Meet Golden Performance Star Jesse

Golden Jesse and Actress Deanne BrayThe show, “Sue Thomas, F.B. Eye,” premiered on Sunday, October 13, 2002 and ran for three seasons. This series told the story of a real person, Sue Thomas, a deaf woman who went to work for the FBI. She initially analyzed fingerprints, but her incredibly ability to read lips with accuracy led to a new job. She was able to figure out what suspects were saying on surveillance tapes that were devoid of sound. Thomas is actually played by deaf actress Deanne Bray.

According to the show's producers, more than 28 million Americans are deaf or hard of hearing. Yet the hearing community knows little of what it's like not being able to hear. Hopefully, this show should help rectify that. In the case of Hearing Dog Levi (played by Golden Retriever Jesse), the dog does provide some comic relief in the show. But, don't get upset when they show some of the dangers associated with the job.

In the two-hour premiere, Sue helped take down one of the world's most wanted men, getting Levi shot in the process. Since this is a TV show, and on the friendly Pax network to boot, it's a sure thing that a Golden, lying comatose in a hospital bed, is going to wake up and look lovingly at his mom. It is certainly unique that a show about a deaf person, even though who by all accounts is quite extraordinary, would get made, and that it would actually star a deaf person.

But, you can be certain that the real star of the show, at least in the early going, is Golden Hearing Dog, Levi. An abuse victim, Levi failed training school, but Sue wanted him anyway. The trainer had warned that there were major concerns that Levi had the necessary capabilities. But, Sue indicated that the same things used to be said about her. Obviously, it was a match made in heaven.

Jesse, the 5-year-old guy who played Levi, was not new to the show business world. He landed his first role on the Nickelodeon TV series “Animorphs” based on the popular Scholastic books by K.A. Applegate soon after his first birthday. Born at a celebrated dog breeding establishment outside of Toronto, Jesse was discovered by Bryan Renfro, a professional animal trainer who also worked on Benji the Hunted, Gremlins, Goosebumps and Twilight Zone. Bryan trained this guy with a combination of love, reward, praise and lots of doggy toys.

After a two-year hiatus in California, Jesse reunited with Renfro for the role of Levi on “Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye.” He resides with Renfro in Pickering, Ontario. On his days off, Jesse enjoys running through corn fields, chasing sticks and spending quiet evenings at home.

 

 

 


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