3. George Clooney’s pot-bellied pig

George Clooney has shared screen time and companionship with countless gorgeous women. Yet, it was at the age of 45, when Clooney experienced his first heartbreak. Not due to a glamorous starlet or model, but due to the passing of his cherished pet, Max, a hefty Vietnamese potbellied pig. He even jokingly said that he would marry Max if he could squeeze him into a wedding dress.

Ever wonder what’s so special about a pet pig? In Clooney’s case, his pig Max was much more than just a pet. For almost twenty years, Max was a big part of Clooney’s life at his home in Hollywood Hills. The pig would snuggle in Clooney’s bed, loudly demand breakfast each morning, and even stir up some trouble in Clooney’s romantic affairs. In 1996, when Clooney was about to marry Celine Balitran, she presented him with an ultimatum: it was either her or the pig. To her surprise, Clooney didn’t hesitate. Choosing Max over her, Clooney made it clear that his lovable pig wasn’t going anywhere, leaving Celine packing her bags in no time. Despite Max’s naughty behavior, Clooney loved him even more. He would often call Max “the star.” 

Clooney first got Max as a gift for his then-girlfriend Kelly Preston. When she left, Max stayed and continued to be a constant part of Clooney’s life. When Max finally died after 18 years, it deeply affected Clooney, who candidly admitted to USA Today about his surprise and sorrow at Max’s passing while he was away promoting his film, The Good German. Despite his loss, Clooney confirmed that he had no plans to replace Max, succinctly stating, “Max covered all my pig needs.”