"The meanest cat in the world" - A Viciously Famous Feline or Just a Normal Cat?

Not many film stars could get away with biting Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly, and Grant Williams without completely ruining their Hollywood careers. So, who is the viciously talented kitty who was referred to as “the world’s meanest cat” by one studio executive?

Despite an infamous reputation as an onset diva, this week’s #famousfeline went on to be the only cat to ever win two PATSY awards (the animal actor’s Oscar equivalent). He won his first PATSY for his role in the 1951 film, Rhubard and the second for his role ten years later in one of the most iconic films of all time, Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). Known under a few names, this week's #famousfeline is most commonly referred to as Orangey after his unforgettable role alongside Audrey Hepburn in the aforementioned Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Orangey was trained by the renowned cinematic animal handler, Frank Inn who was responsible for the careers of many famous and iconic on-screen animals. Orangey was prized for his ability to play a diverse range of roles and his stamina for withstanding long days on set. 

Like many Hollywood divas Orangey would often storm off set and disappear abruptly putting an end to filming while frantic film attendants hunted for the elusive marmalade tabby. After one too many of Orangey’s dramatic exits, a director installed canine guards at all the set doors so that Orangey couldn’t escape and further disrupt tight filming schedules and blow out big-screen budgets.

Clearly, Orangey’s talent outweighed his catlike behaviour because he starred in over seven feature-length films in the 1950s and 60s and held key roles in three television sitcoms.