Ricky Gervais is mourning the loss of his beloved canine co-star, Vislor Antilly, known affectionately as Anti, who played Brandy on Netflix's acclaimed series After Life. The German shepherd died peacefully at the age of 13 at her home in Oxfordshire, with the news being reported on January 22, 2025.
Gervais, who not only created the show but also starred as Tony Johnson, took to social media to express his sorrow. "This is such sad news. Anti was a beautiful soul," he wrote. He recalled the instant bond they shared, stating, "We hit it off straight away and she helped make After Life my favourite filming experience of all time." Gervais stressed the importance of affirming their bond, adding, "I’m so glad I told her a hundred times a day she was a very good girl."
Anti's role as Brandy was not just pivotal for Gervais’s character, who navigates the aftermath of his wife’s death, but also became emblematic of the show’s themes of grief and healing. During the series, which spanned three seasons from 2019 to 2022, fans frequently campaigned to keep Brandy alive, fearing for her fate as the show dealt with dark subjects.
Born in Herefordshire, Anti was trained by Travis and Ashley Foster, who have molded many canine actors throughout their careers. Before starring alongside Gervais, she took on roles in several notable productions. Anti appeared with Tom Cruise in the action-packed film Edge of Tomorrow and shared the screen with George Clooney in The Midnight Sky. Her versatility also showed through TV appearances, including roles in Doc Martin and The Capture.
Although After Life is likely what she will be most fondly remembered for, Anti's impressive credentials extend beyond the show. She finished her acting career with a role as a retired police dog solving mysteries on Midsomer Murders, which aired just months before her passing.
Gervais championed Anti throughout the series, ensuring her to be viewed as more than just his on-screen companion. To fans and viewers, she represented unwavering loyalty and empathy at a time when Gervais's character was at his lowest. Their on-screen partnership struck such a chord with audiences worldwide, it earned Anti the title of “the world’s most famous dog.”
Following the announcement of her passing, Gervais shared his grief through heartfelt posts, including photos from their time on set and memories from filming. His social media followers responded with condolences, expressing their own sadness at the loss of this beloved character. Many fans commiserated, recalling Anti's impact on their favorite moments from the series.
A statement from Anti's team read, "Vislor Antilly, known to most people worldwide as Brandy, Ricky Gervais' loyal sidekick... has passed away peacefully at her home... at the age of 13." This reflects the deep bond not only between Gervais and Anti but also the affection shared by countless fans who have come to embrace her character.
Gervais's continued acknowledgment of Anti's significance throughout his career speaks volumes about the influence animals can have on human lives, both on and off screen. His commitment to showing affection for her daily, even through simple affirmations, is evidence of the importance he placed on their friendship.
With Anti’s passing, the world has lost more than just a remarkable actor; it has lost the loyal companion who brought warmth and depth to Gervais's character and made After Life resonate with viewers experiencing their own grief and loss.
Ricky Gervais's tribute to Anti exemplifies the love and admiration he had for his furry co-star, echoing the sentiments of fans who, like him, will cherish the memory of the dog who made them laugh, cry, and reflect on the nature of love and loss.