#20: The Famous MGM Lion

We take the MGM lion that appears at the beginning of each movie for granted. Nowadays, the roaring lion is an artificial CGI version of his former self. However, before his 2021 digital makeover, the logo contained footage of a real-life lion named Leo. This image depicts a team recording the first iteration of the MGM lion in the 1920s. 

This majestic lion was the first of many “Leo the Lions” whose faces graced the MGM logo. Although all eight lions that have acted as the studio’s mascot are nicknamed “Leo,” the only lion to officially have that name was the 1957 lion. The 1957 footage of Leo is the same footage that is in use today, with a little CGI touch-up.