Pal facts for kids

Pal (born June 4, 1940 – died 1958) was a famous rough collie dog. He became a well-known actor in movies and television shows during the 1940s and early 1950s. Pal was owned and trained by Rudd Weatherwax, a skilled animal trainer.

Pal is best known for playing the beloved dog character Lassie. He first appeared as Lassie in the 1943 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) movie Lassie Come Home. This movie made Lassie a star, and Pal went on to play the role in six more MGM "Lassie" movies.

Pal's Acting Career

Pal's journey to becoming a movie star began when he was chosen for the role of Lassie. He was a very smart and talented dog. His performances helped make the Lassie character famous around the world.

After his successful movie career, Pal continued to play Lassie. He starred in the first two pilot episodes for the CBS television series Lassie. These episodes helped launch the long-running TV show that many people still remember.

Retirement and Legacy

After his work on the television pilots, Pal retired from acting. He had a long and successful career entertaining audiences. Pal passed away in 1958 and was buried on his owner Rudd Weatherwax's ranch.

Pal's legacy lived on through his family. His male descendants continued to play the role of Lassie in the television series. They kept the character alive for nearly 20 years, showing how important Pal was to starting the Lassie tradition.