25 Famous TV Commercial Actors and Their Ads

Commercials have become an integral part of our daily lives, bombarding us with messages and products at every turn. However, some commercials stand out and become iconic, etched in our memories long after the campaign is over.

These commercials often feature memorable characters and voice actors that captivate our attention and leave a lasting impression. But what is it about these characters and actors that make them so interesting and memorable?

In this article, we will explore why some commercials are so memorable, and why people are interested in the characters and actors in the ads. Best of all, many of them you will know.

25 of the Best Actors and Commercial Characters on TV

Below we will examine the importance and role of storytelling, relatability, and brand image in creating memorable characters and ads, and how this translates into increased consumer engagement and brand loyalty. Let’s get started!

Stephanie Courtney for Progressive: The Face of Progressive Insurance

Stephanie Courtney, also known as Flo, has become the face of Progressive Insurance. The company’s commercials featuring Flo’s perky, upbeat personality have been a hit with consumers. Stephanie Courtney’s quirky character has become synonymous with Progressive, and she has helped the company stand out in a crowded industry.

Her commercials focus on Progressive’s various insurance offerings, including car insurance, home insurance, and renters insurance. By featuring Stephanie Courtney, Progressive has been able to create a recognizable brand that consumers trust.

John Gilchrist Jr. for Life Cereal: “Hey Mikey, He Likes It!”

John Gilchrist Jr. starred in the iconic “Hey Mikey, he likes it!” commercial for Life Cereal in the 1970s. The commercial features three brothers trying to convince their picky younger brother Mikey to try Life Cereal. Mikey is hesitant at first, but after trying the cereal, he exclaims “Hey, Mikey, he likes it!”

The commercial was a huge success and is still remembered today. John Gilchrist Jr.’s portrayal of the older brother helped make the commercial a classic and turned him into a household name.

Nancy Walker for Bounty’s: “The Quicker Picker Upper”

Nancy Walker became the face of Bounty’s “The Quicker Picker Upper” campaign in the 1970s. The commercial features Nancy as Rosie, a diner waitress who uses Bounty paper towels to quickly clean up spills and messes.

The catchy jingle and Nancy’s lively performance helped make the commercial a hit with consumers. Nancy Walker’s portrayal of Rosie helped establish Bounty as a trusted brand for cleaning up messes.

Brie Larson for Nissan: Innovation that Excites

Brie Larson starred in Nissan’s “Innovation that Excites” campaign in 2015. The commercial features Brie driving a Nissan Sentra and highlighting the car’s various features, including its advanced technology and fuel efficiency.

Brie’s natural charisma and energy helped make the commercial a success. Her performance showcased Nissan’s commitment to innovation and helped establish the brand as a leader in the automotive industry.

Dennis Haysbert & Dean Winters for Allstate: “Mayhem”

Dennis Haysbert and Dean Winters have both starred in Allstate’s “Mayhem” campaign since 2010. The commercials feature Dennis and Dean portraying various forms of “Mayhem,” such as a reckless driver or a burglar, highlighting the importance of having good insurance coverage.

The campaign has helped establish Allstate as a brand associated with protection, safety, and preparedness. Dennis and Dean’s humorous and memorable performances have made the campaign a success.

Paul Marcarelli for Verizon: “Can You Hear Me Now?”

Paul Marcarelli starred in Verizon’s iconic “Can You Hear Me Now?” campaign in the 2000s. The commercials featured Paul as a Verizon technician traveling around the country and testing the company’s network coverage.

The campaign helped establish Verizon as a brand associated with reliability, quality, and innovation. Paul’s memorable catchphrase and relatable performance made him a pop culture icon and helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

J.K. Simmons for Farmers Insurance: “We Know a Thing or Two Because We’ve Seen a Thing or Two”

J.K. Simmons has been the face of Farmers Insurance since 2010, appearing in the company’s various commercials and advertising campaigns. His portrayal of a knowledgeable and experienced insurance agent has helped establish Farmers Insurance as a brand associated with expertise, reliability, and trustworthiness.

The commercials often feature J.K. Simmons sharing interesting and quirky insurance stories, highlighting the company’s commitment to helping customers through unexpected events.

Vanessa Branch for Orbit Gum: “Fabulous!”

Vanessa Branch starred in Orbit Gum’s “Fabulous!” campaign in the 2000s. The commercials feature Vanessa as a snarky and stylish spokeswoman promoting Orbit Gum’s various flavors and benefits.

The campaign helped establish Orbit Gum as a brand associated with freshness, style, and confidence. Vanessa’s sassy and entertaining performance helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Isaiah Mustafa for Old Spice: “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”

Isaiah Mustafa starred in Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign in the 2010s. The commercials feature Isaiah as a suave and confident man promoting Old Spice men’s grooming products.

The campaign helped establish Old Spice as a brand associated with masculinity, humor, and innovation. Isaiah’s memorable catchphrase and charming performance helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Hallie Eisenberg for Pepsi: The Pepsi Girl

Hallie Eisenberg was the face of Pepsi’s advertising campaigns in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her energetic and bubbly personality helped her become known as “The Pepsi Girl.” The commercials featured Hallie promoting various Pepsi products and flavors, from Pepsi Cola to Mountain Dew.

Her portrayal of a fun-loving and relatable teen helped establish Pepsi as a brand associated with youth, energy, and excitement.

House Peters Jr. for Mr. Clean: “Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean!”

House Peters Jr. starred as the original Mr. Clean in the 1950s and 1960s. The commercials featured House as a bald and muscular cleaning expert promoting Mr. Clean household cleaning products.

The catchy jingle “Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean!” became a cultural phenomenon, and House’s portrayal of the iconic character helped establish Mr. Clean as a brand associated with power, effectiveness, and cleanliness.

Matthew McConaughey for Lincoln: “The Art of Being Lincoln”

Matthew McConaughey starred in Lincoln’s “The Art of Being Lincoln” campaign in the 2010s. The commercials featured Matthew as a contemplative and sophisticated man driving a Lincoln car and reflecting on life’s big questions.

The campaign helped establish Lincoln as a brand associated with luxury, style, and elegance. Matthew’s natural charisma and thoughtful performance helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Jake Stone & Kevin Miles for State Farm: “Like a Good Neighbor”

Jake Stone and Kevin Miles starred in State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor” campaign in the 2010s. The commercials featured Jake and Kevin as friendly and helpful State Farm agents, assisting customers with various insurance needs.

The campaign helped establish State Farm as a brand associated with reliability, trustworthiness, and customer service. Jake and Kevin’s warm and approachable performances helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Jason Alexander for KFC: “I Colonel Sanders”

Jason Alexander starred in KFC’s “I Colonel Sanders” campaign in the 2010s. The commercials featured Jason as a fictionalized version of Colonel Sanders, promoting the company’s various chicken offerings.

The campaign helped establish KFC as a brand associated with nostalgia, tradition, and delicious food. Jason’s humorous and self-aware performance helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Nicole Randall Johnson & Katie Crown for DriveTime: “Betsy and Emily”

Nicole Randall Johnson and Katie Crown starred in DriveTime’s “Betsy and Emily” campaign in the 2010s. The commercials featured Nicole and Katie as quirky and fun-loving saleswomen promoting DriveTime’s various car offerings.

The campaign helped establish DriveTime as a brand associated with affordability, convenience, and fun. Nicole and Katie’s energetic and enthusiastic performances helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Darrell Winfield for Marlboro: The Marlboro Man

Darrell Winfield was the face of Marlboro’s “The Marlboro Man” campaign in the 1970s and 1980s. The commercial features Darrell as a rugged cowboy smoking a Marlboro cigarette. The campaign helped make Marlboro the top-selling cigarette brand in the world.

Darrell’s portrayal of the Marlboro Man helped establish the brand’s masculine image and turned him into a cultural icon.

Morgan Smith for Wendy’s: “Where’s the Beef?”

Morgan Smith starred in Wendy’s iconic “Where’s the Beef?” campaign in the 1980s. The commercial features Morgan as a feisty elderly woman demanding more meat in her fast food burger. The catchphrase “Where’s the Beef?” became a cultural phenomenon and is still remembered today.

Morgan Smith’s portrayal of the spunky old lady helped establish Wendy’s as a fast food chain with high-quality ingredients and turned her into a pop culture icon.

Diane Amos for Pine Sol: “That’s the Power of Pine Sol, Baby!”

Diane Amos became the face of Pine Sol’s “That’s the Power of Pine Sol, Baby!” campaign in the 1990s. The commercial features Diane as a no-nonsense cleaning lady who uses Pine Sol to clean everything from floors to walls. The catchy jingle and Diane’s sassy performance helped make the commercial a hit with consumers.

Diane Amos’ portrayal of the Pine Sol lady helped establish the brand as a powerful cleaning solution and turned her into a recognizable brand ambassador.

Jonathan Goldsmith for Dos Equis: The Most Interesting Man in the World

Jonathan Goldsmith starred in Dos Equis’ “The Most Interesting Man in the World” campaign in the 2000s. The commercial features Jonathan as a suave and sophisticated man with a taste for adventure and a fondness for Dos Equis beer.

The campaign helped establish Dos Equis as a premium beer brand and turned Jonathan into a cultural icon. His portrayal of the most interesting man in the world helped create a memorable and successful advertising campaign.

John Hodgman for Apple: “I’m a PC”

John Hodgman starred in Apple’s “I’m a PC” campaign in the late 2000s. The commercial features John as a nerdy PC user contrasting himself to a cool, hip Mac user.

The campaign helped establish Apple as a brand associated with innovation, creativity, and style. John’s portrayal of the PC user helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Becky G for Xfinity: “Best Time Ever”

Becky G starred in Xfinity’s “Best Time Ever” campaign in 2019. The commercial features Becky as a music-loving Xfinity user enjoying the company’s various offerings, including streaming services, TV shows, and sports.

The campaign helped establish Xfinity as a brand associated with entertainment, technology, and convenience. Becky’s energetic and lively performance helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Vince Offer for ShamWow: “You’ll Be Saying Wow Every Time”

Vince Offer starred in ShamWow’s “You’ll Be Saying Wow Every Time” campaign in the 2000s. The commercial features Vince as a charismatic salesman demonstrating the power of ShamWow towels to absorb liquids and clean surfaces.

The campaign helped establish ShamWow as a brand associated with innovation and effectiveness. Vince’s enthusiastic and energetic performance helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Wendy Kaufman for Snapple: “Wendy the Snapple Lady”

Wendy Kaufman became known as “Wendy the Snapple Lady” for her role in Snapple’s advertising campaigns in the 1990s. The commercials feature Wendy as a friendly and enthusiastic representative of the Snapple brand, showcasing the company’s various flavors and products.

The campaign helped establish Snapple as a brand associated with creativity, quality, and fun. Wendy’s warm and approachable personality helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Milana Vayntrub for AT&T: “Lily”

Milana Vayntrub starred in AT&T’s “Lily” campaign in the 2010s. The commercial features Milana as a quirky and relatable saleswoman promoting AT&T’s various wireless and broadband offerings.

The campaign helped establish AT&T as a brand associated with innovation, reliability, and customer service. Milana’s charming and witty performance helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

Charles Stone III for Budweiser: “Whassup?”

Charles Stone III directed Budweiser’s iconic “Whassup?” campaign in the early 2000s. The commercial features a group of friends greeting each other with the catchphrase “Whassup?” while drinking Budweiser beer.

The campaign helped establish Budweiser as a brand associated with fun, friendship, and camaraderie. Charles’ creative direction helped create a successful and memorable advertising campaign.

The Greatest TV Commercials and Actors of All Time

Commercials play a significant role in our daily lives, and some commercials become iconic and etched in our memories long after the campaign is over. These commercials often feature memorable characters and actors that captivate our attention and leave a lasting impression.

Now the next big question is, how many of these ads do you remember… and who will become famous and memorable for TV commercials in the future?