Taco Bell chihuahua
Gidget | |
|---|---|
| Other names | The Taco Bell Chihuahua |
| Occupation | Former Taco Bell "Spokes-dog" |
| Years active | 1997—2000 |
Gidget "The Taco Bell chihuahua" (February 7, 1994 - July 21, 2009) was a popular advertising figure and mascot, voiced by Carlos Alazraqui, and developed by TBWA and used by Taco Bell, a division of Louisville, Kentucky (USA)-based Yum! Brands. The Chihuahua is a breed commonly associated with Mexico, as are the tacos the restaurant serves. At least two dogs were used as models. The original dog cast for the lead role was named Dinky, but was replaced shortly thereafter by a dog named Gidget. Taco was another Chihuahua and was a stand-in for Gidget.
History
In September 1997, Taco Bell used the dog in one advertisement in the Northeastern United States. The positive response to the dog led to the company using it in advertisements across the United States.
The dog (sometimes depicted as a Mexican revolutionary wearing a beret or as a bandido wearing a sombrero) was made to speak through special effects. Her advertising catch-phrase was "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" ("I want Taco Bell!"). The voiceover work for these commercials was provided by voice actor Carlos Alazraqui.
The figure grew popular, so much so that toy figures of the dog were produced, and "Yo quiero (X)" became a recognized piece of pop culture. The dog also started two other catch phrases, "Drop the chalupa!" which briefly became an oft-quoted phrase on SportsCenter, and "Viva Gorditas!," meaning "Long live Gorditas!" In a noted crossover with the 1998 Godzilla film, the dog famously attempted to trap the monster in a box, goading the beast with the phrase "Here, lizard lizard lizard..." only to see Godzilla's size and respond "Uh-oh... I think I'm going to need a bigger box." (a reference to Jaws)
Some Latin Americans accused the dog of being a thinly veiled cultural stereotype.[1] The company stopped showing the dog in advertisements in 2000. [2] It was incorrectly rumored that Taco Bell ended the commercials because the dog died. [3] Tom Kenny, a voice actor and friend of Carlos Alazraqui, said that Hispanic advocacy groups lobbying for the end of the campaign led to the cancellation of the Taco Bell dog. Mr. Kenny criticized the cancellation.[4] Other reports say the use of the dog was discontinued because it failed to increase Taco Bell's revenue stream in spite of the dog's popularity. [5]
In 2003 Taco Bell lost a lawsuit brought forth by two Michigan men who had pitched the concept of the Chihuahua to Taco Bell six years earlier. Taco Bell had turned them down but went forward with the campaign with TBWA. The men sued and in 2003 a jury awarded them $30.1 million in compensation[6] plus nearly $12 million in additional interest three months later.[7] Taco Bell in turn sued TBWA saying it should have been aware of the conflicts. In 2009 a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled against Taco Bell.[8][9][10]
Gidget was euthanized on July 21, 2009 after suffering a stroke in the home of her trainer Sue Chipperton. [11] She was cremated and her ashes were retained by her trainer.
See also
References
- ^ Stevenson, Mark. Mexico slams Burger King for 'whopper' of insult. Associated Press. 13 April 2009.
- ^ "Taco Bell replaces top executive and Chihuahua, too". CNN. 2000-07-19. Retrieved 2006-10-04. [dead link]
- ^ "For Whom the Taco Bell Tolls". Snopes. 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-22.
- ^ Lawson, Tim and Alisa Persons. The Magic Behind the Voices: A Who's Who of Cartoon Voice Actors. "192."
- ^ [1]
- ^ "Michigan Creators Awarded $30.1 Million in Lawsuit over Ownership of Taco Bell's Chihuahua". thefreelibrary.com. 2003-06-04. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ Williams, Carol J. (2009-01-24). "Taco Bell loses $42 million Chihuahua ruling". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
- ^ Taco Bell Loses Chihuahua Case--Again Amlaw Daily - January 26, 2009
- ^ "Interview With Settlement Winner Tom Rinks". American Morning. CNN. 2003-06-05. Retrieved 2006-10-04.
- ^ "Douglas A. Dozeman - Grand Rapids". Lawyer of the Year 2003. Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Retrieved 2006-10-04.
- ^ "KXNet News". Retrieved 2009-07-23.