Clyde
A TRIBUTE TO CLYDE

This Clyde was in the second Clint Eastwood movie featuring an orangutan, Any Which Way You Can (1980). A different "Clyde" was used in the first movie, Every Which Way But Loose. Unfortunately, this Clyde was beaten to death by his trainer before the release of the second movie. A third "Clyde" was used for publicity. The problem with apes in entertainment is not only what happens to them on the set but what happens to them off the set. Plus, after they have outgrown their usefulness most of them end up either in zoos, medical labs or as roadside attractions. When visiting zoos, I often hear people refer to Clyde and/or Clint Eastwood when observing the orangutans. So strong is the connection, I overheard one lady, as she was leaving the ape complex at a zoo, state "Oh, we have to go back; we forgot to see the Clydes."

Species: Pongo pygmaeus
Painting is 24"x 30".
Completed in 2003.
All Images and Text Copyrighted 2001-05 Robert Cooper