Peggy, a five-year-old pugese, a cross between a pug and a Chinese crested dog, has experienced an extraordinary transformation from being labeled Britain's ugliest dog to becoming a Hollywood sensation. Her owner, Holly Middleton from East Yorkshire, describes the journey as surreal. Peggy is now starring as Dogpool in the latest Marvel superhero film, Deadpool & Wolverine, alongside A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
Reflecting on the past 18 months, Holly Middleton said, Not in my wildest dreams did I think anything like that would have ever happened. Peggy's rise to fame began when she won the title of Britain's ugliest dog in a national contest. When we submitted her picture [to the ugly dog competition], I didn't think it would get to the heights it did, Middleton added.
Despite her newfound fame and massive fan base, Peggy remains grounded. According to Middleton, Peggy has not shown any diva behavior at home. Instead, the usually reserved and lazy pugese has gained a bit more confidence from the trainer who looked after her during the film's production. She's still just plain old Peg, Middleton said.
Ryan Reynolds, who co-stars with Peggy, appears to have developed a fondness for her. In one memorable moment, Reynolds was seen kissing Peggy on the side of her head while she wore her red and black superhero costume. They seem to really, really love her and they're so gentle with her, Middleton observed. I just loved every second of it. I loved seeing her up there doing her thing.
Holly Middleton, her husband Luke, and their two boys missed Peggy dearly while she was away filming. It was really, really strange not to have her here, Middleton said. We didn't tell them where she was. Everything had to be kept quiet. I'm glad she's back. We missed her.
Watching Peggy make her debut at a premiere in New York and being held on the red carpet by Hollywood stars was a surreal experience for Middleton. Peggy looked really comfortable the entire time, as probably most people would being cuddled by Ryan Reynolds, she said. She just looked so chilled and so happy.
Despite Peggy's global recognition, Middleton insists that she is the same as every other dog that gets walked in the village. Peggy absolutely loves attention and has become accustomed to turning heads. Before her rise to fame, people would often whisper, Oh, what's wrong with that dog. Now, the public perception of Peggy has changed for the better, with many online comments praising her unique beauty.
For now, there are no plans for future film roles for Peggy. First and foremost, she is a family pet, Middleton emphasized. There's nothing she likes more than either cuddling with us on the couch or snuggling in her bed. Peggy's incredible journey from being crowned the ugliest dog to becoming a Hollywood star serves as a heartwarming reminder that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.
