We're putting the spotlight back on the animals who bring the clawed, pawed, feathered, and furred characters we love to life. We learn about the animals' lives and the movie magic behind their acting. Then we review the movie or TV show and its animal actors, dive into a surprise scenario, and answer the important questions, like: "If you had to choose one animal actor to adopt, one to send to a no kill shelter, and one to taxidermy...?"
In this special episode, we take a surprise detour from our planned coverage of Fly Away Home to honor the late, great Morris the Alligator with a deep dive into the 1980 cult classic Alligator. With Morris's recent passing, we felt it was only right to spotlight his breakout performance as the sewer-dwelling star of one of the most gloriously unhinged creature features ever made. We recap, review, and celebrate Morris's legacy as a true trailblazer in animal acting—delivering a performance that's equal parts terrifying and iconic. It's a fitting tribute to one of Hollywood's most unforgettable reptiles. The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own.For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform.Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out.Alligator - IMDBAlligator (1980) - Trivia - IMDbAlligator (film) - WikipediaAmerican alligator - WikipediaMorris the alligator, known for Happy Gilmore and other films, dies around age 80 | Adam Sandler | The GuardianMorris, Alligator of ‘Happy Gilmore' Fame, Dies at 80 (or More) - The New York TimesMorris, Alligator in Happy Gilmore, Dead at Over 80 Years Old - IMDb✨ Adam Sandler Pays Tribute to 'Happy Gilmore' Costar After Animal Actor DiesAlligator that starred in 'Happy Gilmore' dies of old age in Colorado - NewsdayMorris the Movie Star: The Legendary Alligator from Horror Movie 'Alligator' Has Passed Away - Bloody DisgustingAntagonist from Creature Feature ‘Alligator' Has Died PeacefullyColorado celebrity alligator to be taxidermized to "continue to scare children for years to come" - CBS Colorado✨ Did you know the famous gator from 'Happy Gilmore' now lives in Colorado?How this Colorado alligator ended up on 'Happy Gilmore'How this Colorado alligator ended up on 'Happy Gilmore' | FOX31 DenverColorado Life Magazine - Colorado GatorsSouthern Colorado Guide - Colorado GatorsMeet 'the largest alligator in the West' at an exotic pet sanctuary in Colorado's high desert - Roadtrippers✨ The Worst Movie of All Time: Entry #12: AlligatorArchive.org - News Article✨ YouTube - Alligator (1980) - Bonus Clip: Bryan Cranston Talks Assisting On Special Effects (HD)✨ YouTube - ALLIGATOR 1980 practical effects✨ AFI CATALOG OF FEATURE FILMS - ALLIGATOR✨ It came from the sewers: Lewis Teague's ‘Alligator' turns 40
In this episode, we dive into the visually stunning and emotionally charged 2024 film Flow—a bold, dialogue-free animated journey that follows a stray cat navigating a post-apocalyptic flood alongside a ragtag crew of animals. With breathtaking animation and an unforgettable score, Flow delivers a story that's both simple and profound, managing to say everything without saying a word. We recap, review, and explore how this film uses animal behavior and expressive design to hit harder than most live-action dramas. Trust us—Flow will absolutely blow you out of the water.The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own.For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform.Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out.Flow - IMDBFlow - WikipediaBlack cat - WikipediaGolden Retriever - WikipediaLemur - WikipediaSecretarybird - WikipediaCapybara - WikipediaGints Zilbalodis - Wikipedia✨ Flow Director Gints Zilbalodis on Animating Animals, Allegories, and Cinema vs. Videogames‘Flow' Director on the Feline Inspiration Behind His Cat-Focused Animated Environmental Fable✨ 'Flow': here are 20 concept arts that helped create the animals of the movieWho Voices the Flow Animals? Dir. Gints Zilbalodis ExplainsA crew of animated animals goes with the “Flow” (2024)… – Musings of a Middle-Aged GeekFlow Movie: Every Animal Species That Appears (Photos) | The DirectFlow's director wants you to see your cat in his animated movie | PolygonThe new animated film 'Flow' is the most breathtaking cat video in history | KNKX Public RadioCreature Feature: Animals populate “Flow,” but the film may be more about us - TheBurgOscar-winning Flow director Gints Zilbalodis on the cute videos of pets watching his movie - YouTube✨ Flow Behind the Scenes - Inside the Making of Flow (2024) - YouTube‘Flow' Director on the Feline Inspiration Behind His Cat-Focused Animated Environmental FableThe Director of 'Flow' Goes Behind the Best Animated Movie of the YearMaking Flow – Interview with director Gints Zilbalodis — blender.org✨Gints Zilbalodis | Flow voice actor. This is our sound designer's @gurwalcoicgallas cat. Her name is Miut | Instagram“Flow” exquisitely delivers 3D animation of animals without humans - KDHX
In this episode, we venture into the breathtaking wilderness of The Bear (1988), a film that's equal parts stunning nature documentary and emotional rollercoaster. At the heart of it all is Bart the Bear, a true Hollywood legend whose performance is nothing short of masterful. We recap, review, and marvel at how this nearly wordless film manages to be more gripping than most big-budget dramas. From his on-screen presence to his storied career, we celebrate Bart as one of the greatest animal actors of all time. Get ready for awe, admiration, and maybe even a few tears—because The Bear is that powerful. The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own.For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform.Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out.The Bear (1988) - IMDbBart the Bear - IMDbBart the Bear - WikipediaKodiak bear - Wikipedia✨ Youtube - The Bear / L'ours (making of)✨ Mike Myers and Bart the Bear at the Oscars®✨ Rigorous Filming of "The Bear' An Experience, Director Says✨ FILMING ‘THE BEAR' WAS WILDLIFE LESSONEnviroliteracy.org/Our Story - Grizzly bear conservation and protectionThat Time A Bear Almost Got An Oscar Nomination (No, Really.) | Cracked.comLocal legend Bart the Bear immortalized in mural on Heber's Main StreetTop 25 Animal ActorsBart the Bear Bloopers. : r/FunnyAnimalsBart the Bear - Wasatch Rocky Mountain WildlifeThe Legacy of Bart the Bear - YouTubeBart the Bear — Hollywood star and habitat saviorBart the Bear II, furry screen star from Utah, dies at 21.Bart the Bear 2 | Wiki of Westeros | FandomBart the Bear II: 2000–2021 - Grizzly bear conservation and protection
In this episode, we trudge through Operation Dumbo Drop, a 1995 film that somehow makes the chaos of airlifting an elephant into a war zone unbearably dull. We spotlight Tai, the real-life elephant who gave a far more compelling performance than most of the human cast. While the movie struggles to decide if it's a comedy, a war film, or a Disney fever dream, we break down exactly where it goes wrong. Plus, we dig into some behind-the-scenes movie magic and ask the ultimate question: how do you make an elephant movie this boring?The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own.For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform.Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out.Operation Dumbo Drop (1995) - IMDbTai (elephant) - WikipediaTai - IMDbAsian elephant - Wikipedia✨ Humane Hollywood - Operation Dumbo Drop/Gary Johnson, Tai's trainer, talks about Robert Pattinson, Tai, Water for Elephants and moreHow to Drop the Big One : Movies: Disney makes a leap of faith with ‘Free Willy' director Simon Wincer--and two life-like, animatronic elephants--in ‘Operation Dumbo Drop.'Get to Know the Real Star of Water for Elephants, the Busiest Pachyderm in Show BusinessElephant Airlift The Story Behind 'Dumbo Drop' Is No Less Fantastic Than The Movie | The Spokesman-Review The Making of Operation Dumbo Drop - Jim Morris✨ Tai the Elephant in the Vanity Fair 2013 Hollywood Portfolio - YouTubeGoing Bananas for Elephants!Tai Passes Away✨ Tai the Elephant Dies; PETA Pens Eye-Opening Obituary | Blog✨ Animal Defenders International : : Animals in entertainment : Movie Star Electric ShockedWater for Elephants trainers in new cruelty video claimsWhy we must ban the bullhook - Born FreeNational Animal Protection Organizations, Celebrities Protest Use of Live Elephant in New Film Production | Animal Welfare InstituteOrganizations harities to support elephantsThese three cover different but equally important aspects—sanctuary care, rehabilitation, and conservation, but there are more out there. ✨ The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee ✨ Elephant Nature Park (Thailand) ✨ The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
In episode seven, we head to the Wild West with Wishbone's Dog Days of the West, featuring the incomparable Soccer the Dog. What could have been just another kids' TV tie-in turns out to be a wildly inspirational and unexpectedly educational piece of programming. We recap, review, and celebrate Soccer's undeniable star power, diving into how Wishbone managed to make literature and history engaging for a whole generation. It's a journey full of nostalgia, surprising insights, and a renewed appreciation for one very good dog. The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own. For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out Wishbone (TV series) - Wikipedia Wishbone (TV Series 1995–1998) - IMDb Wishbone's Dog Days of the West - Wikipedia Wishbone's Dog Days of the West (TV Movie 1998) - IMDb Soccer (dog) - Wikipedia Soccer the Dog - IMDb Jack Russell Terrier - Wikipedia ✨ Wishbone: Death of a Working Dog | Reviving a Mobit - Mobituaries with Mo Rocca | iHeart ✨ Top Dog: An Oral History of ‘Wishbone' – Texas Monthly Pup Culture – Texas Monthly Soccer the Dog (1988-2001) - Find a Grave Memorial The Story of Soccer, the Dog Actor That Played Wishbone - Celebrity Pets ✨ Interview with "Wishbone" Executive Producer Rick Duffield ✨ On Set with Wishbone - Interview with Jackie Martin Kaptan (1995) ✨ On Set with Wishbone - Interview with Randy Moore and Sharon Bunn (1995) ✨ Interview with "Wishbone" Executive Producer Rick Duffield
In episode six, we sleigh ride into the 1989 holiday film Prancer, featuring Boo, the real-life reindeer who brought the titular character to life. We recap, review, and wrestle with the big question: is this festive flick a holiday classic or a cinematic lump of coal? Along the way, we uncover some surprising movie magic about working with a reindeer on set and share our takes on the film's charm—or lack thereof. It's a lively discussion with just the right amount of holiday spirit! The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own. For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out Prancer (film) - Wikipedia Prancer (1989) - IMDb Reindeer - Wikipedia ✨ Lights! Camera! Three Oaks! The Making of Prancer ✨ ‘Prancer' Star Recalls What Worried Producers During Filming ✨ A PrancerPalooza of a celebration in Three Oaks - Great article from PrancerPalooza 2024 that was released after the recording of this episode ✨ The Alabama reindeer who starred in 1989's ‘Prancer' - al.com Book - Christmas Tales of Alabama Strange but true: Prancer flew to stardom from Alabama; Sami herders get high drinking reindeer urine (updated) - al.com 11 famous animals from Alabama's history - al.com 7 little-known Alabama ties to holiday movies: 'Nightmare Before Christmas' and more - al.com ✨ DEER BOBBY: Reindeer Inc. Still Breathing Life Into Christmas Dreams - Alabama Farmers Federation circlemichigan.com 'Prancer' Star Rebecca Harrell Tickell Recalls How Sam Elliott Became Her Dad on Set – 'He Was Really Tough on Me' [Exclusive] Actors Anonymous: Christmas Special: Prancer and Prancer Returns Things you didn't know about reindeer | AP News
In episode five, we gallop into the world of the 1996 classic Black Beauty and shine a spotlight on Docs Keepin Time, the extraordinary horse who embodied Beauty's heart and spirit. We recap, review, and reflect on one of the most heartbreaking films we've ever covered, unpacking its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. Of course, no episode is complete without Melissa's signature curveball—this time, she challenges us to imagine our lives as horses, revealing what our race names would be. Get ready for tears, laughs, and some outrageous horse names! The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own. For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out Black Beauty (1994 film) - Wikipedia Docs Keepin Time - Wikipedia American Quarter Horse - Wikipedia Docs Keepin Time - Biography - IMDb ✨ Docs Keepin Time, Horse Actor - An Equestrian Life War Admiral - Wikipedia Seabiscuit - Wikipedia Doc's Keepin Time | Breyer Value Guide Breyer # 992 AQHA Docs Keepin Time black Beauty Stallion 1997 - 1999 | eBay Hollywood Horses Swanson Peterson Productions » Hollywood Horses Black Beauty (1994) | Filmpedia, the Films Wiki | Fandom Horse & Hound's Black Beauty film review Celebrated Hollywood Horse Trainer at Center of Animal Abuse Claims ✨ Caroline Thompson "Black Beauty" 1994 - Bobbie Wygant Archive The story of the last surviving horse to play Black Beauty that has retired to Wales - Wales Online
In Episode 4, we're diving into the eerie world of the 2019 horror film Pet Sematary and shining a spotlight on not one, but four feline actors who brought the sinister cat "Church" to life. We recap, review, and rate the performances of Tonic, Leo, JD, and Jager, uncovering the behind-the-scenes movie magic that helped each cat give their chilling take on the resurrected Church. Then, Melissa throws down an unforgettable scenario question: if given the choice, which loved......thing......would we bring back from the dead? Get ready for a conversation that's bound to get spooky and deeply personal. The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own. For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Source materials. Sources with a ✨ are especially worth checking out IMDB - Pet Sematary ✨Humane Hollywood - Pet Sematary Maine Coon - Wikipedia Pet Sematary (2019) - Cinema Cats ✨Tonic (@tonicthehorrorcat) • Instagram photos and videos Our Stars - Stunt Dog Entertainment, Performing Trick Dogs, Animal Act ✨ Leo (@church_aka_leo) • Instagram photos and videos Catus&Co (@catus_co) • Instagram photos and videos 'Pet Sematary' Star Leo the Cat Dies | TIME ✨JD (@church_aka_jd) • Instagram photos and videos Photo of Gin - The 5th cat (on the left) Pet Sematary director says cats who played Church were 'divas' on set Stephen King's Pet Sematary Remake Had Cats From Shelters Who Were Trained To Become Cat Actors | Bored Panda How 'Pet Sematary' transformed shelter cats into zombie beasts Pet Sematary's animal handlers answer our questions about casting, training—and, yes, bathing—cats - AV Club These Cats Were Trained To Be Actors For The 2019 Remake Of Pet Sematary | DeMilked Meet Pet Sematary trainer Melissa Millett and star cat Tonic « Celebrity Gossip and Movie News The New PET SEMATARY: Something's Not Right - Spyderco Forums ‘Pet Sematary' Groomer & Trainers Discuss Church the Cat Go See The New ‘Pet Sematary' – Its Maine Coon Cat Actors Were All Adopted From Shelters | Geeks of Doom Pet Sematary: The untold story of the shrieking book cover
Episode 3 takes us all the way back to the 1960s, as we discuss "That Darn Cat." It's a movie with everything you need: strong women and cats. Syn the cat is the feline star of the show and of this episode. We recap and review the movie, and discuss Syn's life and acting prowess as "Darn Cat," or D.C.. Audrey digs into the archives for Movie Magic. And Melissa's surprise scenario asks us to put ourselves into D.C.'s paws for a day. The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own. For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Sources for this episode Syn IMDB That Darn Cat IMDB Wikipedia: That Darn Cat! Blog about Syn Cinemacats: That Darn Cat Cinemacats: The Incredible Journey Animal-Actors Blogspot: Syn Cat Wikipedia: PATSY Awards Wikipedia: Siamese Cats WebMD: About Siamese Cats YouTube: Siamese Cats Meowing YouTube: PATSY Awards 1954 Spotlight AFI Catalog: That Darn Cat The Peninsula Times Tribune Article The Wonderful World of Disney Animals by William Koehler (book)
Episode 2 spotlights the star of "Dunston Checks In": Sammy the orangutan. We recap, review, and discuss the film, including ethical questions about great apes in entertainment. We take a closer look at some unique movie magic and then play an unhinged round of adopt, no-kill shelter, or taxidermy. The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own. For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Sources for this episode Detailed description of Sammy's acting from Humane Hollywood ✨Center for Great Apes: Sammy, Geri, Jam ✨CNN - 'Dunston' co-stars relish romp with ape - Jan. 9, 1995 On apes in entertainment: ✨Animals in entertainment, a Hollywood ending? , ✨History of exploitation of great apes in entertainment, A publication in Science about the consequences of inappropriate use of apes in media, Specific image characteristics influence attitudes about chimpanzee conservation and use as pets, Why primates have never belonged in the entertainment industry Orangutan biology: AZA 2004 husbandry guide for orangutans, orangutanssp.org, Orangutan info from Smithsonian, orangutan sounds. General background: IMDb, Wikipedia, All Movie, Screen Slate, TV Tropes Reviews and reception: Rotten tomatoes, Washington Post, LA Times, Faye Dunaway Raspberry nomination, Movie profits on home video Sam biographies: Sam - Biography - IMDb, Sam (orangutan) Dunston Checks In book All the Animals From Your Favorite Childhood Movies Are Dead The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas Worn by Sam the Orangutan original movie costume Dunston Checks In' to Bullock's Wilshire Charities to support great apes We tried to find charities that are creditable according to Charity Navigator and specifically work with orangutans. Pan African Sanctuary Alliance Center for Great Apes Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation American Humane (Not great apes, the people behind the "No animals were harmed" certification),
We're putting the spotlight back on the animals who bring the clawed, pawed, feathered, and furred characters we love to life. We learn about the animals' lives and the movie magic behind their acting. Then we review the movie or TV show and its animal actors, dive into a surprise scenario, and answer the important questions, like: "If you had to choose one animal actor to adopt, one to send to a no kill shelter, and one to taxidermy...?"
In episode one, we focus on the actors who portrayed Chance, Sassy, and Shadow. We recap, review, and rate the movie and actors. We reveal some movie magic and Melissa's surprise scenario question pits us against one another. The Hoofin' it in Hollywood podcast has been produced by Paul, Audrey, Melissa, and Jordan. Please note that this content is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are our own. For more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode, please check the show notes or visit bit.ly/hoofin-hollywood. If you found this episode enjoyable and wish to support the podcast, we kindly ask you to like, subscribe and leave a rating or review on your preferred podcast platform. Sources for this episode Adventures on set with Bruce Lawson Behind the scenes highlight video from Benj Thall's YouTube channel Detailed description of animal acting from Humane Hollywood Article on Tiki's history An interview with Benj Homeward Bound fanfic referenced in the fanfic fix segment Sure Grip Rattler's IMDB Questionable trivia about Sure Grip Pedigree Database for Sure Grip's Rattler Official Disney Fan Club Homeward Bound 'did you know' page Quick highlight about Tiki About Ben having to audition Humane Hollywood's page on Homeward Bound II Outtake of Chance "smushing" actor into a car door
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