Daisy Simpson
Jessica Simpson's constant companion had many a stamp on her pawsport. Dear Daisy was snatched by coyotes, but her loving mom was hesitant to give up hope and searched for the maltipoo for almost a week.
Gidget, the Taco Bell Dog
The pitchpup made her final run for the border on June 21, 2009. Her illustrious career included three years' work for the fast food chain and an additional star turn in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.
Spuds MacKenzie
The 1980s Bud Light pitchman, real name Honey Tree Evil Eye, was a female bull terrier with a penchant for sunglasses and soakin' in the sun with a bevy of crop-top wearing beauties. After being accused of peddling beer to children, she retired to her home in Illinois, where she died of kidney failure in 1993.
Willy, Free Willy
The real-life orca whale, Keiko, got to tell a fictionalized version of his life story in the film. Weighing at least five tons, he died of acute pneumonia in 2003 at the ripe old age of 27.
Buddy, Air Bud
Buddy the Wonder Dog, as his closest friends called him, first appeared on Late Show With David Letterman doing his "stupid pet trick" of shooting a basketball. This skill eventually led to his feature film debut. Ever the professional, Buddy reportedly shot two 15-foot free throws in only six tries. He died in 1998 of cancer, just after receiving an Academy Award as "one of the greatest animal actors of all time."
Eddie, Frasier
The Jack Russell terrier, real name Moose, stood by Kelsey Grammer's side for a decade and played with Frankie Muniz in My Dog Skip. He was 16 human years old when he died in 2006.
Beethoven, Beethoven and Beethoven's 2nd
The St. Bernard, real name Chris, who originated the role, died shortly after the second film was released in theaters in 1993.
Hooch, Turner & Hooch
The pup slobbered all over Tom Hanks in the 1989 comedy. The rare French breed, a Dogue de Bordeaux, died in 1992.
Morris the Cat
Several large red tabbies served as the finicky face of 9 Lives cat food throughout the years, but the most famous of them died in 1997 after 15 years on the job.
Buck, Married With Children
The Bundys' best friend brought a ton of laughs throughout the series' run, especially when he started talking during the fourth season. He also appeared opposite Bill Murray in Scrooged before he died at age 13 in 1996.
Brandon the Wonder Dog, Punky Brewster
We haven't been able to find much on the adorable Golden Retriever, who began the show as a puppy when it premiered in 1984. We can't imagine he's still alive, but we'll never forget his wedding at the show's conclusion.
Marley
We'd also like to tip our hats to the real-life Marley the dog, who died in 2003. While they are no less beloved, the "actors" that played him in his biopic, Marley & Me, are still alive.
The cuteness continues in our Very Important Pets gallery!