APOPKA, Fla. — The dog who played the Bush's Baked Beans dog in television commercials has died.
His real name was Sam and he played the famous TV talking dog named Duke, but after a bout with an aggressive form of cancer, Sam was euthanized last week, according to a social media post from David Odom, a friend of Sam's owner.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Family demands answers after loved one killed in wrong way crash
- Olympia Jehovah's Witnesses Hall heavily damaged in suspicious fire
- Girl, 15, allegedly killed by brother, stabbed 53 times for 'taking too long in the bathroom,'
- Belltown 'tent mansion' and homeless camp to be cleared
- Dog on 520 Bridge leads police on crazy chase, Seattle Animal Shelter now searching for owner
"She is as we are heartbroken," Odom wrote on Facebook.
“He was a very special dog to all who ever knew or had the pleasure of meeting him. He will be missed,” he said.
Bush’s also issued a statement on the passing of Sam.
"We are saddened by the news of his passing and are grateful to have had him depict Duke," the company said in a statement on Facebook.
Bush’s also reassured fans that Duke will live on and will continue to appear in commercials.
The golden retriever named Duke has been the face of Bush's Baked Beans with his owner Jay Bush since 1996, but according to the Dogington Post, the real Duke was so camera-shy that a look-alike dog actor was found to play him in commercials. The famous talking Duke ads became classic commercials and are still aired today.