Surely everyone remembers the talking Taco Bell dog. I wonder how many said “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” every time a chihuahua walked by back in the 90’s? I think the Taco Bell dog played a huge part in why there are so many chihuahua dog owners today. NOT Paris Hilton, despite what she thinks.

The voice of the Taco Bell dog was done by Carlos Alazraqui who now plays Garcia on Reno 911. What most people don’t know is that the Taco Bell dog, was it actually was a girl chihuahua named Gidget that also starred as “Bruiser” in Legally Blonde 2.

Sadly, Gidget just passed away at the ripe old age of 15. She had a full life to say the least and her retirement found her sitting pretty and leading a very pampered existence — and Gidget had quite the following. Taco Bell sold talking stuffed animals that said “Viva Gorditas” and there were key chains and talking figurines that said “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”. One trip to Ebay and you can see that these items are still selling today. Perhaps there will be a new demand for these “collectables” since Gidget’s death, including a Legally Blond 2 stuffed animal with a purse complete with different outfits for the dog to change into. Needless to say Gidget will go down in history along with Lassie, Spuds McKenzie,and Rin Tin Tin as a famous pup.

The LA Times reported:

The owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic says Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday at her trainer’s home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized.

Gidget was the sassy mascot in Taco Bell commercials from 1997 to 2000. While other dogs had bit parts, it was her bug-eyed, big-eared face that was seen pronouncing “Yo quiero Taco Bell,” Spanish for “I want Taco Bell,” in a male voice dubbed by Argentine actor Carlos Alazraqui. A few years later, Alazraqui landed the role for which he is best known: Deputy James Garcia on Comedy Central’s “Reno 911!”
The Taco Bell ads provoked some criticism from activists who said they used Mexican stereotypes.

Gidget also had a role in the movie “Legally Blonde 2,” but others associated with the ad campaign weren’t so lucky. Earlier this year, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the creators of the Chihuahua character hadn’t been properly compensated for their work, and Taco Bell was ordered to pay $42 million.

Gidget’s trainer, Sue Chipperton, in an interview earlier this year with the People Pets website, described the diminutive dog as a consummate professional on the set. But, she said, Gidget had been the victim of typecasting, which limited her career choices (or, rather, Chipperton’s choices on her behalf).

Associated Press writer Robert said this on 
Austin360.com:

Although she was hard of hearing, Gidget was otherwise in good health up to the day of her death, eating well and playing with her favorite squeaky toys at the home of trainer Sue Chipperton, McElhatton said.

“She was retired. She lived like a queen, very pampered,” McElhatton said.

Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn’t show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.

But Gidget knew she was a star, McElhatton said.

“She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera,” McElhatton said.

Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.

In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.”

She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.

“She was like a little old lady. She’d kind of gotten smaller,” McElhatton said.

Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. “Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans,” the company said.

Every once in a while there is a story that tugs at your heart strings and this is one of them. Gidget was certainly a huge star that was fortunate to live to a nice ripe old age and will be remembered fondly by many. To Gidget the diva of all chihuahuas, may you rest in peace.

Source: Queen