From Robert De Niro to Glen Powell: Celebrities Celebrate World Take Your Dog to Work Day

In Robert De Niro's latest film, The Alto Knights, the actor did something he'd never done before at 81 years old. Well, two things: one, he played two roles at once, mafia bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello; and two, he brought his dogs, Lily and Ansy, along with him on set because he got them roles.

“The script included a scene where I walk two dogs,” says the legendary actor. “Then my girlfriend [Tiffany Chen] said, ‘Why not our dogs?’ I introduced them to Barry [Levinson, the director], and he liked them.” And so the actor appears in the film walking two tiny dogs dressed in mink coats, playing Frank Costello’s faithful companions.

De Niro isn't the only one who has brought his pets on set. Today, World Take Your Dog to Work Day, we're taking a look back at other celebrities who have sought to normalize this situation. Glen Powell's adopted puppy also became the king of the set during the filming of Twisters. "Shortly after being adopted, Brisket joined the cast of 'Twisters' and was quickly dubbed 'the Lassie of his generation,'" the actor wrote alongside some images with his pet on his Instagram account.

Robert De Niro got his two dogs, Lily and Ansy, a role in the film 'The Alto Knights'.

Powell and Brisket's story could easily be the script for a movie. The 36-year-old star of films like Anyone But You, Top Gun: Maverick, and Hitman was going through a difficult time. “I was going through a breakup and living in downtown Enid, Oklahoma, and I'd always wanted a dog,” Powell recalls. The idea of ​​adopting a dog was on his mind. “I was in a coffee shop... I don't even know how to describe it, I just wanted to be a dad,” he says.

The actor, who followed many Instagram accounts promoting dog adoption and rescue, came across a photo of Brisket, and it was love at first sight. “He became sort of the mascot on the set of that movie. He was just adorable,” he recalls. “Sets can be very lonely places. And it’s interesting to see a dog that fills you with love, how it brings the cast even closer together. There’s something wonderful about animals, how they can break down our barriers a little bit and accelerate friendships and things like that. So, yeah, Brisket has been incredible. I consider him the best special feature of Twisters,” Powell commented after filming wrapped.

Nicole Kidman is another star who has occasionally brought her poodle companion to work. The actress, who never had a dog or lived with any pets, decided to adopt little Julian when she turned 52. They've been together for five years. The one who never leaves her tiny Chihuahua's side is Demi Moore. As the actress revealed to Vogue in a 2024 interview, Pilaf has gone with her to red carpets, events, Broadway performances, museums, and even tennis tournaments like Roland Garros.

In Spain, a year ago, model and actor Andrés Velencoso attended an interview on Marc Giró's program Late Xou accompanied by his dog Herry, a beautiful Golden Retriever who accompanies him everywhere. And presenter Sonsoles Ónega celebrated this World Day by bringing her dog Tacker to the set. In 2023, she presented Y ahora Sonsoles on Antena 3 accompanied by her pet.

Last year, he did it on Telecinco's " Ya es mediodía." "What a strange feeling it is to bring your dog to work. This needs to be normalized," said Ónega about this initiative, which aims to demonstrate that workers who come to work accompanied by their dogs reduce stress, improve efficiency, and stimulate creativity.