Meet Smith Lake Jake, Alabama Groundhog Celebrity Who Stars in a New Movie

Smith Lake Jake didn’t start out as a celebrity. Born around 2005 and adopted by Ginger and Heath Whitworth in Graysville, Alabama, he was just a curious little creature with a twitchy nose. But things changed quickly. By his first Groundhog Day, Jake had a stage, a crowd, and a weather prediction to make.

Unlike Punxsutawney Phil, Jake doesn’t bother with shadows. Ginger watches for a signal more subtle, but just as dramatic. If the hair on Jake’s tail stands up, that means more winter. If it stays flat, early spring is coming.

Alabama winters may be unpredictable. But Jake’s method has made him a local go-to for seasonal wisdom.

A Groundhog With Game-Day Intuition

Jake didn’t stop with winter forecasts. Over the years, he has been asked to predict football game outcomes, baby genders, and even the winner of “American Idol.” Back in 2006, he called Taylor Hicks’ victory before the confetti ever dropped. Not bad for a groundhog with no TV.

Alabama News / Jake owns over 125 hats and wears them proudly to public events. His top picks are a stovepipe top hat, a cozy red plaid cap, and a Bear Bryant-inspired houndstooth number.

Every year, he draws a crowd not just for the forecast, but for the show.

Jake Hits the Big Screen in “Bad Man”

In 2025, Jake’s fame went from Alabama-famous to a national stage. The movie “Bad Man,” an action-comedy starring Seann William Scott, brought Jake into Hollywood’s spotlight. The film premiered at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham before hitting streaming services in September.

Jake appears about 15 minutes into the movie, playing “Colt Lake Jake,” a fictional version of himself. Sitting on a tufted chair with his iconic houndstooth hat, he gives a low growl, just enough screen presence to steal the moment.

He is even featured in the trailer at the 55-second mark.

More Than a One-Day Wonder

Jake isn’t just out and about on February 2nd. He has been in commercials, including a memorable spot for Birmingham Suzuki. Plus, he is also a regular on WBRC-6’s “Good Day Alabama,” where viewers tune in to see what Jake has got to say.

He and Ginger show up at local parades like Do Dah Day, where fans cheer like they are seeing a rock star. And in many ways, they are. Jake represents a blend of Southern charm, local pride, and just enough weirdness to make him unforgettable. His presence has become part of the cultural fabric of central Alabama.

Eca / Groundhogs don’t live forever, even the famous ones. Captive groundhogs usually live around 14 years. Jake is pushing the limits, which makes his recent movie moment even more special.

But the Whitworths are ready. They have already named his successor: Smith Lake Jake Jr.

Jake Jr. may have big paws to fill, but he is learning from the best. For now, the original Jake is still very much in charge, still wearing his hats, and still calling the shots, both for the weather and for the spotlight.

Smith Lake Jake’s journey from Graysville to the big screen isn’t just a quirky animal story. It is proof that local legends can make it big, even without speaking a word. He started as a neighborhood favorite, then grew into a cultural icon who now shares scenes with Hollywood stars.