Celebrities and commercials seem to go hand in hand these days. With social media so prominent in most people's lives, influencers have learned how to monetize posts, videos, and stories with sponsors. Aside from all that, celebs still do plenty of work for good 'ole television ads.
Some celebrities will always be associated with cable commercials they've done. Now, some of their ads can be seen on streaming platforms, too. It can be fun to watch famous people do a funny ad, but it can be a little odd sometimes. Here are ten celebrity commercials that we just can't un-see.
Anna Kendrick and the Hilton
The charming Anna Kendrick can sell anything. That's probably why Hilton recently made her their youthful and witty image. However, with Anna's talent, it's a little odd to see her pushing the "price-match guarantee" on Hilton's app, complete with Wi-Fi and a feature that allows one's phone to lock their room.
John Stamos, Bob Saget, Dave Coulier and Oikos
The three father figures of Full House have always remained good friends in real life. John Stamos has been known as the face of Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt, but he was joined by his buddies for some Super Bowl commercials in 2014. One of the spots features Stamos, Saget, and Coulier in their jammies, with Dave Coulier donning a red onesie. The other is a little steamier as Stamos finishes his yogurt with the help of an attractive woman.
The awkward yogurt love scene is interrupted by Bob Saget's perpetually cleaning Danny Tanner character and Dave Coulier as goofy Joey. Before they knew it, these three amigos would revive their roles on Fuller House, which will air its final episodes in June 2020.
Sarah McLachlan and ASPCA/BCSPCA
Who could forget Sarah McLachlan and those poor, sick animals? In 2007, the famed singer/songwriter started visiting us during our commercial breaks to raise support for the American and British Columbia Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Her music, usually "Angel," softly accompanies the emotional ads. Several years ago, McLachlan acknowledged the importance of this work, saying that it raised over $30 million dollars in support. However, she gets sad watching the commercials (just like the rest of us) and certainly wants to be remembered for more than her animal ads.
Neil Patrick Harris and Old Navy
Neil Patrick Harris did a series of Old Navy commercials that were rather over the top. He is the host of a fictional show called Old Navy Tonight. There are multiple ads with Harris's holiday flair. One presents him as an Oprah-like host, spreading cheer with Old Navy's wares and equating them with joy. Another clip adds additional comedic punch by having Billie Catherine Lourd rap while Neil Patrick Harris dances in the background with a gift-wrap of his own.
Josh Peck and GrubHub
GrubHub certainly is not Josh Peck's first commercial. It's an interesting example of a celebrity-sponsor relationship in the age of the YouTuber and social media influencer. Peck's Instagram is linked to a number of other businesses, including a Bank of America commercial with his pal, John Stamos. Josh Peck did a nearly two-minute GrubHub commercial with his wife, Paige. They talk about what their favorite dishes are, why GrubHub is great, and how it makes their lives easier. It's fine; it's just a really long time to talk about GrubHub.
Taylor Swift and Capitol One
It was a little surprising to see that Capitol One got Taylor Swift for their recent commercials. The ads certainly benefited Taylor, though. There are little references pertaining to the singer peppered throughout her commercial. Her song is the only one available in the jukebox at the diner Swift waitresses at (she is also a bartender). The commercial also offers viewers a chance to "pay swiftly" and "shake it off."
Not obvious at all. There is even a YouTube video explaining further Easter eggs, like Swift including her lucky number, 13, on a receipt and bringing the total to $19.89 (kind of like one of her albums).
Kelly Ripa and Electrolux
It wasn't all that long ago that Kelly Ripa did a LOT of commercials for Electrolux. She is the versatile "do-it-all" mom, making sure the dinner party food for the adults and the sleepover party food for the kids is perfect. Her oven and refrigerator have smart functions, and her laundry machines are state-of-the-art, too. The commercials certainly get attention for their gender stereotypes--many of them even use the theme song from Bewitched.
Kristen Bell and Enterprise
Kristen Bell is sought after in the television commercial circuit. Her recent work for Enterprise is a little unexpected, though. It's interesting to think of such a famous person needing to call a car rental service, but Bell is convincing. She needs a ride when she is literally tied up at a child's birthday party, and she needs a truck when she has a lot of baked goods to deliver. Lastly, she even thinks about buying from Enterprise when her motorcycle isn't going to cut it for a ride to soccer.
Chance the Rapper and Kit Kat
Kit Kat probably did pretty well after Chance the Rapper sang, "Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar" in his signature style. The chocolate bars with his face on them cleverly say "Chance the Wrapper." Now, this is a Halloween commercial, but it is still a little hard to un-see Chance in an animal suit.
Macaulay Culkin and Google
It's time to relive your childhood with a 39-year-old Kevin McAllister. Macaulay Culkin brilliantly reprised his iconic role for a Google ad. The point is, Google's intelligence can do everything Kevin once did in the movie, including "Operation Kevin." The commercial might mess with your Christmas memories, but it's pretty great. Macaulay did pretty well for himself on this ad, and he negotiated with Google so that he could write it himself!