 Moonie in a promotional photo for the filmLegally Blonde | |
| Breed | Chihuahua |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1998 |
| Died | 10 March 2016(2016-03-10) (aged 17–18) Los Angeles,California,United States |
| Occupation | Canine actor |
| Notable role | Legally Blonde,Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde |
| Years active | 2001–2014 |
| Owner | Studio Animal Services |
Moonie (1998 – March 10, 2016), also known asMoondoggie, was acanine actor. He was aChihuahua best known for his role as Bruiser Woods in the filmsLegally Blonde andLegally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, appearing alongside actressReese Witherspoon. He lived withGidget, another Chihuahua who was famous for herTaco Bell commercials.[1][2][3]
In March 2016, Moonie died at the age of 18.
Moonie was born in 1998. He was taken in as a puppy by Studio Animal Services trainer, Sue Chipperton. Sue had also helped train the chihuahua Gidget, who had already made a name for herself as a mascot for the Taco Bell restaurant chain. Chipperton had learned that the producers ofLegally Blonde were looking to cast a Chihuahua in the film, but Gidget's busy schedule ruled out the possibility of her auditioning for the role. Two other trainers had discovered Moonie, then a puppy, and suggested to Chipperton, a trainer for Studio Animal Services, that she train and submit him for the role instead, given her experience and success working with Chihuahuas.[1][2]
Moonie's breakout role was in 2001, when he appeared in the filmLegally Blonde as Bruiser Woods, the canine companion of Elle Woods (portrayed by Witherspoon). In 2003, at the age of 5, he reprised his role as Bruiser in the film's sequel,Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, in which Gidget portrayed Bruiser's mother. Both dogs belonged to Studio Animal Services.[1][2]
Following theLegally Blonde movies, Moonie continued to book acting jobs. He appeared in a music video alongside the singer and actressCher, starred in several commercials, and had guest roles in episodes of the television seriesThree Sisters andProvidence.[1][3][4]
He was present when Reese Witherspoon received her star on theHollywood Walk of Fame in December 2010.[citation needed]
Moonie retired from acting in 2014 at the age of 15.[2]
On March 10, 2016, Moonie died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 18. Chipperton broke the news of his death in anInstagram post that same day, and numerous major media outlets reported on his death.[5][6]