Higgins was one of the most famous dog actors of the ’60s and ’70s, starring in “Benji” and the sitcom “Petticoat Junction.”

Most famously, Higgins played the titular role of Benji in the 1974 film. The original film spawned multiple sequels, including the recent 2018 reboot on Netflix. “Benji” was so universally beloved that even Alfred Hitchcock is said to have had a soft spot for the film.

However, Higgins also appeared in 149 episodes of “Petticoat Junction,” receiving a PATSY Award for his role. He also appeared in “Green Acres” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.”