Orangey the Cat: Hollywood’s Moast award-Winning Animal actor
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During Oscar season, the immense effort required to secure an Academy Award – both on and off screen – is frequently enough highlighted. But while human actors vie for recognition, one feline performer stands apart: Orangey, the only cat to twice win the Patsy Award, recognizing outstanding animal contributions to film. A retrospective of his work is currently underway at new York City’s Metrograph cinema, offering a deeper look into the career of this remarkable animal actor.
A Two-Time Patsy Winner
The Patsy Award, presented by the American Humane association (distinct from the Humane society), honored animal performers until its discontinuation in 1986. Orangey earned his first Patsy for his role in the 1959 comedy Rhubarb, and his second for the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961. This achievement remains unmatched in the world of animal acting.
From Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Rhubarb: A Versatile Performer
Orangey is perhaps best known as “Cat,” the companion of Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) in Breakfast at tiffany’s. As one observer noted, the film captures Cat’s essence as both a symbol of Holly’s free spirit and her potential for settling down.A pivotal scene sees Holly releasing Cat into an alley, only for Paul (George Peppard) to rescue him, solidifying the cat’s role in her journey.
However, Orangey’s first Patsy came from a decidedly different role in Rhubarb. The film centers on a cat who unexpectedly inherits a wealthy man’s estate, including a brooklyn baseball team – a premise that sounds remarkably similar to the later hit Air Bud. While geared towards adults,Rhubarb showcases Orangey’s comedic timing and ability to steal scenes,even leaping atop a chandelier at one point.
The Many Faces of Orangey
A curious aspect of Orangey’s career is the sheer number of cats reportedly involved in bringing his performances to life. While human stars like Audrey hepburn are singular, estimates suggest between two and 40 cats may have contributed to orangey’s filmography. At least two cats played “Cat” in breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Film-maker and critic Dan Sallitt, referencing the book Amazing Animal Actors, revealed that Rhubarb utilized a staggering 60 cats during production. Trainers selected 36 notably trainable felines, each performing specific tricks to create a composite performance. A contemporaneous new York Times article suggested only 10 cats were used,but director Arthur Lubin recounted a story of a “principal” cat biting him,prompting a swift,albeit surreptitious,kick.
More Than Just a Cat: A “Cat Type”
This complexity lends credence to the idea that “Orangey” wasn’t a single animal, but rather a “cat type” provided by trainer Frank Inn.The Metrograph retrospective features Orangey’s versatility in two additional films: the western Stranger on Horseback and the horror comedy The Comedy of Terrors, both directed by Jacques Tourneur, who also directed the classic 1942 film Cat People. Despite the shared director, the cats in these films exhibit distinct personalities – one a relaxed “bodega cat,” the othre brimming with youthful energy.
A Legacy of Authentic Performance
the ambiguity surrounding Orangey’s identity raises an intriguing question about the nature of animal acting. As one director observed, cats, unlike dogs, lack a desire to please, yet this very indifference draws our attention. This resonates with the experience of watching child actors, where the line between performance and genuine reaction blurs. While human actors pretend, Orangey, in all his indeterminate forms, seemed to simply live the movies.
