A veteran of more than a dozen classic Hollywood feature films, Cheeta (AKA Jiggs) played opposite such stars as Maureen O’Sullivan, Johnny Weissmuller, Ronald Reagan and Rex Harrison to name just a few.

Now retired and living in Palm Springs, the simian superstar not only holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest living, non-human primate, he is an accomplished artist. His expressionistic paintings have hung in the National Gallery in London as well as raised thousands of dollars for animal rights charities such as the Jane Goodall Institute.

Fellow animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Lassie have stars on the Boulevard and many cartoon characters also share the star studded sidewalk. Bugs Bunny, Snow White, Woody Woodpecker, Kermit the Frog, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh and The Simpsons have all been honored. The Munchkins deservedly took one of the coveted spots this year. Even Japan’s Godzilla shows up on the hallowed Walk of Fame.

There have been six attempts to secure a star for Cheeta, the last four beginning in 2004. Each time, he has been turned down. We ask the honorable Mayor of Hollywood, Johnny Grant, and his Chamber of Commerce to please consider Cheeta when they choose the next batch of honorees in June 2008 for the 2009 nominations. Seven times lucky? We hope so.

Cheeta is an inspiration to young and old alike. He represents all the chimpanzees that played Cheeta. His inclusion on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will not only give recognition to one of the international, animal megastars of all time, but focus attention on his fellow primates in the wilds of Africa who now face extinction.

Please give Cheeta a star while he is still alive. Guaranteed to be a Tarzan yell heard around the world. Ungawa.

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