrounded by three beautiful women known as “Spudettes.” Interestingly, the dog was actually a female dog by the name of Honey Tree Evil Eye.
5. Morris the Cat
The spokescat for 9Lives Cat Food has actually been played by several cats over the years. The first Morris was adopted from the Humane Society in 1968. Since then, every cat who plays Morris must be from an animal rescue.
6. Geico Gecko
This little green gecko was born out of a brainstorming session at Geico during a strike by the Screen Actors Guild. The strike precluded the use of live actors and made it possible for the gecko to make his debut. In 2005, the little green gecko was voted America’s favorite advertising icon.
7. Mr. Ed
A horse is a horse, of course, of course…but no horse was as unique as Mr. Ed, the talking horse. The Palomino actually did most of his own stunts and received the on-screen credit: Mr. Ed, Himself. How did they get him to talk? The horse was fed a mouthful of peanut butter, which he loved. He would lick his lips continually which gave the impression that he was speaking.
8. Lassie
This Rough Collie can claim fame for starring in a short story, book, radio program, several movies and a long-running television show. The television show aired on CBS for 20 years, from 1954 to 1974.
9. Flipper
This dolphin was the star of a television show on NBC from 1964 to 1967. The original Flipper was not very athletic, so had to have a stunt double to do the tail walking.
10. Benji
Originally adopted from an animal shelter, this little mutt dog went on to win our hearts in both movies and television. The role has been played by many of the original Benji’s descendants over the years.