Daisy (dog actor)
Daisy (originally named Spooks) was a canine actor who appeared in more than 50 Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s. He was especially well-known for appearing in the Blondie franchise.[1]
Daisy | |
---|---|
Born | Spooks |
Occupation | Canine actor |
Years active | 1938–1954 |
Biography
Daisy—a cocker spaniel–poodle-terrier mix—was originally named Spooks because his owners noted his timidness as a pup.[2] Born around 1937, he was owned by dog trainer Rennie Renfro, who bought him for $3.[3][4][5] He also learned tricks from legendary trainer Rudd Weatherwax.[4]
Reportedly, Renfro and his pup made $1,000 a week, and Renfro used the money to buy them a house in Toluca Lake, California.[6][7] He was also noted to have had a five-year feud with actress Rita Hayworth.[8] His last known film appearance came in 1954.
Daisy and his "pups" had their own dog food brand that they made public appearances to promote.
Selected filmography
- Beware of Blondie (1950)
- Blondie's Hero (1950)
- Blondie Hits the Jackpot (1949)
- Blondie's Big Deal (1949)
- Blondie's Secret (1948)
- The Valiant Hombre (1948)
- Fighting Back (1948)
- Blondie's Reward (1948)
- Blondie's Anniversary (1947)
- Blondie in the Dough (1947)
- Blondie's Holiday (1947)
- Blondie's Big Moment (1947)
- Blondie Knows Best (1946)
- Blondie's Lucky Day (1946)
- Leave It to Blondie (1945)
- Blondie for Victory (1942)
- Blondie's Blessed Event (1942)
- Blondie Goes to College (1942)
- Blondie in Society (1941)
- Blondie Goes Latin (1941)
- Blondie Plays Cupid (1940)
- Blondie Has Servant Trouble (1940)
- Blondie on a Budget (1940)
- Blondie Brings Up Baby (1939)
- Blondie Takes a Vacation (1939)
- Blondie Meets the Boss (1939)
References
- Parsons, Louella O. (10 Mar 1946). "Animal Expert Tells of Handling Lions and Gulls". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- Beck, Ken; Clark, Jim (2002-03-30). The Encyclopedia of TV Pets: A Complete History of Television's Greatest Animal Stars. Thomas Nelson. ISBN 978-1-4185-5737-9.
- Parsons, Louella O. (23 Aug 1939). "Tony Pastor Film Will Relive Times of Noted Troopers". The Courier-Post. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- "Nondescript Pup Climbs to Film Film Fame in Movie". The Miami News. 11 Dec 1938. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- "Dogs Get "Romp With" Instead of "Stand In"". The Evening Sun. 29 Jun 1937. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- "High-Salaried Canine". The Record. 16 Sep 1941. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- "Poor Raft Poisoned by Make-Up". The Detroit Free Press. 8 Oct 1943. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
- Todd, John (10 Aug 1944). "In Hollywood". The Times. Retrieved 2019-11-23.