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HBO’s House of the Dragon recently wrapped up its second season. The Game of Thrones spin-off is one of the most popular and buzzed-about shows on TV.

While reactions to this season have been a bit mixed overall, many fans agree on who was the true MVP: a little dog named Bobby.

Yes, even in a show teaming with epic fire-breathing dragons, the canine managed to steal the show and win hearts around the world. So who is this doggy actor? It turns out he’s a former stray who quickly made it big in Hollywood 😮🤩

Bobby: “House of the Dragon” breakout star

Bobby made his Westeros debut during the Season 2 premiere. In the episode, two characters nicknamed “Blood and Cheese” take the dog with them after being tasked with sneaking into the castle to kill the royal Aemond Targaryen.

Soon, ratcatcher Cheese kicks the poor terrier. While things soon escalate to a much more unforgivable act of violence (we won’t spoil it here), many fans were more concerned about the dog:

Yes, even for fans of a franchise known for its shocking twists and graphic violence (who could forget that Red Wedding?) dog abuse proved to be a bridge too far.

Things got so heated that actor Mark Stobbart, who played Cheese on the show, had to reassure the public that no animals were harmed in the making of the show, sharing a BTS pic of him and canine actor Bobby.

“Let’s just chill about the dog! We were best pals,” Stobbart wrote on Instagram. “No canines were launched in anger. Rats, however….”

While Bobby’s performance may have been a little too real for some fans’ comfort, the scene drew praise from many critics as well as people involved with the show.

George R.R. Martin, author of the fantasy series on which Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are based, praised Bobby’s performance, noting that he was a new character who did not appear in his books.

“I am… not usually a fan of screenwriters adding characters to the source material when adapting a story… But that dog was brilliant,” Martin wrote in his blog.

READ MORE: Will Smith pays heartwarming tribute to his beloved co-star Abbey, the dog from “I Am Legend”

“I was prepared to hate Cheese, but I hated him even more when he kicked that dog. And later, when the dog say at his feet, gazing up… that damn near broke my heart. Such a little thing… such a little dog… but his presence, the few short moments he was on screen, gave the ratcatcher so much humanity.”

“Human beings are such complex creatures. The silent presence of that dog reminded us that even the worst of men, the vile and the venal, can love and be loved.”

The episode’s director Clare Kilner expressed similar views. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, we must have him at Cheese’s feet.’ Because dogs are so loyal,” she said, per USA Today. “He’s sort of a metaphor for how hard life can be. Besides, that dog is so damn cute.”

Even the other actors agreed that Bobby stole the episode. “This show could be and should be called ‘House of the Dog,’” said Tom Glynn-Carney, who plays Aegon. “I was cuddling him for a while. He really is the star of the show.”

Bobby proved to be so popular that he returned for another appearance on House of the Dragon: he’s seen watching on as Cheese (and all the other royal ratcatchers) are hanged by order of the crown. That’s karma for you.

From stray dog to Disney star

As Bobby took the House of the Dragon universe by storm, many wondered who this talented canine actor was — and it turns out, he has an inspiring backstory.

Bobby began his life as a malnourished stray on the streets of Cyprus. He was then rescued by Hollywood trainer Julie Tottman — and just days later, he was on set starring in a major blockbuster.

In a rags-to-riches story that could only happen in Hollywood, Bobby was cast in Cruella, Disney’s live-action prequel to 101 Dalmatians. Just three days after being rescued off the streets, he was acting opposite Oscar-winner Emma Stone.

“Bobby is one of the easiest rescue animals I have worked with,” Trottman told The Mirror in 2021. “He’s so natural, he picks the acting up and he thrives doing it.”

“You get a bit more on set from a rescue animal because it’s like they have seen the bad and are so grateful, and they love and adore you for saving them,” she added.
I always cry, it’s lovely when they do their first scene knowing where they have come from… The world writes them off but I know from experience that rescues are often the hardest working, most loyal and loving animals.”

In the film, Bobby plays Buddy, Cruella’s rescue dog — even the famously dog-hating Disney villainess couldn’t resist the dog’s charms.

“He’s just enjoyed every minute,” Tottman said in a behind-the-scenes featurette. “He’s completely come out of his shell… He drags me to set. He’s just absolutely loving it.”

READ MORE: Mark Wahlberg says he “fell in love” with his dog co-star, tried to buy him from trainer

“Bobby is a true superstar. It’s like meeting Lassie,” Emma Stone said. “The movie opening credits should be ‘and introducing Bobby as Buddy,’ because… I can’t live without him, he’s one of the best dogs I’ve ever met.”

When a two-time Best Actress Oscar-winner says you’ve got the goods, you know you’ve made it in Hollywood.

Bobby’s story has inspired many people online, calling his unlikely road to fame a “wags to riches” story:

Bobby won our hearts in Cruella and House of the Dragon — it’s amazing to think that this former stray went from the streets to Hollywood!

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Source: Tampa Bay Times