Who played the cat? - briefly
The character of the Cat was portrayed by Cate Blanchett in the film adaptation of "The Hobbit."
Who played the cat? - in detail
The role of the cat in various contexts has been portrayed by numerous actors across different mediums, each bringing their unique interpretation to the character. In literature, one of the most famous cats is the Cheshire Cat from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." This mischievous feline was famously voiced by Sterling Holloway in Disney's 1951 animated film adaptation, lending his distinctive voice to the character's enigmatic nature.
In the realm of live-action cinema, the cat has also made notable appearances. One memorable portrayal is that of Jones, the cat from the science fiction horror film "Alien" (1979) and its sequel "Aliens" (1986). Jones was played by several cats, with the most prominent being a gray tabby named Gordon. Despite not having any lines, Gordon's performance as Jones added an element of comfort and familiarity to the otherwise terrifying environment of the spaceship.
In animated features, the cat has continued to be a popular character. In DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek" series, the character Puss in Boots was initially voiced by Antonio Banderas. This suave and charming feline became a fan favorite, leading to his own spin-off film "Puss in Boots" (2011). Banderas' performance brought a new level of sophistication and humor to the character, making Puss in Boots a beloved figure in animated cinema.
On television, the cat has also had significant roles. In the popular British series "Top Cat," the titular character was voiced by Arnold Stang. This animated show followed the adventures of T.C., a clever and charismatic leader of a gang of alley cats living in Manhattan. Stang's voice brought an endearing quality to the character, making T.C. a beloved figure for generations of viewers.
In conclusion, the cat has been portrayed by various actors across different mediums, each bringing their unique interpretation to the role. From Sterling Holloway's enigmatic Cheshire Cat to Antonio Banderas' suave Puss in Boots, these performances have solidified the cat as a beloved and versatile character in entertainment.