Spike in the Spotlight
The Rugrats’ faithful dog speaks for the first time,
but the voice sounds familiar.
By Keith Bush
We always knew there was more to Spike than met the eye. The wrinkled forehead, alert ears and wagging tail hinted at something beneath the surface. But he never said a word.
After 12 years, the silence is over. Spike speaks. And guess what? He sounds a lot like a world-famous movie star.
This summer, two Nickolodeon TV shows come together on the big screen. Spike and his friends from Rugrats meet the gang from The Wild Thornberrys on a desert island. Eliza Thornberry can talk to animals. Through her, we finally hear what Spike has to say.
The creators of Rugrats Go Wild knew what Spike should sound like. “We wanted Spike to be heroic, but somewhat silly,” says director Norton Virgien. “Bruce Willis, even as an action hero, has a good sense of humor about it. It seemed a perfect fit.” They didn’t know if the star of The Sixth Sense and the Die Hard movies would agree. “We got totally lucky because of his love for Rugrats and the fact that he is a dad and he loves dogs,” Virgien says. “So, we got our first choice.”
Then, the actor, the writer and the director tried to get into the minds of their own dogs. “We all wonder what our dogs think of us and what’s important to them,” Virgien says. “What does he think he’s going to find when he digs under the fence? Does he really like dog food? This was our chance to answer those questions.”
Bruce Willis made up a lot of Spike’s dialog on the spot, Virgien says. “I think he would channel his own dogs and put a little New Jersey attitude into the character,” he says. “We were so busy laughing, we didn’t stop him.”
Spike’s new pipes got a workout in a duet with a leopard that sounds amazingly like rocker Chrissie Hynde. “He was really psyched to do that and worked really hard at it and got a fabulous performance,” Virgien says.
Now that Spike has found his voice, who knows how far he’ll go? “I think Spike is actually enjoying his turn as a star instead of a supporting player,” Virgien says. Let’s just hope it doesn’t make one of his costars jealous. “When Angelica’s agent finds out Spike is getting a lot of attention, there might be sparks.” 
Speaking With Spike
When I caught up with Spike, he was running in circles, putting the finishing touches on his performance in Rugrats Go Wild. “Sit a while,” I pleaded. “Don’t make me beg. Throw me a bone!” Busy as he was, he kindly agreed to answer a few questions for the sake of his fans. Good boy!
Q Has becoming a movie star changed your life?
A Well, I can't go anywhere -- the dog park, the groomer -- without being overrun by autograph hounds. That started after the first Rugrats movie. Other than that, life is pretty much the same, except maybe that I get better kibble now.
Q We don't think Stu and Didi give you enough credit. How do you feel about that?
A I don't mind. Humans are a peculiar bunch. They say things like "sit” and "stay" and want to shake your hand, as if that's a great accomplishment. They don't realize that us dogs are a more sophisticated bunch.
Q Were you nervous about working with a leopard?
A Nahh. You've seen one cat you've seen 'em all.
Q Do you see yourself as a role model for other cartoon dogs?
A I don't think it would be so bad if some of my fellow dog actors took a cue from this dog and round out some of their other talents -- you know, singing, dancing, maybe even try acting in some of the classics. There are too many dog actors out there who are in the business only because of their looks.
Q What other secret talents do you have?
A I'm pretty good in a swordfight -- learned that during my years at the Royal Shakespeare Academy. I also dabble in poetry. Haiku's my specialty.
Q What's next for you? Your own TV show? Broadway?
A My agent just got a call from Broadway. Seems as though there's talk that Andrew Lloyd Webber is considering staging an all-dog adaptation of Cats. Just yesterday, I auditioned for the lead in a new sitcom: Life with Lassie. The producer said that I had real chemistry with the Collie. But you know how these show-biz things go. First to the finish line, I say.
Q If you were stranded on a desert island, which Rugrat would you want with you and why?
A Ah, jeez. That's like choosing your favorite bone. Let's put it this way: I like all my human babies equally -- except maybe Angelica.
Q Now that you have a voice, is there anything you'd like to tell the world?
A Yeah -- it's fine time you elect a dog for president. Like me, for instance.