No, we’re not exaggerating. Some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities today got their start in commercials. To be fair, commercials also require acting. Instead of being onscreen for at least 90 minutes, however, viewers only see you for a few minutes. Nonetheless, it seems like that’s more than enough time for some actors to make an impression and eventually rise to fame.
If you must know, commercials are also big business. In fact, companies spend millions to produce an ad, and air it on television. Individuals typically spend around 2.8 hours per day watching television, according to the American Time Use Survey Summary. Moreover, according to Investopedia, companies experience a five percent increase in sales during the first month that their commercial aires.
Meanwhile, commercials also create a lasting impact for some of their stars. Just check out these celebrities who get their start in ads:
15 When He Was Younger, Jason Bateman Starred In A Commercial For Golden Grahams
Back in the 1980s, actor Jason Bateman was a young boy who appeared in a commercial for the cereal brand, Golden Grahams. In the ad, Bateman’s character wins a car race before heading over to a table to enjoy some cereal. And then he remarks, “It’s a delicious honey gram taste.”
14 Joseph Gordon-Levitt Was Once The Face Of Pop Tarts
A much younger version of actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt certainly looks adorable in a 1991 commercial for Pop-Tarts. In the commercial, it appears that he stops his father from leaving the house before breakfast. And then, he confidently remarks, “You got time for Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts.” Later on, he proceeds to crack open some strawberry-flavored Pop-Tarts.
13 Back When He Was A Young Boy, Tobey Maguire Appeared In A Doritos Commercial
Before he became known as Spider-Man, a much younger Tobey Maguire was appearing in a commercial for Doritos. Since then, the actor has also starred in films such as “TheCider House Rules,” “Pleasantville,” “Deconstructing Harry,” “Seabiscuit,” “The GoodGerman,” “Brothers,” and “The Great Gatsby.” He also starred in the tv series “The Spoils of Babylon.”
12 At Age 11, Elijah Wood Starred In A Cheese Commercial For The National Dairy Board
Believe it or not, Elijah Wood once appeared in a cheese commercial as a young boy who wanted to make his plate of broccoli more interesting. Fortunately, some cheese sauce was added and just like that, he liked his vegetables more. As you know, Wood went on to star in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.
11 Britney Spears First Starred In A Commercial For Barbecue Sauce
Back when she was a young girl, Britney Spears appeared in a 1993 commercial for Maull’s Barbecue Sauce. As you may know, Spears went on to become a Mouseketeer, alongside Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Gosling. She also eventually launched a successful music career. And as for commercials, she also starred in an ad for Pepsi back in 2010.
10 When He Was Much Younger, John Travolta Was The Face Of Band Aid And Safeguard
When it comes to the entertainment industry, actor John Travolta has certainly been around a long time. We’re talking about the man famous for films such as “Grease,” “PulpFiction,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “Get Shorty,” “The Devil’s Rain,” “Carrie,” and more. Back when he was just starting his career though, the actor also appeared in commercials for both Band-Aid and Safeguard.
9 As A Teenager, Matt LeBlanc Appeared In A Heinz Commercial
Before he was cast as Joey on the hit NBC sitcom “Friends,” a teenage Matt LeBlanc appeared in a 1989 commercial for Heinz Ketchup. The ad came with the tagline, “Heinz. The best things come to those who wait.” Meanwhile, LeBlanc was shown happily munching on a hot dog. Aside from Heinz, LeBlanc also appeared in commercials for Coca Cola and Cherry 7 Up.
8 We First Met Bryan Cranston In A Shield Soap Commercial
Today, Bryan Cranston is a veteran actor who is best known for his role as Walter White on the AMC series “Breaking Bad.” In addition, Cranston received an Oscar nomination for his performance in the 2015 film “Trumbo.” Prior to getting any starring roles, it turns out that Cranston appeared in a commercial for Shield Soap.
7 Before Starring In Friends, Courteney Cox Was In A Tampax Commercial
LeBlanc’s “Friends” co-star, Courteney Cox, also got her career start in commercials. Back in 1985, she appeared in a commercial for Tampax tampons. Since then, Cox has made quite a name for herself in Hollywood. Aside from working on the hit NBC sitcom for 10 seasons, Cox also starred in the tv series “Cougar Town.”
6 At One Point, Steve Carell Was Promoting Brown’s Chicken Cholesterol-Free Recipe
Prior to becoming incredibly successful in Hollywood, veteran comedian Steve Carell starred in a commercial for Brown’s chicken. Since then, he's gone on to star in the hit tv show “The Office.” Meanwhile, he currently stars on Apple TV’s “The Morning Show.” Carell also recently appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Pepsi.
5 Before He Starred In Clueless, Paul Rudd Starred In A Nintendo Commercial
Back in the early 90s, a much younger Paul Rudd appeared in a commercial for Super Nintendo. Here, Rudd was the young man in a trench coat who enjoyed playing games in empty parking lots. Since then, Rudd has gone on to play the role of Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Meanwhile, the actor also stars in the Netflix series “Living with Yourself.”
4 Leonardo DiCaprio Once Starred In A 1995 Japanese Honda Civic Commercial
Sure, a much younger Leonardo DiCaprio rose to fame after starring in James Cameron’s “Titanic.” However, before he starred opposite Kate Winslet, a young DiCaprio appeared in a number of commercials. These include the one for Honda Civic back in 1995. The actor also did commercials for Matchbox cars, Apple Jacks, Kraft Singles, Suzuki, and Bubble Yum.
3 We First Saw Ben Affleck In A Burger King Ad
Today, Ben Affleck is a well-known actor and director. Before he rose to fame though, a teenage Affleck starred in a commercial for Burger King. Since then, he has starred in, directed, and produced “Argo.” He has also starred in films such as “Armageddon,” “Pearl Harbor,” “Forces of Nature,” and “Good Will Hunting.”
2 Brad Pitt Made Quite An Impression When He Appeared In A Pringles Commercial Shirtless
Yes, recent Oscar winner Brad Pitt once starred in a commercial for Pringles when he was just a young teenager. Back then, he was a shirtless beach hunk who got stuck in the middle of the road after their car broke down. Fortunately, some pretty ladies came to the rescue with Pringles. As you know, Pitt’s career has taken off since then. It’s safe to say he’s never looked back.
1 As A Teenager, Keanu Reeves Starred As A Biker In A Coca Cola Commercial
Way back in 1983, a teenaged Keanu Reeves starred in a Coca Cola Commercial as a young and determined cyclist. Since then, Reeves went on to star in a number of hit films including the ‘Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’. Meanwhile, back in 2018, Reeves also appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Squarespace.
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