Gidget, the Taco Bell dog

1 de julio de 1994 — 1 de julio de 2009

Gidget, affectionately known as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, was one of the most iconic advertising mascots of the late 1990s. Born on February 7, 1994, Gidget was a female Chihuahua who rose to fame at age three when she was cast in Taco Bell's memorable advertising campaign. From August 1997 to July 2000, she starred in a series of popular commercials, where her expressive bug-eyed face and big ears were paired with a dubbed male Spanish-accented voice (provided by actor Carlos Alazraqui). She delivered the now-classic catchphrase "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" ("I want Taco Bell!"), often in humorous scenarios involving her "quest" for the food or interactions with other dogs. The ads were hugely successful, turning Gidget into a cultural phenomenon and boosting Taco Bell's visibility during that era. Despite playing a male character, Gidget was a female dog owned by Studio Animal Services and primarily handled/trained by Sue Chipperton. She was described as a bit of a diva on set but remained professional. After the campaign ended in 2000 (amid some controversy over stereotypes and a dip in sales), Gidget retired from regular advertising work. She made occasional cameos later, including a GEICO insurance ad with the gecko and a role as the mother of Reese Witherspoon's Chihuahua in Legally Blonde 2. In her later years, Gidget lived comfortably in semi-retirement in Santa Clarita, California, still enjoying squeaky toys and good health despite becoming hard of hearing.