Jed (wolfdog)

Jed
SpeciesWolfdog
SexMale
Born1977
Bellingham, Washington, U.S.
DiedJune 1995 (aged 17–18)
Acton, California, U.S.
OccupationAnimal actor
EmployerWalt Disney Pictures
Universal Pictures
Notable roleThe Thing
White Fang
Years active1982–1995
TrainingAction and stunt
OwnerGary Winkler (1977–1981)
Clint Rowe (1981–1991)
Jean Simpson (1991–1995)
ResidenceUnited States
AppearanceGrey and white coat

Jed was a Pacific Northwestern American animal actor, known for his roles in the movies White Fang (1991),[1] White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf (1994), The Journey of Natty Gann (1985), and The Thing (1982). He was born in 1977 and died in June 1995.[2] He was a Vancouver Island wolf-Alaskan Malamute hybrid.[3]

Life and career

Jed was born at Whatcom Humane Society in Bellingham, Washington where Gerhardt "Gary" Winkler (Henry Winkler's second cousin) adopted him as part of his collection of Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. His first role was a brief one as a Norwegian dog in John Carpenter's The Thing (1982). The character he played in the film was the first form to be taken by a shapeshifting alien creature; some scenes required him to behave in an unsettling and unnatural way. Jed's performance in The Thing has been lauded by the many fans of the movie. His next film appearance would be in Disney's The Journey of Natty Gann. In 1991, Jed starred as Jack London's titular character White Fang in the Walt Disney film of the same name, starring a young Ethan Hawke.

Jed was trained by Clint Rowe,[3] who was involved in the films that Jed was cast in and was also associated with the film Turner and Hooch.[4] After filming Disney's sequel to White Fang, Jed permanently remained with Clint Rowe in Acton, California, until his death in June 1995. His remains were interred at Gary Winkler's mixed-dog breed animal sanctuary in Bellingham, Washington.

Filmography

See also

References

  1. ^ Maslin, Janet (18 January 1991). "Review/Film; Wolf Meets Civilization". The New York Times. p. 16. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
  2. ^ Crowe, Jerry (24 June 1995). "Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 11 June 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
  3. ^ a b Cagle, Jess (8 February 1991). "Big-screen wolves". Entertainment Weekly. Meredith Corporation. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
  4. ^ Wilmington, Michael (28 July 1989). "MOVIE REVIEWS : Hanks and His Dog Charm in 'Turner and Hooch'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2015.