As Good as it Gets is a 1997 romantic comedy-drama starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. It was directed by James L. Brooks and co-written by him and Mark Andrus. The movie follows the story of a misanthropic, obsessive-compulsive novelist Melvin Udall (Nicholson) who falls in love with his waitress Carol Connelly (Hunt). The movie was a box office hit, grossing over $314 million on a budget of $50 million. It also won Academy Awards for Best Actor (Nicholson) and Best Actress (Hunt) and was nominated for Best Picture.
But one of the most lovable characters in the movie was the Jack Russell Terrier, Verdell, played by a dog named Uggie. Uggie was an animal actor who was trained by his owner, animal trainer Omar Von Muller. He gained fame for his performance in As Good as It Gets, and he even received a Palm Dog Award for Best Dog in a Film at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
Who Was Uggie, the Jack Russell Terrier?
Uggie was born on August 7th, 2002 in Los Angeles, California. His official name was “Uggie the Artist”, but he was mostly known as Uggie. His father was a show dog, and his mother was a rescue dog. Uggie was adopted by Omar Von Muller, a professional animal trainer who had previously worked with animals on movies like Dr. Dolittle and Men in Black.
Uggie was a very talented and obedient dog, and he was very eager to please his trainer. He was trained to do tricks like climbing stairs, walking on his hind legs, playing dead, and even high-fiving. He was able to pick up new tricks very quickly, and he was very enthusiastic about learning new things. Uggie was also very smart and had an easy-going personality.
Uggie's Career and Achievements
Uggie began his career in 2009, when he was cast in the movie Water for Elephants. He played Queenie, a Jack Russell Terrier who helps the main character Jacob escape from a circus train. Uggie quickly gained fame for his performance in the movie, and he was nominated for a Palm Dog Award for Best Dog in a Film at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
Uggie was then cast in the movie The Artist, in which he played the main character’s faithful companion, Jack. He won the Palm Dog Award for Best Dog in a Film at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and was even nominated for a Golden Collar Award for Best Dog in a Theatrical Film.
In 2012, Uggie then appeared in the romantic comedy-drama As Good as It Gets, where he played the Jack Russell Terrier, Verdell. Uggie received critical acclaim for his performance in the movie, and he was once again nominated for a Palm Dog Award for Best Dog in a Film at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
Uggie's Retirement and Death
In June 2012, Uggie retired from the film industry after completing work on Water for Elephants. On August 8th, 2015, Uggie passed away at the age of 13 due to prostate cancer. He was buried at Omar Von Muller’s ranch in California and was given a headstone with the inscription “Uggie: Beloved Friend and Companion”.
Legacy of Uggie
Uggie was one of the most popular animal actors of his time, and he inspired many people to become animal trainers. He was also an ambassador for animal welfare and a champion for adopting rescue animals. After his death, an online petition was created to honor Uggie with a posthumous Palm Dog Award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, and it was even signed by Jack Nicholson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the dog in As Good as It Gets?
A: The dog in As Good as It Gets was a Jack Russell Terrier named Uggie.
Q: Who trained Uggie?
A: Uggie was trained by his owner, animal trainer Omar Von Muller.
Q: What awards did Uggie win?
A: Uggie won the Palm Dog Award for Best Dog in a Film at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, and he was also nominated for a Golden Collar Award for Best Dog in a Theatrical Film.
Q: When did Uggie retire?
A: Uggie retired in June 2012 after completing work on Water for Elephants.
Q: When did Uggie pass away?
A: Uggie passed away on August 8th, 2015 at the age of 13 due to prostate cancer.
Q: What is Uggie’s legacy?
A: Uggie’s legacy is one of a beloved animal actor, a champion for animal welfare, and an ambassador for adopting rescue animals.
Q: Was Uggie honored after his death?
A: Yes, Uggie was honored after his death with an online petition to give him a posthumous Palm Dog Award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, which was even signed by Jack Nicholson.