Frank (c. 2003–23 October 2021) was an Asian water monitor and animal actor best known for his role as Mrs. Kipling on the American teen sitcom series Jessie. He was owned by Jay Brewer and lived at The Reptile Zoo in California until his death in 2021.
 Frank in 2014 | |
| Species | Asian water monitor |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Hatched | c. 2003 |
| Died | 23 October 2021 |
| Occupation | Animal actor |
| Notable role | Mrs. Kipling |
| Years active | 2011–2015 |
| Owner | Jay Brewer |
| Residence | The Reptile Zoo |
Career
edit
Disney Channel approached Jay Brewer in 2011 requesting a "big, tame lizard". Brewer chose Frank because of his calm disposition.[1] Brewer compared Frank to a teddy bear, stating that he was "always dependable".[2] Frank reprised his role as Mrs. Kipling in Bunk'd, a sequel series to Jessie.[3]
Filmography
edit| Title | Notes | Refs. |
|---|---|---|
| Jessie | Played the role of Mrs. Kipling | [1] |
| Bunk'd | Reprised his role from Jessie | [3] |
| Good Day L.A. | Breakfast television feature | [2] |
| The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | Talk show feature | [1] |
| The David Letterman Show | Talk show feature | [1] |
| Conan | Talk show feature | [1] |
Personal life
editFrank lived in Jay Brewer's Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley, California.[1] He was known to wander around Prehistoric Pets, a pet store within the zoo.[4]
Frank died on October 23, 2021, at the age of 18, outliving 28 siblings.[5] He left behind a nephew named Frank Jr.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Nguyen, Lan (2014-08-18). "Jay Brewer, Lizard Lord". Orange Coast Mag. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b Nguyen, Lan (2014-08-20). "This Sitcom Scene-Stealer is a Fountain Valley Pet Shop's Headliner". Orange Coast Mag. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b Bunk'd | First Look! | Official Disney Channel UK. Disney Channel. 2015-11-02. Retrieved 2024-11-08 – via YouTube.
- ^ Jilleen (2015-03-23). "A Field Trip to The Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley". SoCal Field Trips. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ Leung, Yasmine (2021-10-25). "Death of Jessie's Mrs Kipling has fans sobbing for beloved TV sidekick". The Focus. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ Flood, Rebecca (2021-04-13). "Zookeeper Reveals Giant Monitor Lizard's Insane Appetite As It Devours Prey". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-04-03.