A Pawsitive Legacy: Remembering Brandy, the Beloved star of ‘After Life’
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The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Vislor Antilly, the talented german Shepherd affectionately known to millions as Brandy from Netflix’s critically acclaimed series After Life. She passed away peacefully at her Oxfordshire home at the age of 13, leaving behind a legacy of heartwarming moments and a profound impact on the hearts of fans worldwide.
ricky Gervais,the show’s creator,writer,and star,shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter,expressing his deep affection for his four-legged co-star:
Sad News.’Anti’, who played ‘Brandy’ in AfterLife, has died. She was 13 and a very good girl 😢pic.twitter.com/KgxnFfAOWl
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 22, 2025
“This is such sad news. Anti was a stunning soul. We hit it off straight away and she helped make After Life my favourite filming experience of all time. I’m so glad that I told her a hundred times a day that she was a very good girl,” Gervais wrote in a heartfelt tribute.
Brandy’s journey into the world of entertainment began at the prestigious Vislor Dog Training Center in Herefordshire, where she was expertly groomed by trainers Travis and Ashley Foster. As a puppy, she already showed a spark of stardom, appearing in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Batman: The dark Knight. She went on to grace the silver screen alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow, Michael Fassbender in Trespass Against Us, and George Clooney in The Midnight Sky. Clooney’s fondness for the talented canine led to her inclusion in his 2023 film The Boys in the Boat.
Brandy’s versatility shone through in diverse television roles, captivating audiences in BBC’s The Capture, ITV’s Doc Martin and Britain’s Got More Talent, and Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 cats Does Countdown. Her final on-screen appearance was in the July 2024 episode of midsomer Murders titled The Debt Of Lies, where she played a retired police dog assisting in apprehending a criminal.
Following her acting career,Brandy enjoyed a peaceful retirement in Oxfordshire,leaving behind a legacy of heartwarming memories and a profound connection with audiences who cherished her on-screen presence.
Her death was announced in a statement that beautifully captured her essence: “Vislor Antilly, known to most people worldwide as Brandy, Ricky Gervais’ loyal sidekick in the Netflix smash hit After Life, has passed away peacefully at her home in Oxfordshire at the age of 13.”
In After Life,Brandy played a pivotal role in portraying the power of companionship and love. As Gervais’ character, Tony, grapples with the devastating loss of his wife, Brandy becomes a constant source of comfort and light in his darkest moments. Their walks together are poignant reminders of the enduring strength found in unconditional love and the healing power of connection.
After life, which premiered in 2019 and concluded in 2022 after three seasons, received critical acclaim for its honest exploration of grief, resilience, and the beauty found in unexpected laughter. Brandy, the heart and soul of the show, played a important role in its emotional resonance and worldwide appeal.
A Lasting Legacy: Remembering Brandy with After Life’s Animal Trainer
Archyde.com sits down with the esteemed animal trainer, Roger Column, who worked closely with the late Vislor Antilly, better known as Brandy, on Netflix’s hit series After Life.
Archyde.com: First,let’s extend our deepest condolences to you and the entire cast and crew of After Life on the loss of Brandy.
Roger Column (RC): Thank you.It’s been an arduous time for us all. Brandy, or Antilly as we called her off-screen, was more than just a co-star; she was a beloved friend.
Archyde.com: Can you tell our readers a bit about your experience working with Brandy?
RC: Absolutely. I’ve worked with many dogs throughout my career, but Antilly was something else. She was incredibly clever, eager to learn, and had this unique spark that made her perfect for the role of Brandy. From the moment she stepped onto set, she captured everyone’s hearts, including mine.
Archyde.com: What was your training process like with Antilly?
RC: We started with the basics, teaching her commands and tricks, but it was her natural instincts that eventually shone through. For instance, her ability to mimic emotions, especially sadness, was uncanny.That’s what made her such a brilliant fit for the character of Brandy. We worked closely together, using positive reinforcement and plenty of treats. She loved her job, and it showed in her performance.
Archyde.com: How did she impact the cast and crew, and the show’s atmosphere?
RC: Antilly’s presence had an enormous positive impact. She brought this warmth and comfort to set, lightening the mood even during the darkest scenes. I remember Ricky Gervais once saying that if there was one person who could help tony [the main character] find hope again, it would be Brandy. That’s exactly what Antilly did, both on-screen and off.
Archyde.com: What was your personal connection with her like?
RC: we bonded instantly. Before every scene, I’d sit with her, run lines [verbally rehearsing his commands], and give her a little pep talk. She’d look at me with those wise, soulful eyes, and I knew she was ready. Like any trainer, I was proud of what Antilly could do, but it was her connection with the cast and crew, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and loved, that truly set her apart.
Archyde.com: Do you have a favorite moment or memory working with Brandy?
RC: There are so many…
Remembering Brandy: A Festivity of Animal Excellence
The world of film and television mourns the loss of Brandy, a talented canine performer who touched the hearts of millions. her impact on the industry, beyond her roles, is undeniable. She was a beloved member of the cast and crew,remembered for her dedication,intelligence,and unwavering spirit.
Director Roger Column shared a poignant anecdote about Brandy’s understanding of her craft. “There’s one scene from Season 2 that really stands out,” Column remembers. “We were filming Tony and Brandy at a bus stop. I’d give Antilly, the command to look at Tony, and she’d do it perfectly.But then, she’d just sit there, staring at him, refusing to break character. It was as if she truly understood the emotional depth of the scene. It was a poignant moment, one I’ll never forget.”
Column’s words perfectly capture Brandy’s essence – an animal who understood the nuances of performance and brought an emotional depth rarely seen in animal actors. He elaborates on what he hopes fans will remember about Brandy: “I’d like them to remember her for the joy she brought into their lives, for the comfort she provided to Tony, and for the love she shared with everyone she met. She was a unique soul, a true artist, and she will be deeply missed.”
To honor Brandy’s remarkable talent and lasting impact,Column is working with the cast and crew to establish an annual award in her name. This award will recognize outstanding animal talent in film and television, ensuring that Brandy’s legacy of excellence continues to inspire future generations of animal performers.
Remember Brandy’s name, remember her shine, remember her as the ray of sunshine she brought to millions worldwide.
What specific techniques did Roger use to help Brandy convey emotions during filming?
Archyde.com: Roger, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We know how much Brandy meant to you and the entire team. Can you share some of your favorite memories working with her?
RC: Oh, there are so many. One that stands out is from the first season. we were filming a scene where Tony, played by Ricky, is walking brandy, and he’s supposed to be lost in thought, grieving. But Brandy, being Brandy, started to lick Ricky’s face, and he just broke character, laughing. The crew erupted in laughter too. It was a beautiful moment of levity on set, and it realy showed her ability to bring joy to those around her.
Another memory is from the final season. We were filming the last scene with Brandy, and it was quite emotional. She was lying down with Ricky, and she just looked up at him with this profound, soulful gaze. It was like she knew it was the end of their journey together. It was a really powerful moment, and it’s something I’ll never forget.
Archyde.com: Brandy’s performances were incredibly moving. How did you help her convey such deep emotions?
RC: Well,it’s critically important to note that dogs don’t understand emotions in the same way humans do. But they are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on our emotions. So, a lot of it was about creating the right atmosphere on set. If we needed Brandy to look sad, for example, we’d play some soft, sad music, and I’d work with her using positive reinforcement. She’d respond to the mood and the cues, and it was amazing how she could convey such depth of feeling.
Archyde.com: Brandy’s passing has left a void in the hearts of many. What do you think her legacy will be?
RC: I think her legacy will be the love and comfort she brought to so many people. She had this amazing ability to connect with audiences, to make them laugh, to make them cry. She was a constant source of joy and warmth on set, and I think that’s reflected in the show. She was more than just a co-star; she was a friend, a confidante, a source of comfort.And I think that’s what people will remember most about her.
Archyde.com: Thank you, Roger, for sharing your memories and insights.it’s clear that Brandy left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with.
RC: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure. I’m just grateful to have had the possibility to work with such a remarkable dog. She’ll be deeply missed.