List of American advertising characters

This is a list of notable nationally exposed mascots and characters created specifically for advertising purposes, listed alphabetically by the product they represent.

Contents

* Characters
* A
* B
* C
* D
* E
* F
* G
* H
* I
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* S
* T
* U
* V
* W

* Other notable characters and their brands
* See also
* References
* Further reading

## Characters

[edit]

Character  | Product  | Years used  | Notes

|
|
|

The Burger Family: Papa Burger, Mama Burger, Teen Burger, Baby Burger | A&W Restaurants | 1963–1974 |
The Great Root Bear (Rooty) | A&W Root Beer
A&W Restaurants[1] | debuted 1974 |
The Aflac duck | Aflac insurance | 2000–present | originally voiced by Gilbert Gottfried, fired in 2011; now voiced by Daniel McKeague.[2]
The Ajax pixies | Ajax cleanser | 1948–1950s | speaking voices are Joe Silver, Hans Conreid and June Foray
The White Knight | Ajax detergent | debuted 1963 |
Speedy Alka-Seltzer | Alka-Seltzer | 1952–1964, 2010–present | voiced by Dick Beals
Mayhem | Allstate insurance | 2010–present | actor Dean Winters
Bank Executive (aka focus group marketer) | Ally Financial | debuted 2009 | Candid Camera-type setting; Tricks real unsuspecting children with offers and leaves them hurt or upset after adding rules and fees. Played by RJ Kelly.
Loveable Truly | Alpha-Bits cereal | 1964–early 1970s | postman (voiced by Jim Nabors)
Alpha-Bits Wizard | 1970s–1980s |
Alfie the Alpha-Bits Cereal Wonder Dog | 1980s |
Alpha | 2000s–2021 | computer who makes Alpha-Bits
Alpha Pig; Princess Presto; Super Why; Woofster; Wonder Red | 2012–2021 | CGI-animated child stars of Super Why! from PBS
Kids | 1970s–1990s |
Alphabet letters | 1990s–early 2000s | Animated letters who are in cereal
Clip | AMC Theatres | 1991–2009 | figure made out of discarded movie film who appears in the 'coming attractions' and 'feature presentation' trailers seen at AMC movie theaters.
AMC Amazing Icons | 2012–present | icons originally appeared in policy trailers advising audience that "it's movie time, not phone-talking time"; later appeared in the 'coming soon' and 'it's movie time!' trailers seen at AMC movie theaters as CGI-animated characters.
luggage-mauling gorilla | American Tourister | 1970–1980s |
Oven Mitt | Arby's restaurants | 2003–2006 | voiced by Tom Arnold
Jeeves | Ask.com | 1996–2006 |
Lily Adams, the AT&T Store manager | AT&T | 2013–present | informs customers about AT&T's sharing plans, played by Milana Vayntrub
Aunt Jemima | Aunt Jemima | 1893–2020 |
Bacardi & Cola | Bacardi | 2003 |
Dirty Sludge, Sticky Valve, Gummy Ring, & Blackie Carbon | Bardahl engine additive | 1953 |
Frank Bartles and Ed Jaymes | Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers | 1985–1991 | played by David Joseph Rufkahr (Bartles) and D
 Maugg (Jaymes)
Big Boy | Big Boy restaurants | 1937–present | known for statues of figure outside of Big Boy restaurants, character in Adventures of the Big Boy comic book series hamburger of same name; live-action spots in the 1970s by Jonathan Winters
Dolly | 1956–present | Big Boy's girlfriend in Adventures of the Big Boy comic book series
the grandmother in the back seat | BMW X5 | 2015–present | irritates her entire family with exaggerated stories while the parents are driving
the Bonny Maid | Bonny Maid floor cover products | 1949–1950 | played by Anne Francis
Boo Berry | Boo Berry cereal | 1972–present |
Elsie the Cow | Borden | 1938–present |
Rosie the waitress | Bounty paper towels | 1970–1990 | played by Nancy Walker
The "A Little Better Gas Station" Crew | BP Connect Gas Stations | 2007–present | plays to the song "LA" by Message of the Blues
Floyd D. Duck | Bubble Yum bubble gum |  |
Bud Ice penguin | Bud Ice beer | 1996 | known for ominously singing "Doo-be-doo-be-doo..."
Spuds MacKenzie | Bud Light beer | 1987–1990 |
Johnny, the Bud Light guy | 1995 | known for catchphrase "I love you, ma-a-a-n!"; played by Rob Roy Fitzgerald
Bud Knight | 2017–2019 |
Budweiser Frogs | Budweiser beer | 1990s | One frog says "Bud," another says "weis," and a third says "er."  This is often repeated throughout the company's ads, in that order.
Frank and Louie, lizards | 1998 | main adversaries to the Budweiser frogs.
Budweiser Clydesdales | 1930s–present | usually pulling a hitch of Budweiser with a Dalmatian riding in it. Also appear playing football against each other.
Burger Chef and Jeff | Burger Chef restaurants | 1954–1996 | voiced by Paul Winchell
The Burger King | Burger King restaurants | 1974–1990, 2004–2011, 2016–present[3] |
Sir Shake-A-Lot | 1976–1980 | knight who craved milk shakes
The Burger Thing | 1976–1980 | large hamburger puppet
The Duke of Doubt | 1976–1980 | arch-nemesis of the Burger King
The Wizard of Fries | 1976–1980 | robot powered by French fries
Burger King Kids Club Gang | 1990–mid-2000s | Kid Vid, a blond Caucasian male who loved video games and technology; he was the leader of the group. Boomer, a sports loving Caucasian tomboy with red hair tied into a ponytail. I.Q., a male Caucasian nerd with ginger hair and freckles who wore red glasses, a green lab coat, and a pocket protector. Jaws, a tall African-American male with an insatiable appetite. J.D., a dog and the group's mascot. Lingo, a multi-lingual, Hispanic male who liked art and carried an easel. Snaps, a blonde Caucasian female who always carried her camera. Wheels, a Caucasian paraplegic male in a wheelchair. Jazz, an Asian girl who loved music and wore a beret. (Jazz added in 2000)
Herb | 1985 | played by John Merrick
Fighting chickens Spicy and TC | 2004 |
Duke the Dog | Bush's baked beans | 1993–present | Jay Bush's canine companion who always tries to sell his owner's secret recipe; voiced by Robert Cait
Buster Brown and his dog Tige | Buster Brown shoes | 1904–present | live-action spots by Jerry Marin
The California Raisins | California Raisin Advisory Board | debuted 1987 | singing, dancing California raisins
Car Fox | Carfax | debuted 2008 | helps people buy used cars
Joe Camel | Camel cigarettes | 1987–1997 |
The Campbell's Soup kids | Campbell's Soup | debuted 1904 |
Mr. No | Capital One | 2000s | played by David Spade
Cap'n Crunch | Cap'n Crunch cereal | 1963–present | created by Jay Ward Productions; originally voiced by Daws Butler
Mabel the waitress | Carling Black Label beer | 1950s | played by Jean Goodspeed (1951 through mid-1950s)
The Carl's Jr. Star | Carl's Jr. restaurants | 1960s–present | has become Western U.S. counterpart of Hardee's
Maria | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | 2013–present | host of the cooking show Recipes for Disaster, in which she uses old family recipes but does not follow food safety properly, and her husband is aware of this as he avoids eating the cooked meals; those who do later suffer food poisoning as pointed out on screen or by the announcer.
Mr. Whipple | Charmin bathroom tissue | 1965–1989 | played by D
 Wilson
The Charmin Bears | 2000s |
The Cheerios Kid and Sue | Cheerios | 1950s, 1980s, 2012 |
Cherri O'Leary[4] | 1940s |
Chef Boyardee | Chef Boyardee canned pastas |  | based on company founder Hector Boiardi
Chester Cheetah | Cheetos snacks | 1986–present | voiced by Pete Stacker
Bumblebee | Chevrolet Camaro | 2007–present | part of cross-promotion with the Transformers film series; also used in a television ad and sold as a level trim in the Camaro option features
The Babysitter | Chevrolet Tahoe | 2014 | teenager who demands more money after the mother takes her home in the family's new 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and believes that they are worth more after she sees the features.
Hy Finn | Chevron (Standard Oil of California) | debuted 1958 | voiced by Paul Ford
the Chevron Cars | 1995–present |
The Chick-fil-A cows | Chick-fil-A | 1995–present | known for the catchphrase "Eat Mor Chikin" (sic)
Catalina, the Chicken of the Sea mermaid | Chicken of the Sea | 1952–present | voiced by Darla Hood in TV commercials
Mother Nature | Chiffon Margarine | 1970s–1980s | best known for catchphrase "It's Not Nice To Fool Mother Nature!" Played by Dena Dietrich; Voice-over by Mason Adams
Miss Chiquita Banana | Chiquita bananas | 1944–present |
Chuck E. Cheese | Chuck E. Cheese restaurants | 1977–present | voiced by Duncan Brannan until 2012 when he was replaced by Jaret Reddick (due to the revamp of Chuck E.). However Brannan's voice was still used for the Chuck E Cheese Animatronic and music video shows (in studio C), that are shown inside the restaurants until late 2012.
Blue Bird | CinéGroupe | 1987–present |
Front Row Joe | Cinemark movie theaters | 1988–1999, 2004–2011 2019–present | animated cat; sidekicks over the years have included Starstruck Penny (originally Popcorn Penny) and Clyde
Wendell, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch chef | Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal | 1984–2009 |
'Citizens' of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia | Cisco Systems | 2010–present | fictionalized version of the real town as visited by Canadian actor Elliot Page, a native Nova Scotian
Sonny the Cuckoo Bird | Cocoa Puffs cereal | 1960s–present | originally voiced by Chuck McCann
The Flintstones characters | Cocoa and Fruity Pebbles cereal | 1970–present |
Columbia | Columbia Pictures | 1924–present | based on a representation of Columbia, a personification of the United States
Josephine the plumber | Comet cleanser | 1960s–1970s | played by Jane Withers
The Slowskys | Comcast | 1997–present | pair of turtles (living as a married couple in the suburbs) who favor DSL over High Speed internet; voiced by Andrew Donnelly and Rachael Harris;
inspired Shaw Communications' The Snailskis in Canada.
Condom Man | Condomman.com | 2003–present |
Jack and Connie | Consumer Cellular | 2011–present | retired couple who travel across the country in a RV
Cookie Jarvis | Cookie Crisp cereal | 1977–1985 |
Cookie Crook | 1981–1997 |
Cookie Cop | 1985–1997 |
Chip the Dog | 1991–2005 |
Chip the Wolf | 2005–present |
Sarah Tucker | Cool Whip dessert topping | 1960s | played by Marge Redmond
Coors Light Twins | Coors Light beer |  | played by the Klimaszewski Twins
The Coppertone Girl | Coppertone sun-care products | 1944–present |
Cornelius the rooster | Corn Flakes cereal |  | originally voiced by Dallas McKennon, voiced in 1960s by Andy Devine
Count Alfred[5] Chocula | Count Chocula cereal | 1971–present |
Sylvester P. Smythe | Cracked magazine | 1958–present |
Sailor Jack and his dog Bingo. | Cracker Jack | 1918–present |
Cracker Jill |
Dr Jerry | Crazy Eddie | 1972–1989 | performed by DJ Jerry Carroll
Rastus the Cook | Cream of Wheat hot cereal | 1890–2020 | believed to be from a photograph of Frank L. White, a Chicago chef who reportedly was paid five dollars to pose in a chef's hat and jacket
Arthur Goodwin, pharmacist | Crest toothpaste | 1970s | played by Arthur O'Connell
Crows Candy Mascot | Crows | 1910s–present |
Phoebe Snow | Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad | c. 1903–1966? | A woman passenger wearing spotless white clothing to show that the railroad used cleaner-burning anthracite coal which would not dirty passengers' clothes.
DQ Lips | Dairy Queen restaurants | 2006–2011 | Voiced by Oliver Vaquer
Steven Jackson | Dell computers | 2000–2003 | known for quotes like "Dude, you got a Dell"; played by Benjamin Curtis
Diet Coke hunk | Diet Coke | 1990s | played by Lucky Vanous
"Alternative" Rob Lowe | DirecTV | 2014–present | Rob Lowe in dual roles
Hannah Davis and her talking horse | 2015–present | model Hannah Davis pitching DirecTV on a beach accompanied by a talking horse who brags about himself ("The Horse's Mouth" as alluded by Davis)
"Alternative" NFL players | 2015–present | part of NFL Sunday Ticket campaign, with NFL players in dual roles similar to Lowe's
The Settlers | 2016–present | pioneering family who refuses to switch from cable
Peggy | Discover Card | 2009–present | a bearded man with a foreign accent (Romanian) who works at "USA Prime Credit," a sham credit company located in a unknown frozen location who preys on its customers by trying to get information on their credit cards. Played by Romanian-American actor Tudor Petrut.
The Hopper family | Dish Network | 2012–2017 | Boston-area family pronounces it "Hoppa."
Ned the Banker | Ditech | 2002–2006 | played by Ron Michaelson; shouts the catch phrase "Lost another loan to Ditech!"; now the mascot for CashCall Mortgage
The Noid | Domino's Pizza | 1980s–1990s | voiced by Pons Maar
Donny and Dottie Dot  | 1992–1994[6] | the dynamic duo, embarked on a cheesy adventure in the world of pizza. These two pepperoni pals, with their saucy personalities, decided to explore the Domino’s Pizza universe.
Dr. Cravin  | 1998–1999[7] | a Chuckimated villain.
Bad Andy  | 2000–2001[8] | a troubled monkey by The Jim Henson Company.
Doublemint Twins | Doublemint chewing gum | introduced 1960s |
The Most Interesting Man in the World | Dos Equis | 2006–present | Played by Jonathan Goldsmith from 2006–2016; replaced by Augustin Legrand in 2016–present
Major, the Dreyfus lion | Dreyfus investments | debuted 1960s |
Fred the baker | Dunkin' | 1981–1997 | known for quote "Time to make the donuts"; played by Michael Vale
The Puttermans | Duracell batteries | 1990s |
The Dutch boy | Dutch Boy Paint | 1907–present |
Reddy Kilowatt | Electricity generation | 1926–present | used by up to 300 investor-owned utilities world-wide from 1926, although use declined in the 1970s and few remain. Voiced by Walter Tetley in two short films.
Elmer the Bull | Elmer's Products | 1940s-present | Note:originally the mate for Elsie the Cow of Borden's dairy products.
Jacko | Energizer batteries | late-1980s | known for catchphrase "Oi!"; played by Australian footballer Mark 'Jacko' Jackson
Energizer Bunny | 1989–present |
Esso tiger / Exxon tiger | Esso/Exxon | debuted 1964 | See ExxonMobil website
Erin Esurance | Esurance | 2005–2009 | animated spy
Eveready "9 lives" cat | Eveready batteries | debuted c. 1920s–1930s |
Fantanas | Fanta (US only) | 2002–present | fictional spokesmodels; sings musical catchphrase "Don'cha Wanna, Wanta Fanta!" Five incarnations since its debut, latter revived in 2017 as dance ensemble with one male member.
Mr. Spleen, fast-talking executive | FedEx | 1982 | played by John Moschitta Jr.
Orange Bird | Florida Citrus Commission | 1970s | created by Walt Disney Productions
Axelrod the dog | Flying "A" service stations | 1960s |
The Ford dog | Ford auto | debuted 1952 |
Frank-N-Stein | Frank-N-Stein Restaurant | 1975-1982 | by artist Richard Kishel
Franken Berry cereal | Franken Berry | 1971–present |
Fruit Brute | Fruit Brute cereal | 1974–1982 |
Ethel the cook | Frank's Red Hot Sauce | 2011–present | elderly woman who uses the catchphrase "I Put That S*** on Everything!" in front of the people who taste her food after basting it with the sauce.
The FCR Band
Victorious Secrets | FreeCreditReport.com | 2006–2010, 2012–present (former) 2010–present (latter) | The lead singer in the FreeCreditReport (FCR) Band was played by French-Canadian actor-singer Eric Violette. Violette's singing voice was lip-synced by another singer because of Violette's thick Francophone accent. In 2010 the group Victorious Secrets won a contest to replace the faux band in a new series of ads. In 2012 the faux band returned in a new series of ads.
Wendell the baker | French Toast Crunch cereal | 1995–late 1990s |
Frito Bandito | Fritos | 1960s | voiced by Mel Blanc
The Frito Spokesbag | 2012–present |
Frito Kid | 1952–1967 | used for advertising at Disneyland
Yipes | Fruit Stripe chewing gum | 1962–present |
Sammy Sands | Gadgets | 1983–1991 | Sammy Sands was an animatronic piano player at Gadgets, a high-scale FEC
GEICO gecko | GEICO | 1999–present | voiced by Kelsey Grammer, Dave Kelly, Richard Steven Horvitz, Jake Wood, and others
GEICO Cavemen | 2004–present | played by Jeff Daniel Phillips, Ben Weber, John Lehr, and Ben Wilson
Maxwell, The GEICO pig | 2010–present |
Mike, the camel | 2010–2020 | reminds people that he annoys that Wednesday is "HUMP DAY!”
The squirrels | 2008–present | congratulated themselves after running a vehicle off the road
Spy mom | 2010–present | always on her phone trying to talk to her son (she is unaware that he is a spy operative). She also is aware of the GEICO characters and wonders how they ended up in the commercial shoot during a contest sponsored by the insurer in 2018 ("No wonder they call it 'Hollyweird!’”).
Betty Crocker | General Mills | 1921–present |
The Gerber baby | Gerber baby products | 1927–present | sketched by Dorothy Hope Smith, depicts four-month-old neighbor Ann Turner; commercials voiced by Tex Brashear
Blue Blade razors | Gillette Sharpie the parrot | 1952–1960 |
The Gold Dust Twins | Gold Dust Washing Powder | 1880s–1940s |
The Quisenberrys | Golden Corral | 2015 |
Choo-Choo Charlie | Good & Plenty candy | 1950–1970s |
Gorton's Fisherman | Gorton's of Gloucester Fish products | 1964–present |
Granny Goose | Granny Goose snacks |  |
Jolly Green Giant | Green Giant vegetables | 1928–present | originally voiced by Herschel Bernardi; then Len Carlson
Little Green Sprout |  |
The running Greyhound | Greyhound Lines | 1937–present | also used a live greyhound in TV promotions.
Lefty (The Helping Hand) | Hamburger Helper | 1977–present | voiced by Patrick Coyle
Hamm's Beer bear | Hamm's Beer | debuted 1952 |
Harbie The Seal | Harbor Gasoline |  |
The Hardee's Star | Hardee's restaurants | 1997–present |
Gilbert Giddyup, Speedy McGreedy | 1970's, 1980's |
Hartford Elk | The Hartford insurance | debuted 1974 |
Punchy (the Hawaiian Punch Guy), and Oaf/Opie | Hawaiian Punch | debuted 1961 |
John Holiday | Holiday Inn | 1950s–1980s | Mascot was Paul Revere-like character
Mr. Opportunity | Honda | 2004–2011[9] |
Strawberry Shortcake | Honda | 2014 | CGI doll version of the character
Buzz the bee | Honey Nut Cheerios cereal |  | originally voiced by Arnold Stang
King Ding Dong / King Don | Hostess Brands |  |
Captain Cupcake |  |
Fruit Pie the Magician | 1973–2006  |
Chauncey Chocodile  |  |
Chipper Brownie  |  |
Chief Big Wheels  |  |
Happy HoHo  |  |
Suzy Q  |  |
Captain Obvious | Hotels.com | 2014–present | ad campaign created by Crispin Porter & Bogusky, portrayed by Brandon Moynihan[10]
Happy Hotpoint | Hotpoint home appliances | debuted 1955 | played by Mary Tyler Moore
| Howard Johnson's Restaurants | 1930s–1970s | Created by John Alcott
Simple Simon & The Pieman | Howard Johnson's Motor Lodges | 1950s–1970s |
The Hubba-Bubba Gum Fighter | Hubba Bubba bubble gum | debuted 1979 | voiced by Don Collier
ICEE Polar Bear | ICEE frozen drinks |  |
Bucky Beaver | Ipana toothpaste | 1957–1959 | voiced by Jimmie Dodd
Joe Isuzu | Isuzu auto | 1986–1990 | played by David Leisure
Little old winemaker | Italian Swiss Colony wine | 1960s | played by Ludwig Stössel, voiced by Jim Backus
Jack, the ping-pong-ball-headed man | Jack in the Box restaurants | 1994–present |
Elephant and Bartender | Jax Beer | late-1950s and early-1960s | voiced by Mike Nichols and Elaine May
Chinese baby | Jell-O gelatin | debuted 1959 | voiced by Allen Swift
Mr. Jelly Belly | Jelly Belly jelly beans | 1996–present |
Jollibee | Jollibee | 1980–present |
Fruit Gang | Jolly Rancher | 2015–present |
Figment | Journey into Imagination with Figment | 1983-present | A small purple dragon who is the mascot of the Imagination! pavilion at the Epcot theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Kedso the Clown | Keds shoes |  |
Kolonel Keds |  |
Kaptain Keds and Kedzam |  |
Ernie Keebler and the Keebler elves | Keebler snacks | 1968–present | Ernie voiced by Parley Baer for many years
Cinnamon & Apple | Kellogg's Apple Jacks cereal | mid-2000s–present |
Toucan Sam | Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal | 1952–present | voiced by Mel Blanc, Paul Frees, Maurice LaMarche
Puey, Susey, Louis | 1994–present | Toucan Sam's nephews
Tony the Tiger | Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal | 1951–present | voiced by Dallas McKennon, Thurl Ravenscroft, Lee Marshall and now Tex Brashear
Cliffy the Clown | Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal | 1953–1956 |
Smaxey the Seal | 1957–1961 |
Quick Draw McGraw | 1961–1965 |
The Smackin' Bandit | 1965 | half-mule half-kangaroo who kissed everyone in sight
The Smackin' Brothers | 1966–early 1970s | two boys dressed in boxing shorts and boxing gloves
Indian Chief | early 1970s |
Dig 'Em Frog | 1972–1986, 1987–present | originally voiced by Howard Morris and later by Tex Brashear
Love Smack's | 1982 | a heart-shaped dog who hugged children
Wally the Bear | 1986–1987 |
Milton the Toaster | Kellogg's Pop-Tarts | 1970s–1980s | voiced by William Schallert
Sunny the sun | Kellogg's Raisin Bran cereal | 1966–present | originally voiced by Daws Butler and later by Tex Brashear
Snap, Crackle and Pop | Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal | 1928–present |
Sugar Pops Pete | Kellogg's Sugar Pops cereal | 1950s |
Keith Stone | Keystone Light beer | 2009–present |
Colonel Sanders | KFC restaurants | 1952–present | Colonel Harland Sanders founded Kentucky Fried Chicken and eventually became its mascot; a later cartoon version was voiced by Randy Quaid.
Foghorn Leghorn | 1986–1988  | One of the Looney Tunes in form of the commercials along with Henery Hawk, Egghead Jr., and Miss Prissy.
Jason Alexander | 2001–2003  |
Hip-Hop Hamsters | Kia Soul | 2010–present | lip-synchs to Black Sheep's 1992 single "The Choice Is Yours". The Hamsters later updated their style to coincide with the Soul's added features.
The HotBot | Kia Forte | 2013–present | played by Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella
Morpheus | Kia Optima | 2014–present | actor Laurence Fishburne reprising his character from The Matrix
K.C. Penguin | Kid Cuisine meals |  |
Manners the butler | Kleenex table napkins | 1957–1950s | played by Richard Cutting
Willie the Kool penguin | Kool cigarettes | debuted 1930s |
Kool-Aid Man | Kool-Aid drink mixes | 1975–present |
Cheesasaurus Rex | Kraft Macaroni & Cheese | 1991–2010 |
Dairy Fairy | Kraft Singles cheese | debuted 1980s |
Buddy Lee doll | Lee Jeans | 1998–present | based on the doll who debuted in 1921
Limu Emu & Doug | Liberty Mutual Insurance | 2019–present | cop-like insurance agents (a human male and an emu sidekick); parody on 1970s TV crime drama shows
Little Mikey | Life cereal | 1972–1981 | played by John Gilchrist
Little Caesar | Little Caesars pizza |  |
Lucky the Leprechaun | Lucky Charms cereal | 1964–present | originally voiced by Arthur Anderson and presently voiced by Tex Brashear
Red and Yellow | M&M's candy | 1960s–present | originally voiced by Don Messick and Stan Freberg, now widely popular as CG spokescandies, voiced originally by Jon Lovitz and John Goodman, and now Billy West and J. K. Simmons, respectively
Blue and Miss Green | 1996–present (Blue), 1997–present (Miss Green) | Blue originally voiced by Phil Hartman now Rob Pruitt; Miss Green voiced by Cree Summer
Orange | 1998–present | voiced by Eric Kricberger
Miss Brown | 2010–present | voiced by Vanessa Williams
Purple | 2022–present | voiced by Grace Kelly
Alfred E. Neuman | Mad magazine | 1954–present |
Rocketman | Malektronic | 2014–present |
Cool Blue and Li'l Oaty | Malt-O-Meal cereal | 1998–present |
Marlboro Man | Marlboro cigarettes | debuted 1954 | Wayne McLaren died in 1992 of lung cancer
David McLean, died in 1995 of lung cancer
D
 Hammer, died in 1998 of lung cancer
Eric Lawson died in 2014 of COPD
Robert "Bob" Norris, died 2019 (natural causes, was actually a non-smoker; did 12 years until decided to end the role because he didn’t want his children to smoke)
Matty Mattel and Sisterbelle | Mattel toys | 1959–1962 |
Marky Maypo | Maypo Oatmeal | 1956–present | created by Storyboard, Inc. (John Hubley)
Ol' Lonely, the Maytag repairman | Maytag appliances | debuted 1967 | played by Jesse White (1967–1988), Gordon Jump (1988–2003), Hardy Rawls (2003–present)
Scoopy, Gabby and TeeVee, The McClatchy Bees | The McClatchy Company | 1943–present | created by Walt Disney Productions; Scoopy is the mascot for the Sacramento Bee, Modesto Bee, and Fresno Bee newspapers; Gabby was the radio mascot for McClatchy's former radio stations and TeeVee was the television mascots of now CBS O&O KOVR-TV/Sacramento and Nexstar Media Group's NBC affiliate KMJ-TV (now KSEE-TV)/Fresno.
Speedee | McDonald's restaurants | 1948–1962 | Original Mascot
Ronald McDonald | 1959–present | originally played in Washington, D.C. by Willard Scott
Hamburglar | 1971–2003 | A criminal type who stole hamburgers every chance he had. Originally voiced by Howard Morris, later by Charlie Adlder and Carl W. Wolfe
Grimace | 1971–2003 | A purple character who originally stole milkshakes, part of a larger population of Grimaces
Captain Crook | 1970–1985 |
Mayor McCheese | 1971–1985 | The incompetent mayor of McDonaldland
The Professor | 1971–1985 | A scientist who served as McDonaldland's inventor and researcher
Officer Big Mac | 1971–1985 | The Chief of the Police of McDonaldland
Fry Kids | 1972–1996 | originally known as Gobblins, then they're known as Fry Guys, and finally Fry Kids as Fry Girls were added. Differently colored shaggy ball like creatures with long legs but no arms, looked like pom-pon's with eyes and legs
The Hamburger Patch | 1973–1985 | anthropomorphized hamburgers that grew on plants and were picked for consumption by Ronald McDonald and the Hamburglar
Trash Cans | 1970s | twin garbage cans that were used to encourage people to throw garbage out in correct areas
Birdie the Early Bird | 1980–2003 | A yellow bird with pink jumpsuit and flight cap and scarf
The Happy Meal Gang | 1984–late 2000s | hamburger, french fries, regular sized drink, McNugget Buddies ( chicken nuggets added 1989) and Happy Meal Box (added 2004)
Uncle O'Grimacey | 1977–1990s | Grimace's green Irish Uncle who visited every St. Patrick's Day
CosMc | 1980s–1999 | An alien who sporadically appeared to trade items for McDonald's food
Bernice | 1992–mid-1990s | A strange creature who showed up in McDonaldland occasionally
Vulture | 1980s–1990s | An unnamed vulture who appeared in several multi-commercial segments
Sundae | 1999–2000s | Ronald McDonald's dog
Iam Hungary | 1998–2001 | A floating, fast green fuzzball with orange arms and monstrous face
Mike the Microphone | 1980s | A one time character who guarded door and ran studio in McDonaldland Magical Radio Station
Dr. Berlin Fries | 2010s | A human Frenchman with English accent, obsessed with french fries
Admiral Frownie | 2010s | A replacement character of Grimace, similar to Grimace except he is dark brown to resemble Dark Chocolate Brownie
Mac Tonight | 1986–1997 | played by Doug Jones
Little Debbie | McKee Foods | 1960s–present | A character based on founder's four-year-old granddaughter.
Lani Moo | Meadow Gold Dairies of Hawaii | 1949–present | name was selected in a contest sponsored by its predecessor Dairymen's Association
Poglodyte | 1971–present | mascot for Meadow Gold Hawaii's POG drinks
Meow Mix Cat | Meow Mix cat food | 1972–present | singing cat
Merrill the bull | Merrill Lynch |  |
Leo the Lion | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | 1924–present | based on the Goldwyn Company mascot, 1917–24
Bibendum | Michelin Tires | 1894–present | Also known as the Michelin Man
The Micro Machines Man | Micro Machines |  | performed by John Moschitta Jr.
The Miller Lite Beer Refs | Miller Lite beer | 2004–present |
The Mobil Pegasus | Mobil | 1911–present |
The Morton Girl | Morton Salt | 1914–present |
Willy the Hillbilly  | Mountain Dew | 1948–1973  |
Puppy Monkey Baby  | 2016  |
VooDEWgrim  | 2019–2023[11] | a walking grim reaper skeleton with a scythe advertising the VooDEW line of mystery flavors released in the Halloween season
Mr. Clean | Mr. Clean cleaning products | 1958–present | first live-action Mr. Clean played by House Peters Jr.
Mrs. Butterworth | Mrs. Butterworth's syrup |  | a talking syrup bottle
Mimsie the Cat | MTM Enterprises | 1970–1998 |
McGruff the Crime Dog | National Crime Prevention Council | 1978–present |
Nabisco Thing  | Nabisco | 1995[12] |
Juan Valdez | National Federation of Coffee Growers (Colombia) | 1959–present | played by José F. Duval (1959–1969), Carlos Sánchez (1969–2006), Carlos Castañeda (2006–present)
Crash test dummies Vince and Larry | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | 1985–1999 | voiced by Jack Burns and Lorenzo Music, respectively
NBC Peacock | NBC | 1956–1975, 1979–present | first appeared in 1956, debuted as animated logo in 1957
Polar Bear | Nelvana | 1978–present |
Farfel the Dog | Nestlé Quik | 1953–1965 | played by ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson
Quickie the NesQuik Bunny | Nestlé Quik/NesQuik | 1973–present | voiced by Barry Gordon
Zuco Bear  | Nestlé Snow Flakes cereal  |  |
Dusty the Dusthole | Nevada Air Quality Management Division | 2003–present | known for catchphrase "Don't Be a Dusthole!"; played by Alan Burd
Eustace Tilley | The New Yorker | 1925–present | First drawn by Rea Irvin
Li'l Penny | Nike athletic shoe | debuted 1996 | voiced by Chris Rock, based on basketball's Penny Hardaway
Morris the Cat | 9Lives cat food | 1968–present | voiced by John Erwin
The Rubberband Man | OfficeMax | 2004–2005 | played by Eddie Steeples
The Swedish Bikini Team | Old Milwaukee beer | 1991 |
Old Spice sailor | Old Spice aftershave | 1970s–1980s | played by John Bennett Perry
The Man Your Man Could Smell Like | Old Spice body wash | 2010–present | played by Isaiah Mustafa
Vanessa | Orbit chewing gum | 2002–present | played by Vanessa Branch
The Pink Panther | Owens Corning Fiberglass Insulation |  |
Madge the Manicurist | Palmolive dish detergent | 1966–1992 | played by Jan Miner
Pampers pampa | Pampers diapers |  |
Patsy | Partnership for a Drug-Free America | 2008 | not-well-informed housewife/mother in the "Don't Be A Patsy" commercials. Played by Pam Cook
Hap-pea and Pea-Wee | Pea Soup Andersen's | debuted 1957 | "non-identical twins" voiced by Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding
Manny, Moe, and Jack | Pep Boys auto parts stores |  | caricatures based on founders Emanuel "Manny" Rosenfeld, Maurice L. "Moe" Strauss, and W. Graham "Jack" Jackson
Pets.com Sock Puppet | Pets.com |  | originally performed by Michael Ian Black; now mascot for auto loan company Bar None
The Angels | Philadelphia Cream Cheese | 1999–present | originated in Canada in 1994, although TV spots were produced in US; played in various ads by Linda Kash, Kelly Hu and Krista Sutton
Bert and Harry, the Piels brothers | Piels beer | 1955–1960 | voiced by Ray Goulding (Bert) and Bob Elliott (Harry)
Poppin' Fresh, the Pillsbury Doughboy | Pillsbury | 1965–present | voiced first by Paul Frees, currently by JoBe Cerny
The Pine Sol Lady | Pine-Sol cleaning detergent |  | played by Diane Amos
Pizza Pete  | Pizza Hut | 1958–1970  | The initial mascot never been animated.
Pizza Head  | 1993–1997  | The title character of The Pizza Head Show commercial skits.
Mr. Peanut | Planters snacks | 1916–present |
Popsicle Pete | Popsicle ice pops | 1940s–1995 |
Honeycomb Kid | Post Cereals' Honeycomb cereal | 1960s (Cowboy) 1980s (Kid) |
The Crazy Craving | debuted 1990s |
Bernard, the Bee Boy  | 2010  |
Sugar Bear | Post Cereals' Golden Crisp cereal | 1949–present | voiced by Sterling Holloway, Gerry Matthews
Julius Pringles | Pringles | 1967–present |
Flo | Progressive Insurance | 2008–present | actress Stephanie Courtney
Flobot | 2012–present | robot version of Flo, who is jealous of her "replacement"
Jamie | 2008–present | "The Number 1 'Number 2' assistant"
The Progressive Insurance Box | 2013–present | talkative bragging box
Mara | 2019–present | Flo’s friend and assistant, who feels like she’s unattractive and tends to drive guys away when she talks about insurance
Alan | 2019–present | Progressive's cool and mellow employee and assistant who is always trying to keep the crew levelheaded.
Motaur | 2019–present | half-man-half motorcycle
Dr. Rick | 2020–present | parody of Dr. Phil
Qantas koala | Qantas Airlines | debuted 1967 | voiced by Howard Morris and then Tex Brashear
The Quaker Oats man | Quaker Oats | 1877–present |
Quake | Quaker Quake cereal | 1965–1970s | created by Jay Ward Productions, voiced by William Conrad
Quisp | Quaker Quisp cereal | 1965–1970s | voiced by Daws Butler
Spongmonkey | Quiznos restaurants | 2003–2004 | characters originated on an internet blog
Baby Bob | 2005–present | Baby Bob character originated on an internet blog, and had a short-lived CBS show; currently voiced by Ken Hudson Campbell
The Raid bugs | Raid insecticides | 1956–present | since 1990 voiced by Tex Brashear
Nipper, the curious dog | RCA | 1900–present |
Chipper | debuted 1991 | puppy version of Nipper
Happy Cows | Real California Cheese | debuted 1990s |
Harmon R. Whittle | Red White & Blue Beer | 1980s |
Robert Hall crows | Robert Hall clothing stores | 1950s |
Perrôt | Rossy stores | 2011–present |
Schlitz Malt Liquor bull | Schlitz Malt Liquor |  |
Aunt Bluebelle | ScotTowels | 1970s | voiced by Mae Questel
The Scrubbing Bubbles | Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner |  | originally voiced by Paul Winchell
Serta Counting Sheep | Serta mattresses | 2001–present | animated by Aardman Animations
Freshup Freddie | 7UP soft drink | 1950s | created by Walt Disney Productions
The UnDeer | early 1970s | Christmas mascot voiced by Paul Frees; 7UP issued a promotional hand puppet of the character;
Cool Spot | 1987–1995 |
Fido Dido | 1987–present |
The Rock-afire Explosion | Showbiz Pizza | 1980–1993 |
Dino the Dinosaur | Sinclair Oil Corporation | 1930–1969, 1976–present | In 1932 Apatosaurus became the company trademark after a 1930 ad campaign associated dinosaurs with Mesozoic Era origins of Sinclair's Pennsylvania petroleum.[13]
Mr. Six | Six Flags theme parks | 2004–2005, 2009–present | dances to Vengaboys' "We Like to Party!"
The Snapple Lady | Snapple | 1990–1994, 1996–2008 | played by Wendy Kaufman, who also worked for Snapple
Snuggle Bear | Snuggle fabric softener |  | designed by Kermit Love, voiced by Corinne Orr
Two Guys | Sonic Drive-In restaurants | 2002–2020 | played by T. J. Jagodowski and Peter Grosz
Randy the Transistor Radio | Sony | 1963 | used for a promotional booklet
Miles Thirst | Sprite soft drink | 2004–present |
Charlie the Tuna | StarKist Tuna | debuted 1961 | voiced by Herschel Bernardi and now by Tex Brashear
The Subway Shadow | Subway restaurants | 2000 | hand shadow voiced by Gilbert Gottfried
Jared | 2000–2015 | Real name Jared Fogle, based on his real-life testimonial of losing weight by eating Subway sandwiches; was dropped from the company after he was convicted of child pornography, underage trafficking and having sex with a minor.
Lorraine Collett | Sun-Maid raisins | 1915–present |
The Taco Bell chihuahua | Taco Bell restaurants | 1997–2000 | voiced by Carlos Alazraqui and Tex Brashear; portrayed by a chihuahua named Gidget
Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey | Taco John's restaurants | 2004–present | Capuchin monkey wearing a sombrero and poncho
Tampax Mother Nature | Tampax Tampons | 2008–present | dresses conservatively and arrives to give women who might be reaching their period a "gift" (a red box), only to be turned down by her intended targets. Played by Catherine Lloyd Burns
Spot the dog | Target Stores |   | Adorable bull terrier dog
Taster's Choice couple | Taster's Choice instant coffee | debuted 1990 | played by Anthony Head and Sharon Maughan
TD[14] | TD Bank | 2000s | Replaced the Commerce Bank's "Mr. C" after the merger
Teddy Grahams  | Teddy Grahams crackers  | 1992–2005

2017–present

| The smart Morgan, the young Amy, and the more feminine Lulu. Originally on Bananas in Pyjamas.
Toilet Duck | Toilet Duck toilet cleaner | mid-1990s | animatronic, helmet wearing duck head sticking out of a small tank. Typically strolls into the bathroom saying "Quack, quaaack!"
Mr. Owl | Tootsie Roll Pops | 1970–present | voiced by Paul Winchell
Mr. Turtle |  |
Captain Tootsie | Tootsie Rolls |  |
Jan | Toyota | 2010–present | played by Laurel Coppock
The Muppets | Toyota Highlander | 2014–present | sings "No Time For Boring"
Geoffrey the giraffe | Toys "R" Us stores | 1960s–2018 | animatronic Geoffrey voiced by Jim Hanks
The roaming garden gnome | Travelocity | debuted 2003 |
Pegasus | TriStar Pictures | 1984–present |
Trix rabbit | Trix cereal | 1959–present | originally voiced by Mort Marshall; lately has been done by Russell Horton
Trojan Man | Trojan condoms |  |
Twinkie the Kid | Twinkies snacks |  |
The Ty-D-Bol Man | Ty-D-Bol toilet cleaners |  | played by Mark Matheisen, Fred Miltonberg, Bob Kaliban, Larry Sprinkle
Uncle Ben | Uncle Ben's rice | 1946–2020 | purportedly named after a Texas rice grower
Smokey Bear | United States Forest Service | 1944–present | the original was found clinging to a charred tree limb as a cub following a forest fire; voiced by Sam Elliot and Tex Brashear
Woodsy Owl | 1970–present | voiced by Frank Welker
Mr. ZIP | United States Post Office Department/United States Postal Service | 1960s–1970s |
The Verizon Wireless Test Man | Verizon | 2004–2011 | played by Paul Marcarelli; famous for the quote "Can you hear me now?  Good." In 2016 Marcarelli became the new spokesman for rival Sprint and "dissed" Verizon in new ads, saying "Can You Hear THAT!"
Erik The Viking | Viking Carpets |  | Made by International Fiberglass
The Vlasic stork | Vlasic Pickles | debuted 1970s |
Miss Helga | Volkswagen GTI | debuted 2006 |
Mickey Mouse | The Walt Disney Company | 1928–present | Originally voiced by creator Walt Disney, later Jimmy MacDonald, Clarence Nash, Wayne Allwine, Bret Iwan, Tex Brashear
Jiminy Cricket | 1940–present | Originally voiced by Cliff Edwards, later Clarence Nash, Eddie Carroll, Phil Snyder, Joe Ochman
Tinker Bell | 1953–present |
Michigan J. Frog | The WB | 1995–2005  |
Bugs Bunny | Warner Bros. Entertainment | 1940–present | Originally voiced by Mel Blanc, later Jeff Bergman, Greg Burson, Billy West, Joe Alaskey, Samuel Vincent, Eric Bauza
Lil' Roy | Walmart | 2024-present | A fictional dog who is advertised in Walmart's toy catalog as the toy-loving grandpup of Ol' Roy, the real-life furry companion of founder Sam Walton.
Wendy | Wendy's | 1969–present | named after Wendy Thomas
Where's the beef? Lady | 1984 | Portrayed by actress Clara Peller
Yummy Mummy  | Fruity Yummy Mummy cereal  | 1988–1992  |

## Other notable characters and their brands

[edit]

* Aahzie and Kazoo – Radio AAHS
* Betty Boop (1930–1992) – Paramount Pictures (former)
* Blazin' Bill – Buffalo Wild Wings[15]
* Beaver – Buc-ee's
* Big Bo/Cuppy – Bojangles
* Blimpie Bear – Blimpie
* Brawny Lumberjack – Brawny paper towels
* Brother Dominic – Xerox
* Bobby Bun – Schlotzsky's
* Chef Marco – Marco's Pizza
* Culligan Lady – Culligan water softener
* Gamzee Makara – Faygo
* Felix the Cat (1919–1921) – DreamWorks Classics (former)
* Foster Farm Chickens – Foster Farms poultry
* Fruit of The Loom Guys – Fruit of the Loom underwear/sleepwear
* The Hasbro Boy – Hasbro
* John H. Goodwill – Goodwill Industries
* Kenner Gooney Bird – Kenner
* Kermit the Frog (1955–2004) – The Jim Henson Company
* Klondike The Polar Bear – Klondike bar
* Little Foster – Fosters Freeze restaurants
* Little Miss Sunbeam – Sunbeam bread
* Luxo Jr. – Pixar
* Melvyn and Elmo Einstein – Einstein Bros. Bagels
* Mia (Native American woman) – Land O'Lakes butter and dairy products
* The Minions – Comcast (including Illumination Entertainment and Sky)
* Mr. Bluelight – Kmart stores
* Mr. Bubble – Mr. Bubble bubble bath
* Mr. Delicious - Rax Roast Beef
* Mr. Meow – Meow Mix cat food
* Mr. Slice – Papa John's
* Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head – Lays chips
* Mrs. Olson – Folgers coffee
* Mr. Delicious – Rax Roast Beef
* Orville Redenbacher – Orville Redenbacher's
* Oscar Mayer Bologny Kid – Oscar Mayer bologna
* Pikachu – Pokémon merchandise
* Popeye (1930–1988) – Paramount Pictures (former)
* Punchy – Hawaiian Punch drink mix
* Queenie Bee, Andy Dandytale – Druther's restaurants
* Raising Cane – Raising Cane's restaurants
* Sambo & Jolly Tiger – Sambo's restaurants
* Scrat – Blue Sky Studios
* Slappy the Dummy – Goosebumps merchandise
* Sleepy Bear – Travelodge motels
* Slush Puppie – Slush Puppie drinks
* SpongeBob SquarePants – Nickelodeon
* The Cat in the Hat – Dr. Seuss Enterprises
* Talking T-Shirt – Adidas sportswear
* Tom-Tom – Panda Express restaurants
* Tropic-Ana – Tropicana Products
* Twistee – Auntie Anne's restaurants
* Mr. Magoo – DreamWorks Classics
* W.C. Fritos – Frito-Lay Inc.
* Whataguy – Whataburger
* Woody Woodpecker, Earl the Squirrel[16] – Universal Studios
* Zach, Zach Jr., Zuzy – Zaxby's

## See also

[edit]

* List of Australian and New Zealand advertising characters
* List of European and British advertising characters
* List of Japanese advertising characters

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Schneider, Jason (6 June 2015). "14 Thihostessngs You Didn't Know About A&W Restaurants". Thrillist Media Group Inc. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
2. ^ Sacks, Ethan (26 April 2011). "Aflac duck's new voice: Radio exec Dan McKeague replaces Gilbert Gottfried, fired for Japan jokes". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011.
3. ^ "Most Popular E-mail Newsletter". USA Today. 18 August 2011.
4. ^ "8 Things You Might Not Know About Cheerios". 5 February 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
5. ^ Bathroom Reader's Institute (2020). Uncle John's Greatest Know on Earth No. 33. Portable Press. p. 92\. ISBN 9781645174141.
6. ^ "Domino's Will Try to Sell Somethin' for Nothin'". Chicago Tribune. 26 December 1992. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
7. ^ "Dr. Cravin Trademark". Furm. 5 May 2000.
8. ^ "Bad Andy debuts for Domino's Pizza". Muppet Central. 11 May 2000.
9. ^ "Meet The Brand Mascots America Hates Most". Business Insider. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
10. ^ Elliott, Stuart (25 February 2014). "For Hotels.com's Campaign, the Answer Was Obvious". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
11. ^ Squires, John (30 October 2019). "Mountain Dew Reveals the Flavor of This Year's Halloween Mystery Soda "VooDew"". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
12. ^ "Nabisco bakes up 'Thing' to call kids to cookies". Chicago Tribune. 2 February 1995. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
13. ^ "1930s (History | Sinclair Oil)". www.sinclairoil.com. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
14. ^ Blumenthal, Jeff (16 June 2010). "TD mascot sporty, fun and 'strains intellectual scrutiny'". Philadelphia Business Journal. Retrieved 20 October 2010.
15. ^ Palani, Michael (19 February 2023). "The Ultimate Guide To Fast Food Mascots". The Daily Meal. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
16. ^ Pagnotti, Sean (19 April 2022). "The Complete History of Earl the Squirrel at Universal Studios". Orlando Information. Retrieved 19 July 2022.

## Further reading

[edit]

* "The Orphanage of Cast-Off Mascots". Lileks.com. Archived from the original on 10 December 2004.
* "Top 10 Advertising Icons of the Century". Advertising Age.