Moose (dog actor)

Moose as Eddie Crane on Frasier.

Moose (December 24 1990 – June 22 2006) was a veteran actor. He was a Jack Russell Terrier and is most famous for his performances as Eddie Crane on the television sitcom Frasier.

Moose was born on Christmas Eve, 1990 in Florida, United States, the youngest littermate. He was the largest puppy in the litter. Like Pal, the original Lassie, the obstreperous puppy was too much for his original owner. According to an article by Lori Golden:

DeCagny has been quoted as saying that Moose was very highly trainable and won the role on Frasier after only six months of training. Moose had the ability to fix Kelsey Grammer with a long hard stare; this became a running sight gag on the show.

Moose as Eddie staring at Kelsey Grammer as Frasier

The longevity of Frasier necessitated the breeding of puppies as possible replacements for Moose. A daughter, Miko, was considered but never grew large enough (she was given to a technician); a son, Moosie, now lives with Peri Gilpin. Moose's son Enzo was a closer match and turned out to have unusually similar facial markings; later in the series he was used as a stunt double to perform the more physically challenging tricks for his aging sire. Enzo took over the role after eight years.

Moose and Enzo also appeared with Frankie Muniz in the 2000 feature film My Dog Skip.

Moose has numerous television appearances and several magazine covers to his credit. There is an official Moose calendar and an 'autobiography', My Life as a Dog.

Moose spent the last 6½ years of his life in retirement in West Los Angeles with son Enzo, Mathilde DeCagny (their trainer), her husband Michael Halberg and Jill, the dog from As Good as it Gets. He died due to old age at home at the age of 16 and a half years on June 22, 2006.

Selected credits

*Universal Studios Animal Actors’ Showcase
*Coach print advertisements (National campaign)
*Rold Gold Pretzel commercials
Frasier
My Dog Skip, 2000

References

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* Frasier's Best Friend 'Eddie' Dies