Gidget (February 7, 1994 – July 21, 2009), nicknamed the Taco Bell Chihuahua, was an advertising figure and mascot for Taco Bell from August 1997 to July 2000. The character she played was developed by TBWA. The Chihuahua is a breed commonly associated with Mexico.
History
In August 1997, Taco Bell used the dog in one advertisement in the Northeastern United States. The advertising campaign began during a peak in the Burger wars, in which several fast food chains were engaged in a large advertisement competition against each other. The dog was made to speak through special effects. Her advertising catchphrase was "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" ("I want Taco Bell!"). Her voice was provided by Carlos Alazraqui,[2] who says that the voice is a cross between Hungarian-born actor Peter Lorre (The Maltese Falcon) and Ren Höek, the cartoon chihuahua from The Ren & Stimpy Show (who in turn was also based on Lorre