Do Movie Star Dogs Get Paid?

All about dog actors, from Marley & Me to Beverly Hills Chihuahua

By Leslie Gornstein Dec 02, 2008 11:12 PMTags
Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Marley and MeBarry Wetcher/ Fox

I just watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua and I wonder if these dog "actors" get paid? They sure make lots and lots of cash for Disney.
—Jefry, Indonesia

Let's put it this way: Those puppies in the upcoming Marley & Me don't make nearly so much as Jennifer Aniston, even if some of them are much cuter.

The average pay for an "animal actor" is a few hundred a day; a feature film could earn a pooch into the tens of thousands. As for who exactly gets the money, the animal's owner and the pet's talent agency each take a cut. But caring for Hollywood dogs costs a bundle, and oftentimes, I'm told, the venture turns out to be a wash. Or a doggy bath.

Where can you send the Jonas Brothers fan mail?
—Anon

Go through their label, Hollywood Records, at:

500 S. Buena Vista St.
Burbank, CA 91521

Why did Sasha Alexander leave NCIS?
—J. Weaver

Reportedly, it was her choice, and apparently the gamble has paid off. She has landed a new CBS show, and she's the star. It's a laugher called The Karenskys, about one of those large, eccentric, highlarious families that always seem to populate sitcoms.

I heard there is going to be a Sex and the City sequel. Please tell me it's true!!
—Vianey

OMG! Yes!!!! Totally!!!

Why do these celebs think they're so hot? I'm nobody, and I wouldn't change a thing.
—Dan J.

Obviously you've never had the honor of discussing the finer points of The Secret with Oprah Winfrey, nor have you felt the white-hot fire of Lauren Conrad's creativity from the front row of one of her bleeding-edge fashion shows. Only the famous have such access, little man. You have my pity.

Got a question about Hollywood? ASK IT: answerbitch@eonline.com

Oh, and subscribe to my free podcast, 'kay?