Tai the Elephant is having a big year. And that's big even by the standards of elephants.
The Hollywood veteran starred earlier this year in "Like Water for Elephants" (as the elephant, natch), and now takes a lead role in "Zookeeper," playing one of many talking creatures who school Kevin James in the language of love.
How many other actresses can boast of starring opposite Robert Pattinson and Kevin James in a single year? It's clear that Tai the Elephant has become the go-to elephant in Hollywood these days. Eat your hearts out, um, all you other elephants.
Tai has been parading around the Hollywood circus for decades now, consistently turning in tusk-turning performances. We're proud to present the high-profile pachyderm's seven greatest stunts.
7. 'The Jungle Book' (1994)
When the animated Disney classic "The Jungle Book" was being adapted into a live-action film, the producers knew that only the most skilled and professional animal actors could serve their animated predecessors justice. While Tai wasn't given a major role, she still turned out a staggeringly frightful performance as she made those no-good treasure hunters run for their lives. That's what we thought, ya poachers.
6. 'Vanity Fair' (2004)
"Water for Elephants" isn't the first time Tai has shared the screen with Reese Witherspoon (that's right, Luke Wilson, you're tied). This colorful spectacle starring Reese as social underdog Becky Sharp found Tai parading around in awesome displays of purple and red drapery amongst thousands of elegantly dressed extras. Tai was able to relish in the Indian culture's religious idolization of elephants, and you can tell in "Vanity Fair" that she's a holy beauty to behold. Fun Fact: R.Pattz also had a tiny role in "Fair," playing Reese's son, but his scene was cut.
5. 'George of the Jungle' (1997)
There were plenty of untamed animals in "George of the Jungle" looking for some cinematic spotlight. With wisecracking apes, wannabe lion kings and more, it was like the animal kingdom's answer to a Hollywood casting call. But alas Tai triumphs over all, as we see her majestically tread through the jungle valleys with George (Brendan Fraser) and Ursula (wait, Leslie Mann was in this movie?) riding on his back. Take a seat all you animal amateurs, this is Tai's time to shine.
4. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Remember "the elephant in the room" in Banksy's critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated documentary? Yep, that was Tai. Covered in bright pink paint during an art exhibit, she proves a marvelous visual spectacle that defies the imagination. There was inevitable controversy, however, with animal cruelty claims following, but how do we know she didn't enjoy her stylin' new coat?
3. 'Larger than Life' (1996)
With classic titles like "Scrooged," "Ghostbusters II," and "Groundhog Day" in the late '80s and early '90s, Bill Murray was on a hot streak. But even the master couldn't tame Tai's ability to steal the show in the otherwise forgettable "Larger than Life." Tai destructively marched to the beat of her own drum, nearly demolishing buildings and trains while strolling through crowded airports and city sidewalks. Here's the rare Bill Murray movie where it's not Bill Murray getting the biggest laughs.
2. 'Operation Dumbo Drop' (1995)
Sure, the movie's become a bit of a punchline, but Tai the Elephant enthusiasts recognize it as Tai's shining moment. Tai chews the scenery as the lead in this comedy based on the true story of American soldiers who dropped an elephant into the jungle during the Vietnam War. "Operation Dumbo Drop" marked the moment when moviegoers first fell in love with the majestic Tai, and it further proved that even though pigs may not fly, elephants definitely can.
1. 'Water for Elephants' (2011)
As Rosie, the troubled circus elephant who brings Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon together, Tai doesn't just get to act oppposite R.Pattz, who plays her would-be animal trailer -- she gets to flirt with him, too, while Reese stands ineffectually by. Never has a nation of females been more jealous of an elephant's trunk. Shake it if you got it, Tai.
Bonus Clip: Tai in Britney Spears' 'Circus'
Since NextMovie is an MTV site, we felt it only right to include Tai's turn in Britney Spears' sexy music video for “Circus” as an honorable mention. While it may not be the typical family amusement showcase that Tai is used to, she still turned up her method-acting capabilities and reminded us why elephants were so damn popular at circuses in the first place. Hey Barnum and Bailey, how 'bout booking Britney and Tai for your next cross-country tour?
Originally published April 19, 2011.
