It’s heartwarming to learn that Abbey, the German Shepherd who portrayed Sam in “I Am Legend,” is still alive and well. The fact that she is enjoying her retirement with her trainer’s family, particularly with his daughter and her children, adds a beautiful layer to her story. It seems Abbey has been an integral part of their family for many years.
The insight from Steve Berens, Abbey’s trainer, sheds light on the close bond between Will Smith and the canine star. It’s interesting to hear that Smith was genuinely interested and invested in working with Abbey, treating her as a co-star rather than just an on-screen prop. This positive experience reflects in the strong bond portrayed in the movie between Smith’s character, Robert Neville, and Sam.
The trainer’s caution about potential complications if Smith were to adopt Abbey after the film is understandable, given the dynamics of celebrity relationships and commitments. Regardless, it’s heartening to know that Abbey has remained with her trainer’s family, continuing to play an essential role in their lives.
It’s also noteworthy that Abbey’s training didn’t stop after “I Am Legend,” with her participating in a few smaller roles. The fact that she has primarily been a family dog and pet outside of her film work adds to the authenticity of her connection with her human co-stars.
Overall, it’s a delightful update on the life of the canine star behind one of the memorable characters in “I Am Legend.”