Clint Eastwood's character owned an orangutan as a pet in the movie "Every Which Way But Loose." The orangutan's name was Clyde, and it played a significant role in the film. Released in 1978, the movie was a comedy and adventure film directed by James Fargo.
Clint Eastwood portrayed the character of Philo Beddoe, a trucker and amateur boxer, who traveled around with his pet orangutan Clyde, engaging in various comedic misadventures. The film was quite successful and even spawned a sequel titled "Any Which Way You Can" in 1980, also featuring Clint Eastwood and Clyde the orangutan.
In "Every Which Way But Loose," Clint Eastwood's character, Philo Beddoe, had a deep bond with his pet orangutan Clyde, who became a beloved and iconic character in the film. Clyde was portrayed by an orangutan named Manis, who was trained by animal handler Bobby Berosini.
Throughout the movie, Clyde showcased his mischievous and playful nature, often getting Philo into humorous and unpredictable situations. Clyde was Philo's loyal companion and his secret weapon in barroom brawls. Clyde's unexpected physical prowess and ability to throw punches formed an unlikely and entertaining duo.
The film's storyline followed Philo's quest to find his love interest, a country singer named Lynn Halsey-Taylor, who was played by Sondra Locke. Along the way, Philo and Clyde encountered a colorful cast of characters, including bikers, rival boxers, and even a gang of goons.
"Every Which Way But Loose" was a commercial success and became one of Clint Eastwood's highest-grossing films at the time. Its popularity was largely due to the unique dynamic between Eastwood's tough and rugged persona and Clyde's scene-stealing antics. The film's blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments made it a memorable and beloved entry in Eastwood's filmography.