• There is a long and storied history of nonhuman actors, from Luke, the dog of silent star Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, to the collies cast in the role of Lassie in film and on television. • Bart the Bear racked up over 20 film and TV credits in the 1980s and 1990s, while countless horses have supported period dramas that now saturate streaming services.
Article Summaries:
- The article reviews the long tradition of animal performers in Hollywood, citing early examples such as Luke the dog of silent‑era star Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, the collies that portrayed Lassie on film and television, and Bart the Bear’s 20‑plus credits in the 1980s and 1990s. It also notes the frequent use of horses in period dramas that now dominate streaming platforms. While the piece highlights these historical precedents, it raises the question of whether animals will continue to have a role on modern film sets, given evolving industry practices and animal‑rights concerns.
Sources: