Darla (dog)

Darla (1975-1992) was a Bichon Frise and animal actress most known for her role as Precious in the 1991 thriller, The Silence of the Lambs.^[1]

Career and popularity

Darla began her career in 1985 in the film, Pee-wee's Big Adventure as the role of Pink Poodle; going on to star alongside Tom Hanks in 1989's The 'Burbs as Poodle.^[2] She later did an episode of Coach before acting in her first starring role as Precious in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs. Darla has since become a cult icon due to the film's success with many wondering what exact breed she was, and someone going as far as to create a Facebook fan page for her entitled, Precious, the white toy poodle of Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs.^[3] Her final film before retiring (and ultimately passing away) was in 1992's Batman Returns as the role of Ratty Poodle.

Life

According to trainer, Cristie Miele, Darla's "big thing" was stealing socks.^[4]

Retirement and passing

Darla retired from acting in 1992; retiring to Thousand Oaks, California where she later died at the age of seventeen.

Filmography

• Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) as Pink Poodle
• The 'Burbs (1989) as Queenie
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991) as Precious
• Batman Returns (1992) as Ratty Poodle

Television

• Coach (1990) as Watkin's Poodle

References

External links

• Darla at the Internet Movie Database