Hollywood’s Most Famous Primate
Crystal, the Capuchin monkey best known for playing Dexter in Night at the Museum (2006) and it’s sequel, Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian(2009), has captivated audiences with her expressive performances and comedic timing. Watching her on-screen has sparked many conversations in our household, particularly about why we cannot have a pet monkey!
I remember what it’s like to be a kid infatuated with the idea of having a pet monkey. Look at them, they’re adorable!
If you’re having a similar conversation at home, try putting it into perspective: Capuchin monkeys can live over 30 years. Add that to your child’s current age and let them think about what life will look like when they still have a monkey to care for in their 40s!
We’ve decided that we’re better off watching Crystal in the movies! We did some research and here’s what we learned about her (and a bit about Capuchin monkeys in general) . . .
Who Is Crystal the Capuchin?
- Species: Tufted Capuchin (Sapajus apella)
- Birth Date: May 6, 1994
- Early Career: Crystal began her acting career in 1997 with George of the Jungle.
- Notable Traits: She is highly intelligent and well-trained but, like all capuchins, requires significant attention and specialized care.
- Fun Fact: Crystal was named after singer Crystal Gayle.
- Diet: She enjoys a variety of foods, including yogurt, grapes, pistachios, and walnuts, though she lost a lower canine tooth while trying to open one!
Crystal is a seasoned Hollywood star with an impressive filmography. Trained by Tom Gunderson, she has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades.
She’s a Capuchin monkey who lives with her handler and trainer, Tom Gunderson. He’s had her since she was 3 years old. He gives her a bath every single day and while he obviously loves Crystal, he wouldn’t recommend owning a Capuchin monkey for a pet because, according to Tom, they’re very high maintenance, they’re possessive and can be aggressive, and they’re messy and destructive.
Capuchin monkeys aren’t very clean animals either. Their only sweat glands on on their hands and feet and in the wild they’d wash their hands and feet with their urine!
Tom has spent a lot of time training Crystal, more time than the average person has available to spend on a pet. He spent 2 1/2 months of additional training time with Crystal for her role on Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian. Her favorite food is yogurt, but she eats at least 5 different fruits and 5 different veggies every single day. She also loves nuts and seeds, pistachios are her favorite and she loves cracking walnut shells.
Still thinking you’d like a pet monkey? What if I told you Crystal doesn’t really like being hugged and that she’s a bit uncomfy around big animals like horses.
Crystal’s Most Famous Roles
Crystal has built an impressive Hollywood resume, appearing in a variety of films across multiple genres.
- 1997 – George of the Jungle – Monkey
- 1998 – Dr. Dolittle – Drunk Monkey
- 1999 – American Pie – Monkey with garage band
- 2000 – Terror Tract – Bobo
- 2001 – Dr. Dolittle 2 – Drunk Monkey
- 2002 – Malcolm In The Middle – Oliver the Helper Monkey (Episode: “Monkey”)
- 2004 – Garfield: The Movie – Pet monkey
- 2005 – Fun with Dick and Jane – Test monkey
- 2006 – The Shaggy Dog – Capuchin
- 2006 – Night at the Museum – Dexter
- 2006 – Failure to Launch – Forest Monkey
- 2007 – 3:10 to Yuma – (Uncredited role)
- 2009 – Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian – Dexter, Able
- 2010–2013 – Community – Annie’s Boobs (5 episodes)
- 2011 – The Hangover Part II – Drug Dealing Monkey (Credited as Crystal)
- Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Female Scene Stealer
- 2011 – The Big Bang Theory – Ricky the Smoking Monkey
- 2011 – Zookeeper – Donald the Monkey
- 2011 – We Bought a Zoo – Herself
- 2012 – Treasure Buddies – Babi
- 2012 – Animal Practice – Dr. Rizzo
- 2013 – The Good Thing – Herself
- 2013 – The Hangover Part III – Monkey (Post-credit scene)
- 2014 – All Hail the King – Bar Monkey
- 2014 – Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb – Dexter
- 2015 – Russell Madness – Hunk
- 2016 – Monkey Up – Monty
- 2016 – Legends of the Hidden Temple – Mikey the Monkey (Television film)
- 2016 – The 101-Year-Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared – Erlander (Swedish film)
- 2016 – Gibby – Gibby (Lead role)
- 2018 – MAX – “Worship” – Monkey
- 2019 – Total Dhamaal – Prachi’s friend/Security guard (Bollywood film, Hindi debut)
- 2022 – The Fabelmans – Bennie the Monkey
- 2024 – Bad Monkey – Driggs (TV show)
Meet Crystal’s Trainer: Tom Gunderson
- Profession: Animal trainer specializing in exotic species for film and television.
- Background: Gunderson worked in a veterinary clinic during high school before studying at Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management program.
- Career: He has trained over 100 species for movies, TV, and live performances, including his long-time work with Crystal.
Other Famous On-Screen Monkeys
Crystal isn’t the only monkey to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Other famous primates include:
- Marcel, Ross’s pet monkey from Friends
- Clyde, the orangutan from Every Which Way But Loose (1978)
- Jack, the Capuchin from Pirates of the Caribbean
While Crystal’s performances are delightful to watch, they also serve as a reminder of how challenging primates can be to care for. She’s a trained professional with years of experience—and she still requires constant supervision and care. So, for those wondering if a Capuchin monkey would make a good pet, the answer is clear: It’s best to admire them on-screen and leave their care to experienced professionals.
