9 Behind The Scenes Secrets About Mister Ed, The Famous Talking Horse

Mister Ed was a popular 1961 sitcom that ran for six seasons thanks to a charismatic horse, who the show was named after, and his dad, Wilbur Post.

The series is still loved by people of all ages, and it is clear to see why. It is a feel-good show about a man and his talking horse who manages to get him in trouble in various ways.

The palomino horse who portrayed Mister Ed won the hearts of his co-workers and viewers. However, what most people don’t know is that he wasn’t the first horse they chose to play the role, and many other quirks about the famous gelding.

Interesting Facts About Mr Ed

Learn more about this Hollywood star below.

His real name was Bamboo Harvester

He was a Saddlebred/Arabian cross gelding that was born in 1949 in California.

Wasn’t the first choice for Mister Ed

Harvester replaced a “difficult” chestnut gelding that was originally chosen for the role.

Used to being in the limelight

Prior to his debut in Hollywood, he was a show horse and ridden in parades.

Had a stunt (or still) double

Just like other actors, Mister Ed had a double. The horse was a palomino Quarter Horse named Pumpkin. He was used for still shots and some public appearances.

Did as he pleased

When he was tired of filming, he would simply walk off set. However, he was known for completing his scene in just one take.

Trained by Les Hilton

Les Hilton, studied under the legendary Will Rogers, trained Mister Ed and formed an unbreakable bond with the horse. He taught him to move his lips on cue – whenever he touched his hoof, opens gates, and use a phone. Hilton was the only person Mister Ed would respond to and was by his side all throughout filming.

Voiced by Allan “Rocky” Lane

Lane was a popular voice actor in western movies at the time.

Won four Performing Animal Top Star Of The Year (PATSY) Awards

PATSY Awards, created by The American Humane Association, are handed out to animal actors. Mister Ed received first, second, and third place rankings for his spectacular acting. He took home the award four years in a row.

How he died is unclear

There are several stories about how Mister Ed (Bamboo Harvester) died. One states he passed away from a tranquilizer at a farm in California, while another states he was euthanized due to failing health at a farm in Oklahoma. A five-foot granite monument for Mister Ed still stands in the field of the Oklahoma farm to honor the late horse.

Watch part of the iconic episode which stars Clint Eastwood below.

This show is a true classic and the talking horse will never be forgotten.