Ricky Gervais has announced the sad news that a star of AfterLife has died at the age of 13(Image: PA)

Netflix Afterlife star dies as Ricky Gervais announces heartbreaking news

by · ChronicleLive

Ricky Gervais has shared the sad news that a star of AfterLife, Anti, who played Brandy the dog in the popular Netflix series, has passed away at the age of 13. The comedian and actor took to social media to announce the loss of the German Shepherd, posting a picture of himself with the beloved canine on a park bench, reports the Mirror.

He captioned the post: "Sad News. 'Anti', who played 'Brandy' in AfterLife, has died. She was 13 and a very good girl."

He added a crying face emoji to his message as fans quickly offered their condolences and shared their thoughts on the show. One fan wrote: "It was the most simple yet profound series I've ever watched. Watching you in this role, I constantly saw myself. It was a series where I confronted myself and life. You and Brandy were amazing."

Another commented: "I'm so sorry to hear that. She brought so much joy and love to the show."

A third shared: "I lost my GSD a few years back. Such wonderful dogs," while another added: "Very sorry to hear it, Ricky. They are family. Condolences."

READ MORE: Newcastle's favourite dog breeds revealed

In AfterLife, Ricky portrayed Tony, a man grappling with the death of his wife. He played a newspaper columnist who adopts a new persona to push away those trying to help him.

Ricky Gervais is mourning the loss of his on screen best friend(Image: Getty Images)

Anti was seen in the touching role of his best friend at home, Brandy, who supports Tony through his grief. In 2022, Beth Heale, the dog's owner, told BBC: "What she is to Tony, is what she is to us in real life."

She continued: "We don't have children, just like how Lisa and Tony don't in the show. It sends a poignant message throughout - dogs are there for you when people can't be and Antilly is always there."

The beloved canine also had her own Instagram account which gathered thousands of followers. Reflecting on her recent passing, a moving tribute featuring a montage of memories, including time with Ricky and another with the late Paul O'Grady, was shared with the caption stating: "Vislor Antilly, After Life's Brandy, has sadly passed away. We already miss her terribly. Sleep well xxx".

Ricky Gervais, an outspoken champion for animal rights(Image: PA)

Antilly's brush with the limelight began early—merely at 10 weeks old she visited the set of 'The Dark Knight Rises' with her co-owner, Ashley Foster, a TV and film extra portraying one of Bane's henchmen. Her parents were even featured as attack dogs in the film.

Often cast for roles suiting a police or guard dog, Antilly showboated her talents in 'Midsomer Murders', 'Doc Martin', and the 2016 movie 'Denial'. Her repertoire included appearances in 'Trespass Against Us', 'The Midnight Sky', and 'The Boys in the Boat'.

Ricky Gervais, an outspoken champion for animal rights, has expressed his fondness for dogs on several occasions, noting his readiness to do 'anything' for them. He once explained what dogs mean to him: "You know me. I'll do anything for dogs."

He elaborated on his emotional connection towards animals, especially dogs: "It was acting but it's pretty easy to get emotional over a beautiful dog. If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all."