Madeleine Klein was born on January 10, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. From a young age, she had a deep fascination with animals and dreamed of working with them in some capacity. Growing up in the bustling city of Los Angeles, she often found solace in nature and spent hours observing wildlife in her neighborhood.
After graduating from high school, Madeleine decided to pursue her passion for animals and landed a job at the renowned exotic animal trainer Steve Martin's ranch, Working Wildlife, located in Frazier Park, California. This experience was invaluable to her, as she learned the ins and outs of handling and training a variety of exotic animals.
In 1974, Madeleine made her debut as a Hollywood animal trainer when she was hired as a lion and tiger handler for the popular television show Emergency! Her natural talent and passion for working with animals quickly caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to a successful career as an animal handler, supplier, coordinator, and specialist for films, educational programs, and television series.
Turner & Hooch (1989)
Blade Runner (1982)
George of the Jungle (1997)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Throughout her career, Madeleine has worked with a wide range of animal species, from exotic big cats to domesticated dogs. Her meticulous attention to detail and expert training techniques have made her a sought-after professional in the entertainment industry.
One of Madeleine's most memorable experiences was working as a tiger trainer for the legendary magicians Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn in Las Vegas, Nevada. She fondly recalls the thrill of watching these majestic animals perform alongside the world-renowned illusionists.
Despite her demanding career in Hollywood, Madeleine has always made time for her family. She cherishes the moments spent with her loved ones and credits them for providing unwavering support throughout her journey.
Madeleine Klein's legacy as a trailblazing Hollywood animal trainer continues to inspire aspiring professionals in the industry. Her passion for animals and dedication to her craft have left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment, and her work will be remembered for years to come.
As Madeleine reflects on her remarkable career, she remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way and looks forward to continuing her work with animals for many more years to come.