Pal the Wonder Dog

(original, 1925 – June 1930)

Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1925, Pal the Wonder Dog would become best known for originating the role of Pete the Pup in Hal Roach’s Our Gang comedies. Appearing with a natural trademark ring around his eye (sometimes enhanced with dye during filming), this UKC-registered American Pit Bull Terrier would charm the hearts of children and adults alike.

At just six months of age, Pal the Wonder Dog appeared in The Freshman (1925), starring Harold Lloyd. He got his start as Tige in the Buster Brown series from the 1920s, later securing the role of Pete the Pup in Our Gang. Pal the Wonder dog was owned and trained by Lt. Harry Lucenay. Though Pal the Wonder Dog was a successful animal star in films, he also happened to be a beloved family dog to Lucenay.

Tragically, Pal the Wonder Dog was poisoned in 1930 and died. His son, Lucenay’s Peter, succeeded Pal the Wonder Dog in the role—sporting a ring around his eye in the mirror image of his father with the help of Max Factor makeup.

Sadly, there are no tributes to Pal the Wonder Dog today.

About Annette Bochenek

Dr. Annette Bochenek of Chicago, Illinois, is an avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the Hometowns to Hollywood blog, in which she writes about her trips exploring the legacies and hometowns of Golden Age stars. Annette also hosts the “Hometowns to Hollywood” film series throughout the Chicago area. She has been featured on Turner Classic Movies and is the president of TCM Backlot’s Chicago chapter. In addition to writing for TCM Backlot, she also writes for Classic Movie Hub, Silent Film Quarterly, Nostalgia Digest, and Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine.
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