Ricky Gervais Releases Heartbreaking Statement Regarding Death of Beloved After Life Co-Star
On January 22, 2025, Ricky Gervais shared devastating news with his millions of followers on X, announcing the passing of Anti, the German Shepherd who played Brandy in all three seasons of his Netflix series After Life. In a simple yet deeply moving post, Gervais wrote: “Sad News. ‘Anti’, who played ‘Brandy’ in AfterLife, has died. She was 13 and a very good girl,” alongside a photo of the two together.
Anti, full name Vislor Antilly, passed away peacefully at her home in Oxfordshire. Her handlers, Ashley Foster and Beth Heale, confirmed she was 13 years old. Gervais followed with additional tributes, calling her “a beautiful soul” and saying working with her made filming After Life his favorite experience ever. He shared behind-the-scenes footage and photos, highlighting their genuine bond. “We already miss her terribly,” he wrote.
In the series, Brandy was far more than a sidekick. She was the quiet, constant presence that kept Tony Johnson—Gervais’s grieving character—from falling apart completely. The dog’s loyalty, captured so naturally by Anti, became a symbol of hope for millions watching Tony navigate loss. Many viewers believed Brandy was Gervais’s own dog; in truth, Anti was a highly trained professional who appeared in promotional interviews and charmed audiences on shows like Good Morning Britain.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Fans shared stories of how Brandy helped them through dark times, with thousands posting memories and photos. The phrase “very good girl” trended worldwide. Animal welfare organizations praised Anti’s role in raising awareness about therapy dogs and the healing power of pets.
Gervais, a lifelong animal lover and advocate, has long used his platform to support rescues and anti-cruelty causes. This loss struck a particularly personal chord, especially while he tours with Mortality, a stand-up show that confronts death with dark humor. Yet here, there was no joke—only raw, honest grief.
No further statements from Gervais regarding deaths have surfaced in 2025 beyond this tribute and a brief mention of a friend named Paul in May. Anti’s passing remains the most poignant personal loss he has shared publicly this year.
