Asta is the cute little wire-haired terrier that delighted movie audiences in such films as "Bringing Up Baby", "The Awful Truth", and, of course, the popular "Thin Man" movies.  Asta wasn't merely a furry prop in the films he starred in, he was a central part of the action and a star in his own right.

Today, seventy years after his screen debut, Asta the dog is still loved and adored. Thanks to stations like Turner Classic Movies and new DVD releases of classic films, new generations are coming to know and appreciate the magic of Asta's performances.

Asta was immensely popular with audiences in the thirties and forties - so popular in fact, that many smitten fans wanted a clever little companion like Asta to call their own. Unfortunately, this surge of interest then led to an over breeding problem for Asta-like terriers.  Asta's charm still holds strong with dog lovers, and the name "Asta" remains a popular name for dogs to this day.

Asta is sometimes referred to as "Skippy," and was credited as Skippy in the 1939 film "Topper Takes A Trip".  Asta's birth name was Skippy, but it was changed to Asta after the first Thin Man film was released.  Some fans feel strongly that Skippy is the "real" name, and therefore the proper name to use, while others prefer Asta, which is the name he is best known by.  From all accounts, the canine star was comfortable answering to both.

The popularity of the "Thin Man" movies led to a "Thin Man" television series in the 1950s.  The role of Asta was not played by the same dog that made the role popular in the films. The television role was portrayed by one of his canine relatives.

Asta's owner was the dog trainer Henry East, and he was also trained and worked by Frank Weatherwax.

To find Thin Man movies and other movies featuring Asta, click here for Asta's movies on VHS, or click here for Asta's movies on DVD.

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