06:00, 30 April 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
In the world of Hollywood, stars can be of any shape, size or species. Over the past few years, we’ve seen actors forming deep, life-changing bonds with their animal co-stars – leading some to adopt them after working together.
Here are five actors who gave their on-screen furry companions a forever home – and the incredible stories behind their adoptions:
Sophie Turner, known for portraying Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, has long been an animal lover. During filming, she formed a close bond with the dog who played her character's direwolf, Lady. Though Sansa’s direwolf met a tragic fate on-screen, Sophie couldn’t bear to part with the dog, named Zunni, who had become like family.
"Growing up, I always wanted a dog, but my parents never wanted one," she shared with the Coventry Telegraph. "We fell in love with Lady on set, and my mum persuaded them to let us adopt her."
Ian Somerhalder, renowned for his role as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, has long been an advocate for animal rights and rescue efforts. During filming, Ian formed a special bond with a dog named Nietzsche, who had been brought in for a role on the show. Instead of simply finishing his scenes and walking away, Ian made the heartfelt decision to adopt Nietzsche, offering him a permanent home.
Nietzsche quickly became a beloved part of Ian’s family, frequently appearing in social media posts and even accompanying him to animal rescue events. Ian’s choice to adopt wasn’t just personal—it was a powerful statement about the importance of animal rescue. His commitment to adoption has since inspired the creation of his own foundation, which champions environmental conservation and animal protection.
During the filming of Gifted in 2017, actor and passionate animal lover Chris Evans found himself in a heartwarming yet unexpected situation. The shoot took place in a dog pound, and upon arrival, Chris immediately asked, “Are these actor dogs, or are these real, up-for-adoption dogs?” When he discovered that the animals were in need of homes, he wasted no time in finding his new best friend.
“I was walking up and down the aisles and saw this one dude, and he didn’t belong there,” Chris recalled in an interview. “I snagged him, and he’s such a good dog.”
True to his compassionate nature, Chris adopted the dog, forever changing both their lives. You can frequently find the pair together on Chris’ Instagram page.
Taylor Swift is the proud owner of three cats, with the latest addition being Benjamin, who she met while filming the music video for her hit song "ME!" from her Lover album IN 2019. In a sweet behind-the-scenes clip, Taylor shares the moment she first laid eyes on Benjamin, affectionately saying, “Hi, honey. You’re beautiful.”
It seems the feeling was entirely mutual, as Benjamin immediately began to purr, clearly smitten with his new owner. Their instant connection was undeniable, and it’s clear that Benjamin has since become a beloved member of Taylor's furry family. With her trademark love for cats, Taylor’s relationship with Benjamin is just another heartwarming chapter in her ongoing story of animal companionship.
While this example does not include Lupita’s feline friend, it was too heartwarming of a story to not include. Lupita Nyong’o's role in A Quiet Place: Day One marked a significant personal and professional milestone. Initially terrified of cats, Lupita faced a unique challenge when cast as Samira, a character who navigates a post-apocalyptic world with her feline companion, Frodo.
To prepare, she underwent "cat therapy," gradually acclimating to cats by having them brought to her home, starting with observing them from a distance and slowly progressing to holding them.
Her on-set experience with Frodo, portrayed by cats Nico and Schnitzel, deepened her appreciation for felines. This newfound bond led to her adopting an orange tabby named Yoyo from the Best Friends Animal Society in 2023. She credits Yoyo with helping her heal during a challenging period in her life, noting, "I guess the best anecdote for when you feel poorly taken care of is to take care of something."
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Malaria No More UK. This global charity is dedicated to ending animal cruelty and suffering in various industries including entertainment. They work with governments, communities, and businesses to create long-term change for animals worldwide. Find out more.
Best Friends Animal Society. This is a leading U.S.-based non-profit dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in shelters. They run adoption centres, and advocate for no-kill initiatives nationwide. Learn more here.
Freedom for Animals. This UK-based charity works to end the exploitation of animals in captivity, particularly in zoos, circuses, and the exotic pet trade. They campaign through investigations, advocacy, and public education to promote a world where animals live free. Support them here.
