Pop Culture Pooches: Beethoven
Mon, June 25, 2012,You’ve got to love Beethoven, the 1992 family film in which a huge St. Bernard causes chaos for a family before warming their hearts. The movie is filled with big stars, like Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt and Stanley Tucci. But what about (arguably) the biggest star? What about the dog who played Beethoven? There’s very little known about him, and he’s not even credited in the film!
Very little is known about this fine actor. His name is Chris (sometimes called “Kris”), and he starred in Beethoven and Beethoven’s 2nd before passing away. His owner and trainer was Karl Lewis Miller, who trained animals for Cujo and Babe amongst others. Chris also appeared in the TV show Step By Step.
Since then there have been other Beethoven movies with other dogs filling the role. Notably, the sixth movie in the series has a great featurette highlighting the three dogs tackling the starring role. Here they had different dogs to handle different aspects of the performance.
There’s no denying the love that these characters have brought to the world. Anyone who has watched these movies with a child and seen their faces light up anytime Beethoven is on screen knows that these are amazing dogs. So thanks to Chris and all the other pooches that have tackled this iconic film role.
Photo Credit: Universal Studios, 1992.