⏱️ 5 min read
The roaring lion that appears before countless Hollywood films is one of the most recognizable logos in entertainment history. For nearly a century, this powerful symbol has represented Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, but what many viewers don’t realize is that the majestic creature in the logo wasn’t created through animation or special effects—it was an actual living, breathing lion. In fact, multiple real lions have portrayed this iconic image throughout MGM’s long history, each contributing to a legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Origins of the MGM Lion
When Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was formed in 1924 through the merger of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures, the studio needed a memorable trademark that would represent its grandeur and dominance in the film industry. The lion symbol actually predated MGM itself, having been used by Goldwyn Pictures since 1917. The choice of a lion was inspired by the Columbia University athletic teams, as Goldwyn executive Howard Dietz was a Columbia alumnus. The Latin motto “Ars Gratia Artis” (Art for Art’s Sake) encircling the lion further emphasized the studio’s commitment to cinematic excellence.
Meet the Real Lions Behind the Logo
Over the decades, seven different lions have served as the face of MGM, each filmed in real life to create the various versions of the logo that appeared before the studio’s films.
Slats: The Silent Pioneer
The first MGM lion was Slats, who appeared in the logo from 1924 to 1928. Unlike his successors, Slats didn’t roar on screen—he simply looked around majestically. This was during the silent film era, so a roaring lion would have been lost on audiences anyway. Slats was trained by Volney Phifer and went on to live a remarkably long life for a lion, passing away in 1936 at age 29. His body was preserved and reportedly stored in a rather unusual location—at the junction of highways in Oklahoma.
Jackie: The Survivor
Perhaps the most famous MGM lion for reasons beyond his on-screen presence, Jackie served as the logo lion from 1928 to 1956. This remarkable animal survived multiple life-threatening situations, including two train wrecks, an earthquake, a boat sinking, and a plane crash. During one incident in 1927, the plane carrying Jackie crashed in Arizona, and trainer Martin Jensen and the lion survived on sandwiches and water from the radiator until rescue arrived days later. Jackie appeared in over 100 MGM films and became so associated with the studio that his roar became synonymous with Hollywood itself.
Other Notable Lions
Following Jackie, several other lions took their turn in the spotlight. Tanner and Coffee both had brief tenures during the 1930s. Telly appeared in television productions during the 1950s. George served during the mid-1950s, and then Leo the Lion took over in 1957, becoming the modern incarnation that most contemporary audiences recognize.
Filming the Iconic Roar
Creating the MGM logo required careful planning and specialized equipment. The lions were filmed through a special camera setup that captured their majestic presence while they were safely contained. Trainers would work to elicit the perfect roar, timing the capture of that powerful moment when the lion opened its mouth and bellowed. The filming took place at various facilities, including the California zoo that housed many of the performing animals.
The technical aspects of filming evolved significantly over the years. Early versions were shot in black and white, while later iterations incorporated color film technology. The introduction of sound revolutionized the logo, transforming it from a silent, stately image to one that quite literally roared its presence to audiences, creating an immediate and visceral impact before each film began.
The Legacy and Cultural Impact
The MGM lion transcended its original purpose as a corporate logo to become a cultural icon representing Hollywood glamour and the golden age of cinema. The image became so powerful that it influenced how people around the world perceived both lions and the entertainment industry. For many viewers, especially before the age of digital effects, seeing a real lion roar on screen before a movie created an authentic connection and sense of grandeur that set the tone for the viewing experience.
Modern Preservation and Digital Enhancement
While the most recent versions of the MGM logo still feature footage of real lions, digital technology has allowed for enhancement and refinement of the classic imagery. The current logo combines the authentic roar of Leo with modern production values, maintaining the tradition while ensuring technical quality meets contemporary standards. This blend of historical authenticity and modern technology ensures that the legacy of those original lions continues to resonate with new generations of moviegoers.
Conservation and Ethical Considerations
In today’s context, the use of real animals in entertainment raises important questions about animal welfare and conservation. The MGM lions were products of their era, when attitudes toward animal performers differed significantly from current standards. Modern animal rights advocates and conservation efforts have changed how the entertainment industry approaches animal talent, leading to greater emphasis on CGI and animatronics for animal characters in films.
The story of the MGM lions serves as a fascinating reminder of Hollywood’s history and evolution, representing a time when real animals were integral to creating movie magic. These magnificent creatures helped establish one of the most enduring symbols in entertainment history, their genuine roars echoing through decades of cinema to announce countless stories that have shaped popular culture worldwide.