The cast and crew of “Hudson & Rex” are heartbroken over the death of its beloved dog actor. Diesel vom Burgimwald, the talented German Shepherd who played the role of Rex, passed away during the production of the show’s seventh season. The sad news was confirmed by Sherri Davis, the executive producer and dog master for the Canadian police procedural drama, who also served as Diesel’s trainer and pet parent.
German Shepherd was diagnosed with late-stage cancer
Diesel’s death came after a diagnosis of late-stage cancer. According to Sherri Davis, the disease advanced rapidly, leading to his untimely demise. Davis first met Diesel in 2017 during a visit to a German Shepherd breeder, reported PEOPLE. At the time, Diesel was dismissed by the breeder as unsuitable, but Davis saw “something special” in him and took him home that very day.
In a few months, Diesel’s life took a significant turn when he was cast as Rex in “Hudson & Rex.” Davis fondly recalls how one of the producers immediately recognized Diesel’s potential during a camera test at her training facility. With just two months to prepare Diesel for the role, Davis put in countless hours of hard work. The young pup quickly rose to stardom, delivering standout performances over six successful seasons.
Beyond the show, Diesel was known for his gentle and empathetic nature. He touched the lives of many, from visiting children in hospitals to interacting with older fans via video calls. As Davis shared, “Diesel’s personality is unwittingly one of the sweetest and kindest I’ve ever met. He is so in tune with emotions. He’s magical.” The loss of Diesel has been a devastating blow to Davis, who spent nearly every moment with him for seven years.
To honor Diesel’s legacy, his nephews, Dillon and Dante, have stepped in to fill his role on the show. After two years of dedicated training, the duo is now making their debut in season 7, currently airing in Canada. While fans have noticed subtle differences in the new episodes, Davis is hopeful that Dillon and Dante will continue to bring the beloved character to life in their own way.