In a deeply emotional gesture, comedian and creator Ricky Gervais has unveiled a beautiful statue dedicated to Vislor Antilly, the German Shepherd who portrayed the loyal dog Brandy in his acclaimed Netflix series After Life. The tribute, erected in Hemel Hempstead – the picturesque town where much of the show was filmed – stands as a permanent reminder of the four-legged star who captured millions of hearts worldwide.

Vislor Antilly, affectionately known as “Anti” to those close to her, passed away peacefully earlier this year at the age of 13. Trained from a young age as a professional stunt and acting dog, Anti rose to fame through her role as Brandy, the unwavering companion to Gervais’s character, Tony Johnson. In the series, which explores themes of grief, loss, and finding joy amid sorrow, Brandy serves as Tony’s emotional anchor – a faithful friend who prevents him from spiraling into despair after his wife’s death. Anti’s natural charisma and expressive performances made her scenes unforgettable, often stealing the spotlight with her soulful eyes and gentle demeanor.

The statue, placed in St Mary’s Close next to the iconic After Life bench donated by Netflix and a mental health charity, depicts Anti in a poised, lifelike pose. Gervais, visibly moved in a video shared from the unveiling ceremony (held indoors due to rain), described her as “Antilly the wonder hound” and praised Netflix’s initiative to honor animal stars. “I think Anti might be the best animal star of all time,” he said, highlighting how she transformed filming into his most cherished experience.

Anti’s career extended far beyond After Life. Born in Herefordshire and trained by experts at Vislor Dog Training Centre, she appeared in major films alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow, George Clooney in The Midnight Sky, and others. Her versatility shone in action roles as police or military dogs, yet After Life allowed her true personality – calm, loyal, and endearing – to shine through as an everyday pet.

Fans have long adored Anti, flooding social media with tributes since her passing. Her role resonated deeply, symbolizing unconditional love and the healing power of animals during tough times. Gervais, a passionate animal advocate who recently donated millions from his tour profits to animal charities, has often spoken of the profound bond they shared on set.

This statue not only immortalizes Anti’s legacy but also pays homage to the real-life impact of After Life, a show that touched on mental health and bereavement with raw honesty and humor. Placed beside the bench where Tony often reflected in the series, it invites visitors to pause, remember, and perhaps find solace – much like Brandy did for Tony.

As Netflix reflected in their announcement: “We’re still missing Vislor Antilly, our four-legged friend who stole every scene.” In a world quick to forget, this tribute ensures Anti’s spirit lives on, reminding us of the quiet heroes who bring light into our darkest days. 🐾