Notable among the talented troupe of trained primates was Manis, a remarkable orangutan who garnered widespread recognition for his portrayal of Clyde, the loyal and trusty sidekick to the illustrious Clint Eastwood in the 1978 cinematic sensation, Every Which Way But Loose. This iconic film, which captivated audiences worldwide, showcased Manis's exceptional acting abilities, earning him a cherished place in the hearts of moviegoers.
It is worth noting that the sequel to this box office hit, Any Which Way You Can, released in 1980, did not feature Manis in his role as Clyde. This was due to the fact that Manis had undergone significant growth between productions, making it impractical to continue featuring him in the role.
In his place, the orangutan C.J. took on the role of Clyde, marking the beginning of a six-year career in the film industry for this talented primate. C.J.'s impressive debut in Any Which Way You Can set the stage for a successful and storied career in Hollywood.
Following his departure from the world of cinema, Manis returned to working with his trainers in Las Vegas, where he continued to hone his skills and entertain audiences in a live setting.