I had the coolest chance to chat with Steve Berens, the dog whisperer to the stars, especially with Abbey from I Am Legend. Yep, if you’ve seen the movie, you’re probably picturing that super brave German Shepherd, Samantha, who steals the show in a world that’s gone to the dogs, literally. So, I was bubbling with questions: How did Abbey land this gig? What’s the scoop on her training secrets? And, oh, what was it like having Abbey and Will Smith share the screen? Let’s dive in!
Quick paw-se before we unleash the details: spoiler alert! If “I Am Legend” is still on your “to-watch” list, press “pause” on this read, enjoy the film, then scamper back here.
The Hollywood Stars Steve Berens Works With
Hold your horses before we leap into the fun! It’s a good idea to sniff around Steve Berens’s world first. Once you discover the big names and blockbuster flicks he has been a part of, you will truly appreciate the magic he creates.
He’s been playing in the showbiz sandbox for a cool 40 years. Over that time, he’s rounded up an impressive pack of star-studded clients and their headline-hogging movies. Let’s roll out the red carpet for some of his most famous furry friends and their cinematic adventures!
- The adorable Labradoodle in Grown Ups 2 with Kevin James, Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Nick Swardson
- Orange tabby cat named Mews in Stranger Things
- Briard dog in Easy A with Emma Stone
- The dogs in The Animal with Rob Schneider
- Chunky kitties in Anger Management with Adam Sandler
- Walrus from 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
- Guinea pig from Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler
Check out his gallery here to take a look through the movie photos.
Where Did Abbey, the Dog from I Am Legend, Come From?
During my chat with Berens, Abbey’s animal trainer, he shared that Abbey’s journey started in a breeding facility before she became his lifelong companion. His encounter with her was serendipitous, as he was on the hunt for a female German Shepherd to cast in a film role.
Steve let me in on a Hollywood insider tip: German Shepherds often land the hero parts, but interestingly, many of these roles, even those supposed to be female characters, are played by male dogs. But I Am Legend was on a specific quest for a female lead, prompting Steve to embark on a search that would ultimately lead him to Abbey.
While on the search, he came across Abbey, and it just felt right. He said, “I felt like I had to rescue her from that, in the sense of just being, you know, a breeder, just breeding.
He continued to explain, “She was roughly about 16 months old, more like a year and a half, I should say, 18 months… And so it was quite a big endeavor in the sense that I think I got her in the middle of July, and we went to Canberra in the middle of September in Manhattan [New York City].”
Even with that little bit of time getting to know one another, he said Abbey took right to show biz. She was a natural. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t a puppy or that she had a late start. She was well on her way to the big screen.
How Did Sam in I Am Legend Meet Will Smith?
Once Abbey was chosen, the crucial moment came for her to meet Will Smith to see if they would make a good team on camera. Berens shared that he took Abbey to Will Smith’s house in North Hollywood for this very special introduction. This first meeting between Abbey and Will Smith was important, but it didn’t immediately spark the kind of magic you see in movies. But that was just the beginning.
Right off jump street, he explained, “I went out and met him, and I’ll never forget he came walking out and she started barking, and I was like, don’t get me fired before we even get going. You know? And Will was very professional.” Berens explained that Will was patient and was looking forward to getting to know this future co-star.
Will Smith and The GSD From I am Legend
Berens spilled the beans, saying that it was love at first sniff between Will Smith and Abbey. Right out of the gate, Will rolled out the red carpet for her, treating her not just as a pet, but as a true co-star. This star-studded treatment, Berens noted, worked wonders for their chemistry in front of the camera.
It wasn’t just a one-time meet-cute; Berens and Smith made it a regular gig, hanging out frequently. This gave Will ample time to bond with Abbey, showing her the ropes of movie magic, while Abbey learned to strut her stuff in the glow of the spotlight, wagging her way into the hearts of everyone on set.
The Scene That Tugged at America’s Heartstrings
Need I elaborate further? For those who have seen “I Am Legend,” a particular heart-wrenching scene is likely flashing through your mind right now. Brace yourselves, because here comes a major SPOILER ALERT. Yes, the dog dies in I Am Legend, and it’s not an easy scene to watch.
Picture the intense moment when Will Smith’s character, Robert Neville, and his loyal canine companion, Sam, find themselves ensnared in a deadly trap. In this pivotal scene, they face an onslaught from zombie dogs.
Remarkably, Neville possesses immunity to the virus, protecting him from infection through both airborne transmission and direct bites. Sam, on the other hand, is safeguarded against airborne exposure but remains vulnerable to the virus through physical bites.
And Here It Comes…
The tension peaks as Neville is on the brink of being overwhelmed by the zombie dogs. The zombie dogs were let go by Smith’s character’s attacker (the head of the zombies, called the darkseekers).
In a valiant act of courage, Sam springs to his defense and tragically gets bitten. Neville desperately carries her back to his lab, administering a vaccine in the hope of reversing her grim fate. Despite his efforts, the cure falls short.
In a scene that tugs at the heartstrings, Neville cradles Sam in his arms, feeling her slip away as the infection takes hold. Faced with an agonizing decision, he must end her suffering—a moment that encapsulates the depth of their bond and the brutal reality of their world.
I Am Legend Dog Death Scene
Berens brought up the scene I just explained to you during our conversation. He said, “There was one particular shot when he when he choked her out. I had a shot, where as he released her, she slid down his arm, and she really had learned to let it go. She let everything go, and she slid down his arm and to the ground. And literally to where her head would just lightly hit the ground and kind of almost just bounce and settle.”
So, basically, this scene that brought America to tears was created by Abbey due to how relaxed she felt around Will Smith. Their bond was truly that strong.
And Berens was sure to note that this did not happen in every movie with every actor. Will Smith and Abbey’s bond was truly one-of-a-kind.
Is the I Am Legend Dog Still Alive?
Berens noted that Abbey passed away in 2018, but she had a very full life. Aside from her role as Samantha, she starred in small gigs, but never anything as large as Samantha in I Am Legend. She spent most of her time being loved on by Berens and his family, including his daughter and grandchildren.
Get in Contact With Steve Berens
When producing a movie and in need of a Hollywood coach, Berens mentioned that the circle is rather tight-knit. However, these coaches often suggest each other for specific television shows or films based on the client’s specific requirements. But you can also check out his website and send a message that way.
P.S.- Check out LoveToKnowPets.com to read the rest of my interview with this Hollywood movie star and animal trainer!