The Northern Express Herald

The Artist star Uggie dies

AAP

The Artist star Jean Dujardin holds Uggie the dog after accepting the Oscar for best picture in 2012. Photo / AP

Uggie, the canine star of the Oscar-winning silent movie The Artist, has lost his battle with prostate cancer.

The famous Jack Russell Terrier was put down on Friday in Los Angeles after his condition deteriorated, says his owner, animal trainer Omar Von Mueller.

Uggie on the red carpet at the 2012 Academy Awards. Photo / AP
Uggie on the red carpet at the 2012 Academy Awards. Photo / AP

He told TMZ.com that it was a "difficult decision" to say goodbye to his 13-year-old pooch who became a movie sensation in 2011 after sharing the screen with French actor Jean Dujardin.

The Artist won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Uggie had his own dedicated fan base. Photo / Getty
Uggie had his own dedicated fan base. Photo / Getty

Uggie won a number of accolades for his role, including the Golden Collar Award and the Palm Dog Award at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The dog was even honoured with a pawprint ceremony outside the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Uggie, who also starred in Water For Elephants, retired from acting in 2012.

Uggie had lots of famous friends, including Dame Judi Dench. Photo / Getty
Uggie had lots of famous friends, including Dame Judi Dench. Photo / Getty

-AAP