Taco Bell chihuahua
 |
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| Other name(s) | Gidget |
|---|---|
| Species | Dog |
| Breed | Chihuahua |
| Sex | Female |
| Born |
Gidget February 7, 1994 |
| Died | July 21, 2009 (aged 15) Santa Clarita, California |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Notable role | Taco Bell Chihuahua |
| Years active | 1997–2003 |
| Cause of death | Animal euthanasia |
Gidget (February 7, 1994 – July 21, 2009), nicknamed the "Taco Bell Chihuahua", was a popular advertising figure and mascot for the Taco Bell restaurant chain from 1997 to 2003. It was voiced by Carlos Alazraqui, and developed by TBWA. The Chihuahua is a breed commonly associated with Mexico, as are the tacos the restaurant serves.
At least two dogs were used as models in the commercials. The original dog cast for the lead role was named Dinky, but was replaced at the last minute by the director with the Chihuahua that was originally cast as the "girlfriend" named Gidget. Taco was another Chihuahua and was a stand-in for Gidget.
In September 1997, Taco Bell used the dog in one advertisement in the Northeastern United States. The advertising campaign began during a peak in the "Burger Wars," in which several fast food chains were engaged in large advertising campaigns against each other. 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 catchphrase was "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" ("I want Taco Bell!"). Her voiceover was provided by Carlos Alazraqui while Perry Herman played the national announcer.
The figure grew popular, so much so that toy figures of the dog were produced, and "Yo quiero (X)" became a recognized piece of popular culture. The dog also started two additional catchphrases: "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 tried 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 need a bigger box" (a reference to Jaws), and another Godzilla crossover involving him making an order through a drive-thru speaker on Godzilla's tail, making an order too large for the workers.
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