Needless to say, many of our favourite films simply would not be the same without a beloved pet. Our real-life affection for animals helps mold our experiences, and this is no less evident than in film.

Famous people throughout history have had pets, from movie stars to kings and politicians. Their love and devotion to these four-legged ‘fur babies’ makes celebrities seem a little more like the rest of us. Here is a small sample across history of famous persons and their beloved critters.