CONNECTICUT (PIX11) – As Sprinkle the pig ran down the hallway in Tuesday’s episode of “Only Murders in the Building,” Martin Short shouted out “Pig on the loose!”
And just like that, the 1-year-old pig from Connecticut was launched into stardom. Celebrity status makes perfect sense for Sprinkle, Michelle Burns’ second-youngest pig with a bubbly personality, Burns said.
“I get it why she’s an actress,” Burns said.
It was the first time Burns brought one of her pigs on a TV or movie set. She and her husband run a traveling business called Gilbert the Party Pig, bringing their four pet pigs to birthday parties, assisted living homes, schools and on “piggy hikes” (the pigs are leash-trained, of course).
Given the pigs are already so comfortable around people, they make a good fit for TV and movie appearances, Burns said.
From March to June this year, Sprinkle went to work with Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and Martin Short in Long Island City to film her starring role in four episodes of the show.
Sprinkle may be Burns’ star, but her other pigs all have distinct personalities as well.
Burns’ first pet pig was Gilbert, a four-year-old pig that loves to bask in the sun and gives older sibling vibes. Then came Sprinkle and Meadow, “two peas in a pod” who graze the grass all day and love to play, and now baby Dot, who is just two months old and oinks at the sound of Burns’ voice from afar.
“They’re really great animals,” Burns said.
Recently, Sprinkle and her best friend Meadow have been requested at Moana-themed parties for their resemblance to Pua. But Burns’ favorite events are the surprises, she said.
“It’s beautiful…to see the reaction when we get there,” Burns said. “Stuff like that makes your day.”
And when she brings the pigs around, she’s doing more than just spreading joy. Burns also takes the opportunity to educate people about pigs, an animal that is frequently given up by owners.
“They’re very sensitive,” Burns said. “They’re just like a dog.”
Burns always asks the same question after she leaves an event, only partially in jest.
“After meeting my pigs today is everyone giving up bacon?”
