List of American advertising characters

Last updated

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

CharacterProductYears usedNotes
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–presentoriginally voiced by Gilbert Gottfried, fired in 2011; now voiced by Daniel McKeague. [2]
The Ajax pixies Ajax cleanser 1948–1950sspeaking voices are Joe Silver, Hans Conreid and June Foray
The White Knight Ajax detergentdebuted 1963
Speedy Alka-Seltzer Alka-Seltzer 1952–1964, 2010–presentvoiced by Dick Beals
Mayhem Allstate insurance2010–presentactor 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 cereal1964–early 1970spostman (voiced by Jim Nabors)
Alpha-Bits Wizard1970s–1980s
Alfie the Alpha-Bits Cereal Wonder Dog1980s
Alpha2000s–2021computer who makes Alpha-Bits
Alpha Pig; Princess Presto; Super Why; Wooster; Wonder Red2012–2021CGI-animated child stars of Super Why! from PBS
Kids1970s–1990s
Alphabet letters1990s–early 2000sAnimated letters who are in cereal
Clip AMC Theatres 1991–2009figure made out of discarded movie film who appears in the 'coming attractions' and 'feature presentation' trailers seen at AMC movie theaters.
AMC Amazing Icons2012–presenticons 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 restaurants2003–2006voiced by Tom Arnold
Jeeves Ask.com 1996–2006
Lily Adams, the AT&T Store manager AT&T 2013–presentinforms 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 additive1953
Frank Bartles and Ed Jaymes Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers1985–1991played by David Joseph Rufkahr (Bartles) and Dick Maugg (Jaymes)
Big Boy Big Boy restaurants 1937–presentknown 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
Dolly1956–presentBig Boy's girlfriend in Adventures of the Big Boy comic book series
the grandmother in the back seat BMW X5 2015–presentirritates her entire family with exaggerated stories while the parents are driving
the Bonny Maid Bonny Maid floor cover products1949–1950played by Anne Francis
Boo Berry Boo Berry cereal1972–present
Elsie the Cow Borden 1938–present
Rosie the waitress Bounty paper towels1970–1990played by Nancy Walker
The "A Little Better Gas Station" Crew BP Connect Gas Stations2007–presentplays to the song "LA" by Message of the Blues
Floyd D. Duck Bubble Yum bubble gum
Bud Ice penguin Bud Ice beer1996known for ominously singing "Doo-be-doo-be-doo..."
Spuds MacKenzie Bud Light beer1987–1990 
Johnny, the Bud Light guy1995known for catchphrase "I love you, ma-a-a-n!"; played by Rob Roy Fitzgerald
Bud Knight2017–2019
Budweiser Frogs Budweiser beer1990sOne 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, lizards1998main adversaries to the Budweiser frogs.
Budweiser Clydesdales 1930s–presentusually pulling a hitch of Budweiser with a Dalmatian riding in it.  Also appear playing football against each other.
Burger Chef and Jeff Burger Chef restaurants1954–1996voiced by Paul Winchell
The Burger King Burger King restaurants1974–1990, 2004–2011,2016–present [3]  
Sir Shake-A-Lot1976–1980knight who craved milk shakes
The Burger Thing1976–1980large hamburger puppet
The Duke of Doubt1976–1980arch-nemesis of the Burger King
The Wizard of Fries1976–1980robot powered by French fries
Burger King Kids Club Gang1990–mid-2000sKid 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)
Herb1985played by John Merrick
Fighting chickens Spicy and TC2004
Duke the Dog Bush's baked beans1993–present Jay Bush's canine companion who always tries to sell his owner's secret recipe; voiced by Robert Cait
Bart Simpson Butterfinger 1988–2001
Buster Brown and his dog Tige Buster Brown shoes1904–presentlive-action spots by Jerry Marin
The California Raisins California Raisin Advisory Board debuted 1987singing, dancing California raisins
Car Fox Carfax debuted 2008helps people buy used cars
Joe Camel Camel cigarettes 1987–1997 
The Campbell's Soup kids Campbell's Soup debuted 1904 
Mr. No Capital One 2000splayed by David Spade
Cap'n Crunch Cap'n Crunch cereal1963–presentcreated by Jay Ward Productions; originally voiced by Daws Butler
Mabel the waitress Carling Black Label beer1950splayed by Jean Goodspeed (1951 through mid-1950s)
The Carl's Jr. Star Carl's Jr. restaurants1960s–presenthas become Western U.S. counterpart of Hardee's
Maria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2013–presenthost 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 tissue1965–1989played by Dick Wilson
The Charmin Bears2000s
The Cheerios Kid and Sue Cheerios 1950s, 1980s, 2012
Cherri O'Leary [4] 1940s
Chef Boyardee Chef Boyardee canned pastasbased on company founder Hector Boiardi
Chester Cheetah Cheetos snacks1986–presentvoiced by Pete Stacker
Bumblebee Chevrolet Camaro 2007–presentpart 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 2014teenager 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 1958voiced by Paul Ford
the Chevron Cars1995–present 
The Chick-fil-A cows Chick-fil-A 1995–presentknown for the catchphrase "Eat Mor Chikin" ( sic )
Catalina, the Chicken of the Sea mermaid Chicken of the Sea 1952–presentvoiced by Darla Hood in TV commercials
Mother Nature Chiffon Margarine 1970s–1980sbest known for catchphrase "It's Not Nice To Fool Mother Nature!" Played by Dena Dietrich; Voice-over by Mason Adams
Miss Chiquita Banana Chiquita bananas1944–present 
Chuck E. Cheese Chuck E. Cheese restaurants1977–presentvoiced 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 theaters1988–1999, 2004–20112019–presentanimated cat; sidekicks over the years have included Starstruck Penny (originally Popcorn Penny) and Clyde
Wendell, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch chef Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal1984–2009
'Citizens' of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Cisco Systems 2010–presentfictionalized version of the real town as visited by Canadian actor Elliot Page, a native Nova Scotian
Sonny the Cuckoo Bird Cocoa Puffs cereal1960s–presentoriginally voiced by Chuck McCann
The Flintstones characters Cocoa and Fruity Pebbles cereal1970–present
Columbia Columbia Pictures 1924–presentbased on a representation of Columbia, a personification of the United States
Josephine the plumber Comet cleanser1960s–1970splayed by Jane Withers
The Slowskys Comcast 1997–presentpair 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–presentretired couple who travel across the country in a RV
Cookie Jarvis Cookie Crisp cereal1977–1985 
Cookie Crook1981–1997
Cookie Cop1985–1997
Chip the Dog1991–2005
Chip the Wolf2005–present
Sarah Tucker Cool Whip dessert topping 1960splayed by Marge Redmond
Coors Light Twins Coors Light beerplayed by the Klimaszewski Twins
The Coppertone Girl Coppertone sun-care products1944–present
Cornelius the rooster Corn Flakes cerealoriginally voiced by Dallas McKennon, voiced in 1960s by Andy Devine
Count Alfred [5] Chocula Count Chocula cereal1971–present 
Sylvester P. Smythe Cracked magazine1958–present
Sailor Jack and his dog Bingo. Cracker Jack 1918–present
Cracker Jill
Dr Jerry Crazy Eddie 1972–1989performed by DJ Jerry Carroll
Rastus the Cook Cream of Wheat hot cereal1890–2020believed 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 toothpaste1970splayed 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 restaurants2006–2011Voiced by Oliver Vaquer
Steven Jackson Dell computers2000–2003known for quotes like "Dude, you got a Dell"; played by Benjamin Curtis
Diet Coke hunk Diet Coke 1990splayed by Lucky Vanous
"Alternative" Rob Lowe DirecTV 2014–presentRob Lowe in dual roles
Hannah Davis and her talking horse2015–presentmodel 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 players2015–presentpart of NFL Sunday Ticket campaign, with NFL players in dual roles similar to Lowe's
The Settlers2016–presentpioneering family who refuses to switch from cable
Peggy Discover Card 2009–presenta 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 2012–2017Boston-area family pronounces it "Hoppa."
Ned the Banker Ditech 2002–2006played by Ron Michaelson; shouts the catch phrase "Lost another loan to Ditech!"; now the mascot for CashCall Mortgage
The Noid Domino's Pizza 1980s–1990svoiced by Pons Maar
Donny and Dottie Dot1992–1994 [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. Cravin1998–1999 [7]
Bad Andy2000–2001 [8]
Doublemint Twins Doublemint chewing gumintroduced 1960s
The Most Interesting Man in the World Dos Equis 2006–presentPlayed by Jonathan Goldsmith from 2006–2016; replaced by Augustin Legrand in 2016–present
Major, the Dreyfus lionDreyfus investmentsdebuted 1960s
Fred the baker Dunkin' 1981–1997known for quote "Time to make the donuts"; played by Michael Vale
The Puttermans Duracell batteries1990s
The Dutch boy Dutch Boy Paint 1907–present
Reddy Kilowatt Electricity generation 1926–presentused 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-presentNote:originally the mate for Elsie the Cow of Borden's dairy products.
Jacko Energizer batterieslate-1980sknown for catchphrase "Oi!"; played by Australian footballer Mark 'Jacko' Jackson
Energizer Bunny 1989–present
Esso tiger / Exxon tiger Esso/Exxon debuted 1964See ExxonMobil website  
Erin Esurance Esurance 2005–2009animated spy
Eveready batteriesEveready "9 lives" catdebuted c. 1920s–1930s
Fantanas Fanta (US only)2002–presentfictional 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 Federal Express 1982played by John Moschitta Jr.
Orange Bird Florida Citrus Commission1970screated by Walt Disney Productions
Axelrod the dog Flying "A" service stations1960s
The Ford dog Ford autodebuted 1952
Franken Berry cerealFranken Berry1971–present
Fruit Brute Fruit Brute cereal1974–1982
Ethel the cook Frank's Red Hot Sauce2011–presentelderly 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 cereal1995–late 1990s
Frito Bandito Fritos 1960svoiced by Mel Blanc
The Frito Spokesbag2012–present
Frito Kid1952–1967used for advertising at Disneyland
Yipes Fruit Stripe chewing gum1962–present
Sammy Sands Gadgets 1983–1991Sammy Sands was an animatronic piano player at Gadgets, a high-scale FEC
GEICO gecko GEICO 1999–presentvoiced by Kelsey Grammer, Dave Kelly, Richard Steven Horvitz, Jake Wood, and others
GEICO Cavemen 2004–presentplayed by Jeff Daniel Phillips, Ben Weber, John Lehr, and Ben Wilson
Maxwell, The GEICO pig2010–present
Mike, the camel2010–2020reminds people that he annoys that Wednesday is "HUMP DAY!”
The squirrels2008–presentcongratulated themselves after running a vehicle off the road
Spy mom2010–presentalways 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 products1927–presentsketched by Dorothy Hope Smith, depicts four-month-old neighbor Ann Turner
Blue Blade razors Gillette Sharpie the parrot1952–1960
The Gold Dust Twins Gold Dust Washing Powder 1880s–1940s 
The Quisenberrys Golden Corral 2015
Choo-Choo Charlie Good & Plenty candy1950–1970s
Gorton's Fisherman Gorton's of Gloucester Fish products1964–present
Granny Goose Granny Goose snacks
Jolly Green Giant Green Giant vegetables1928–presentoriginally voiced by Herschel Bernardi; then Len Carlson
Little Green Sprout
The running Greyhound Greyhound Lines 1937–presentalso used a live greyhound in TV promotions.
The Helping Hand Hamburger Helper 1977–presentvoiced by Patrick Coyle
Hamm's Beer bear Hamm's Beer debuted 1952 
Harbie The SealHarbor Gasoline
The Hardee's Star Hardee's restaurants1997–present
Gilbert Giddyup, Speedy McGreedy1970's, 1980's
Hartford Elk The Hartford insurancedebuted 1974
Punchy (the Hawaiian Punch Guy), and Oaf/Opie Hawaiian Punch debuted 1961
John Holiday Holiday Inn 1950s–1980sMascot was Paul Revere-like character
Mr. Opportunity Honda 2004–2011 [9]
Strawberry Shortcake Honda 2014CGI doll version of the character
Buzz the bee Honey Nut Cheerios cerealoriginally voiced by Arnold Stang
King Ding Dong / King DonHostess 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–presentad campaign created by Crispin Porter & Bogusky, portrayed by Brandon Moynihan [10]
Happy Hotpoint Hotpoint home appliancesdebuted 1955played by Mary Tyler Moore
Howard Johnson's Restaurants1930s–1970sCreated by John Alcott
Simple Simon & The Pieman Howard Johnson's Motor Lodges1950s–1970s
The Hubba-Bubba Gum Fighter Hubba Bubba bubble gumdebuted 1979
ICEE Polar Bear ICEE frozen drinks
Bucky Beaver Ipana toothpaste1957–1959voiced by Jimmie Dodd
Joe Isuzu Isuzu auto1986–1990played by David Leisure
Little old winemaker Italian Swiss Colony wine1960splayed by Ludwig Stössel, voiced by Jim Backus
Jack, the ping-pong-ball-headed man Jack in the Box restaurants1994–present 
Elephant and Bartender Jax Beer late-1950s and early-1960svoiced by Mike Nichols and Elaine May
Chinese baby Jell-O gelatindebuted 1959voiced by Allen Swift
Mr. Jelly Belly Jelly Belly jelly beans1996–present
Jollibee Jollibee 1980–present
Fruit Gang Jolly Rancher 2015–present
Kedso the Clown Keds shoes
Kolonel Keds
Kaptain Keds and Kedzam
Ernie Keebler and the Keebler elves Keebler snacks1968–presentErnie voiced by Parley Baer for many years
Cinnamon & Apple Kellogg's Apple Jacks cerealmid-2000s–present
Toucan Sam Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal1952–presentvoiced by Mel Blanc, Paul Frees, Maurice LaMarche
Puey, Susey, Louis1994–presentToucan Sam's nephews
Tony the Tiger Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal1951–presentvoiced by Dallas McKennon, Thurl Ravenscroft, Lee Marshall and now Tex Brashear
Cliffy the Clown Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal1953–1956
Smaxey the Seal1957–1961
Quick Draw McGraw 1961–1965
The Smackin' Bandit1965half-mule half-kangaroo who kissed everyone in sight
The Smackin' Brothers1966–early 1970stwo boys dressed in boxing shorts and boxing gloves
Indian Chiefearly 1970s
Dig 'Em Frog1972–1986, 1987–presentoriginally voiced by Howard Morris
Love Smack's1982a heart-shaped dog who hugged children
Wally the Bear1986–1987
Milton the Toaster Kellogg's Pop-Tarts 1970s–1980svoiced by William Schallert
Sunny the sun Kellogg's Raisin Bran cereal1966–presentoriginally voiced by Daws Butler
Snap, Crackle and Pop Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal1928–present
Sugar Pops Pete Kellogg's Sugar Pops cereal1950s
Keith Stone Keystone Light beer2009–present
Colonel Sanders KFC restaurants1952–presentColonel Harland Sanders founded Kentucky Fried Chicken and eventually became its mascot; a later cartoon version was voiced by Randy Quaid.
Foghorn Leghorn 1986–1988One 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–presentlip-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–presentplayed by Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella
Morpheus Kia Optima 2014–presentactor Laurence Fishburne reprising his character from The Matrix
K.C. Penguin Kid Cuisine meals
Manners the butler Kleenex table napkins1957–1950splayed by Richard Cutting
Willie the Kool penguin Kool cigarettesdebuted 1930s
Kool-Aid Man Kool-Aid drink mixes1975–present
Cheesasaurus Rex Kraft Macaroni & Cheese 1991–2010
Dairy Fairy Kraft Singles cheesedebuted 1980s
Buddy Lee doll Lee Jeans 1998–presentbased on the doll who debuted in 1921
Limu Emu & Doug Liberty Mutual Insurance2019–presentcop-like insurance agents (a human male and an emu sidekick); parody on 1970s TV crime drama shows
Little Mikey Life cereal1972–1981played by John Gilchrist
Little Caesar Little Caesars pizza
Lucky the Leprechaun Lucky Charms cereal1964–presentoriginally voiced by Arthur Anderson
Red and Yellow M&M's candy1960s–presentoriginally 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 Green1996–present (Blue), 1997–present (Miss Green)Blue originally voiced by Phil Hartman now Rob Pruitt; Miss Green voiced by Cree Summer  
Orange1998–presentvoiced by Eric Kricberger
Miss Brown2010–presentvoiced by Vanessa Williams
Purple2022–presentvoiced by Grace Kelly
Alfred E. Neuman Mad magazine 1954–present
Rocketman Malektronic2014–present
Cool Blue and Li'l Oaty Malt-O-Meal cereal1998–present
Marlboro Man Marlboro cigarettesdebuted 1954 Wayne McLaren died in 1992 of lung cancer
David McLean, died in 1995 of lung cancer
Dick 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 Oatmeal1956–presentcreated by Storyboard, Inc. (John Hubley)
Ol' Lonely, the Maytag repairman Maytag appliancesdebuted 1967played by Jesse White (1967–1988), Gordon Jump (1988–2003), Hardy Rawls (2003–present)
Scoopy, Gabby and TeeVee, The McClatchy Bees The McClatchy Company 1943–presentcreated 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 restaurants1948–1962Original Mascot
Ronald McDonald 1959–presentoriginally played in Washington, D.C. by Willard Scott
Hamburglar1971–2003A criminal type who stole hamburgers every chance he had. Originally voiced by Howard Morris, later by Charlie Adlder and Carl W. Wolfe
Grimace1971–2003A purple character who originally stole milkshakes, part of a larger population of Grimaces
Captain Crook1970–1985
Mayor McCheese1971–1985The incompetent mayor of McDonaldland
The Professor1971–1985A scientist who served as McDonaldland's inventor and researcher
Officer Big Mac1971–1985The Chief of the Police of McDonaldland
Fry Kids1972–1996originally 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 Patch1973–1985anthropomorphized hamburgers that grew on plants and were picked for consumption by Ronald McDonald and the Hamburglar
Trash Cans1970stwin garbage cans that were used to encourage people to throw garbage out in correct areas
Birdie the Early Bird1980–2003A yellow bird with pink jumpsuit and flight cap and scarf
The Happy Meal Gang1984–late 2000shamburger, french fries, regular sized drink, McNugget Buddies ( chicken nuggets added 1989) and Happy Meal Box (added 2004)
Uncle O'Grimacey1977–1990sGrimace's green Irish Uncle who visited every St. Patrick's Day
CosMc1980s–1999An alien who sporadically appeared to trade items for McDonald's food
Bernice1992–mid-1990sA strange creature who showed up in McDonaldland occasionally
Vulture1980s–1990sAn unnamed vulture who appeared in several multi-commercial segments
Sundae1999–2000sRonald McDonald's dog
Iam Hungary1998–2001A floating, fast green fuzzball with orange arms and monstrous face
Mike the Microphone1980sA one time character who guarded door and ran studio in McDonaldland Magical Radio Station
Dr. Berlin Fries2010sA human Frenchman with English accent, obsessed with french fries
Admiral Frownie2010sA replacement character of Grimace, similar to Grimace except he is dark brown to resemble Dark Chocolate Brownie
Mac Tonight 1986–1997played by Doug Jones
Little Debbie McKee Foods 1960s–presentA character based on founder's four-year-old granddaughter.
Lani Moo Meadow Gold Dairies of Hawaii 1949–presentname was selected in a contest sponsored by its predecessor Dairymen's Association 
Poglodyte1971–presentmascot for Meadow Gold Hawaii's POG drinks
Meow Mix Cat Meow Mix cat food1972–presentsinging cat
Merrill the bull Merrill Lynch
Leo the Lion Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 1924–presentbased on the Goldwyn Company mascot, 1917–24
Bibendum Michelin Tires1894–presentAlso known as the Michelin Man
The Micro Machines Man Micro Machines performed by John Moschitta Jr.
The Miller Lite Beer Refs Miller Lite beer2004–present 
The Mobil Pegasus Mobil 1911–present 
The Morton Girl Morton Salt 1914–present
Mr. Clean Mr. Clean cleaning products1958–presentfirst live-action Mr. Clean played by House Peters Jr.
Mrs. Butterworth Mrs. Butterworth's syrupa talking syrup bottle
Mimsie the Cat MTM Enterprises 1970–1998
McGruff the Crime Dog National Crime Prevention Council 1978–present 
Juan Valdez National Federation of Coffee Growers (Colombia)1959–presentplayed 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 1985–1999voiced by Jack Burns and Lorenzo Music, respectively
NBC Peacock NBC 1956–1975, 1979–presentfirst appeared in 1956, debuted as animated logo in 1957
Polar Bear Nelvana 1978–present
Farfel the Dog Nestlé Quik1953–1965played by ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson
Quickie the NesQuik Bunny Nestlé Quik/NesQuik 1973–presentvoiced by Barry Gordon
Zuco Bear Nestlé Snow Flakes cereal
Dusty the Dusthole Nevada Air Quality Management Division2003–presentknown for catchphrase "Don't Be a Dusthole!"; played by Alan Burd
Eustace Tilley The New Yorker 1925–presentFirst drawn by Rea Irvin
Li'l Penny Nike athletic shoedebuted 1996voiced by Chris Rock, based on basketball's Penny Hardaway
Morris the Cat 9Lives cat food1968–presentvoiced by John Erwin
The Rubberband Man OfficeMax 2004–2005played by Eddie Steeples
The Swedish Bikini Team Old Milwaukee beer1991
Old Spice sailor Old Spice aftershave1970s–1980splayed by John Bennett Perry
The Man Your Man Could Smell Like Old Spice body wash2010–presentplayed by Isaiah Mustafa
Vanessa Orbit chewing gum2002–presentplayed by Vanessa Branch
The Pink Panther Owens Corning Fiberglass Insulation
Madge the Manicurist Palmolive dish detergent1966–1992played by Jan Miner
Pampers pampa Pampers diapers
Patsy Partnership for a Drug-Free America 2008not-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 storescaricatures 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–presentoriginated 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 1955–1960voiced by Ray Goulding (Bert) and Bob Elliott (Harry)
Poppin' Fresh, the Pillsbury Doughboy Pillsbury 1965–presentvoiced first by Paul Frees, currently by JoBe Cerny
The Pine Sol Lady Pine-Sol cleaning detergentplayed by Diane Amos
Pizza Head Pizza Hut 1993–1997The title character of The Pizza Head Show commercial skits.
Mr. Peanut Planters snacks1916–present
Popsicle Pete Popsicle ice pops1940s–1995
Honeycomb Kid Post Cereals' Honeycomb cereal1960s (Cowboy) 1980s (Kid) 
The Crazy Cravingdebuted 1990s
Bernard, the Bee Boy2010
Sugar Bear Post Cereals' Golden Crisp cereal1949–presentvoiced by Sterling Holloway, Gerry Matthews
Julius Pringles Pringles 1967–present
Flo Progressive Insurance 2008–presentactress Stephanie Courtney
Flobot2012–presentrobot version of Flo, who is jealous of her "replacement"
Jamie2008–present"The Number 1 'Number 2' assistant"
The Progressive Insurance Box2013–presenttalkative bragging box
Mara2019–presentFlo’s friend and assistant, who feels like she’s unattractive and tends to drive guys away when she talks about insurance
Alan2019–presentProgressive's cool and mellow employee and assistant who is always trying to keep the crew levelheaded.
Motaur2019–presenthalf-man-half motorcycle
Dr. Rick2020–presentparody of Dr. Phil
Qantas koala Qantas Airlinesdebuted 1967voiced by Howard Morris
The Quaker Oats man Quaker Oats 1877–present
QuakeQuaker Quake cereal1965–1970screated by Jay Ward Productions, voiced by William Conrad
QuispQuaker Quisp cereal1965–1970svoiced by Daws Butler
Spongmonkey Quizno's restaurants2003–2004characters originated on an internet blog
Baby Bob 2005–presentBaby Bob character originated on an internet blog, and had a short-lived CBS show; currently voiced by Ken Hudson Campbell
The Raid bugs Raid insecticides1956–present
Nipper, the curious dog RCA 1900–present
Chipperdebuted 1991puppy version of Nipper
Happy Cows Real California Cheese debuted 1990s
Harmon R. Whittle Red White & Blue Beer 1980s
Robert Hall crows Robert Hall clothing stores1950s
Perrôt Rossy stores2011–present 
Schlitz Malt Liquor bull Schlitz Malt Liquor
Aunt Bluebelle ScotTowels 1970svoiced by Mae Questel
The Scrubbing Bubbles Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaneroriginally voiced by Paul Winchell
Serta Counting Sheep Serta mattresses2001–presentanimated by Aardman Animations
Freshup Freddie 7UP soft drink1950screated by Walt Disney Productions
The UnDeer early 1970sChristmas 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–presentIn 1932 Apatosaurus became the company trademark after a 1930 ad campaign associated dinosaurs with Mesozoic Era origins of Sinclair's Pennsylvania petroleum. [11]  
Mr. Six Six Flags theme parks2004–2005, 2009–presentdances to Vengaboys' "We Like to Party!"
The Snapple Lady Snapple 1990–1994, 1996–2008played by Wendy Kaufman, who also worked for Snapple
Snuggle Bear Snuggle fabric softenerdesigned by Kermit Love, voiced by Corinne Orr
Two Guys Sonic Drive-In restaurants2002–2020played by T. J. Jagodowski and Peter Grosz
Randy the Transistor Radio Sony 1963used for a promotional booklet
Miles Thirst Sprite soft drink2004–present 
Charlie the Tuna StarKist Tuna debuted 1961voiced by Herschel Bernardi
The Subway Shadow Subway restaurants2000hand shadow voiced by Gilbert Gottfried
Peter Griffin 2005Peter from FOX's Family Guy was used in an ad for Subway
Jared 2000–2015Real 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.
The Sun-Maid Raisin Girl Sun-Maid raisins
The Taco Bell chihuahua Taco Bell restaurants1997–2000voiced by Carlos Alazraqui; portrayed by a chihuahua named Gidget
Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey Taco John's restaurants2004–present Capuchin monkey wearing a sombrero and poncho
Tampax Mother Nature Tampax Tampons2008–presentdresses 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 coffeedebuted 1990played by Anthony Head and Sharon Maughan
TD [12] TD Bank 2000sReplaced the Commerce Bank's "Mr. C" after the merger
Teddy Grahams Teddy Grahams crackers1992–2005

2017–present

The smart Morgan, the young Amy, and the more feminine Lulu. Originally on Bananas in Pyjamas.
Toilet Duck Toilet Duck toilet cleanermid-1990sanimatronic, helmet wearing duck head sticking out of a small tank. Typically strolls into the bathroom saying "Quack, quaaack!"
Mr. Owl Tootsie Roll Pops 1970–presentvoiced by Paul Winchell
Mr. Turtle
Captain Tootsie Tootsie Rolls
Jan Toyota 2010–presentplayed by Laurel Coppock
The Muppets Toyota Highlander 2014–presentsings "No Time For Boring"
Geoffrey the giraffe Toys "R" Us stores1960s–2018animatronic Geoffrey voiced by Jim Hanks
The roaming garden gnome Travelocity debuted 2003
Pegasus TriStar Pictures 1984–present 
Trix rabbit Trix cereal1959–presentoriginally 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 cleanersplayed by Mark Matheisen, Fred Miltonberg, Bob Kaliban, Larry Sprinkle
Uncle Ben Uncle Ben's rice1946–2020purportedly named after a Texas rice grower
Smokey Bear United States Forest Service 1944–presentthe original was found clinging to a charred tree limb as a cub following a forest fire
Woodsy Owl 1970–presentvoiced by Frank Welker
Mr. ZIP United States Post Office Department/United States Postal Service 1960s–1970s 
The Verizon Wireless Test Man Verizon 2004–2011played 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 VikingViking CarpetsMade by International Fiberglass
The Vlasic stork Vlasic Picklesdebuted 1970s
Miss Helga Volkswagen GTI debuted 2006
Mickey Mouse The Walt Disney Company 1928–presentOriginally voiced by creator Walt Disney, later Jimmy MacDonald, Clarence Nash, Wayne Allwine, Bret Iwan
Jiminy Cricket 1940–presentOriginally 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–presentOriginally voiced by Mel Blanc, later Jeff Bergman, Greg Burson, Billy West, Joe Alaskey, Samuel Vincent, Eric Bauza
Wendy Wendy's 1969–presentnamed after Wendy Thomas
Where's the beef? Lady 1984Portrayed by actress Clara Peller
Yummy Mummy Fruity Yummy Mummy cereal1988–1992

Other notable characters and their brands

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Monopoly</i> (game) Property trading board game

Monopoly is a multiplayer economics-themed board game. In the game, players roll two dice to move around the game board, buying and trading properties and developing them with houses and hotels. Players collect rent from their opponents and aim to drive them into bankruptcy. Money can also be gained or lost through Chance and Community Chest cards and tax squares. Players receive a salary every time they pass "Go" and can end up in jail, from which they cannot move until they have met one of three conditions. House rules, hundreds of different editions, many spin-offs, and related media exist. Monopoly has become a part of international popular culture, having been licensed locally in more than 103 countries and printed in more than 37 languages. As of 2015, it was estimated that the game had sold 275 million copies worldwide. The original game was based on locations in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States with the exception of Marven Gardens which is in adjacent Ventnor, NJ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fast-food restaurant</span> Type of restaurant

A fast-food restaurant, also known as a quick-service restaurant (QSR) within the industry, is a specific type of restaurant that serves fast-food cuisine and has minimal table service. The food served in fast-food restaurants is typically part of a "meat-sweet diet", offered from a limited menu, cooked in bulk in advance and kept hot, finished and packaged to order, and usually available for take away, though seating may be provided. Fast-food restaurants are typically part of a restaurant chain or franchise operation that provides standardized ingredients and/or partially prepared foods and supplies to each restaurant through controlled supply channels. The term "fast food" was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mascot</span> Representation of a human, animal, or an object intended to promote sponsorship of public identity

A mascot is any human, animal, or object thought to bring luck, or anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, sports team, society, military unit, or brand name. Mascots are also used as fictional, representative spokespeople for consumer products.

<i>Finding Nemo</i> 2003 film by Andrew Stanton

Finding Nemo is a 2003 American animated comedy-drama adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Andrew Stanton with co-direction by Lee Unkrich, the screenplay was written by Stanton, Bob Peterson, and David Reynolds from a story by Stanton. The film stars the voices of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, and Geoffrey Rush. It tells the story of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin (Brooks) who, along with a forgetful regal blue tang named Dory (DeGeneres), searches for his missing son Nemo (Gould). Along the way, Marlin learns to take risks and comes to terms with Nemo taking care of himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pearl Krabs</span> Fictional animated SpongeBob SquarePants character

Pearl Krabs is a fictional character in the Nickelodeon animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. She is voiced by actress Lori Alan and first appeared in the season one episode "Squeaky Boots" on September 17, 1999. She was created by the late marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, who was inspired to design a whale character while supervising whale watches at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dairy Queen</span> American multinational fast food chain

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (DQ) is an American multinational fast food chain founded in 1940. It is currently headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota. The first Dairy Queen was owned and operated by Sherb Noble and first opened on June 22, 1940, in Joliet, Illinois. It serves a variety of hot and fried food, as well as original frozen dairy products that vary from location to location.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domino's</span> American multinational pizza restaurant chain

Domino's is an American multinational pizza restaurant chain. Founded in 1960, the chain is owned by master franchisor Domino's Pizza, Inc. and led by CEO Russell Weiner. The corporation is Delaware-domiciled and headquartered at the Domino's Farms Office Park in Ann Arbor Township, near Ann Arbor, Michigan. As of 2018, Domino's had approximately 15,000 stores, with 5,649 in the United States, 1,500 in India, and 1,249 in the United Kingdom. Domino's has stores in over 83 countries and 5,701 cities worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rock-afire Explosion</span> Musical artist

The Rock-afire Explosion (RAE) is an animatronic character band designed and manufactured by Creative Engineering, Inc. (CEI) for use in ShowBiz Pizza Place restaurants in the 1980s and early 1990s. The band's characters were various anthropomorphized animals, including a brown bear, a grey wolf and a silverback gorilla. They performed medleys of classic rock, pop, and country music, as well as original compositions and comedic skits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheetos</span> Brand of corn puff snack food

Cheetos is a crunchy corn puff snack brand made by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. Fritos creator Charles Elmer Doolin invented Cheetos in 1948, and began national distribution in the United States. The initial success of Cheetos was a contributing factor to the merger between The Frito Company and H.W. Lay & Company in 1961 to form Frito-Lay. In 1965 Frito-Lay became a subsidiary of The Pepsi-Cola Company, forming PepsiCo, the current owner of the Cheetos brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Boy Restaurants</span> American restaurant chain

Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC is an American restaurant chain headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. The Big Boy name, design aesthetic, and menu were previously licensed to a number of regional franchisees.

Beatrice Foods Company was a major American food conglomerate founded in 1894. One of the best-known food processing companies in the U.S., Beatrice owned many well-known brands such as Tropicana, Krispy Kreme, Jolly Rancher, Orville Redenbacher's, Swiss Miss, Peter Pan, Avis, Milk Duds, Samsonite, Playtex, La Choy and Dannon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Funko</span> American toy company

Funko Inc. is an American company that manufactures licensed and limited pop culture collectibles, best known for its licensed vinyl figurines and bobbleheads. In addition, the company produces licensed plush, action figures, apparel, accessories and games. Founded in 1998 by Mike Becker and Claudia Becker, Funko was originally conceived as a small project to create various low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys. The company's first manufactured bobblehead was of the Big Boy mascot, the well-known restaurant advertising icon.

Toy advertising is the promotion of toys through a variety of media. Advertising campaigns for toys have been criticized for trading on children's naivete and for turning children into premature consumers. Advertising to children is usually regulated to ensure that it meets defined standards of honesty and decency. These rules vary from country to country, with some going as far as banning all advertisements that are directed at children.

<i>My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic</i> Animated television series

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is an animated television series based on Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise. The series follows a studious pony named Twilight Sparkle, her dragon assistant Spike and her friends, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash (Ball) and Pinkie Pie (Libman). They go on adventures and help others around Equestria, solving problems with their friendships.

The Spice Girls are an English girl group that first came to international prominence in 1996 with the release of their debut single "Wannabe". The following year, they became involved in a prolific marketing phenomenon, leading to an unprecedented number of Spice Girls merchandise and sponsorship deals. With their name attached to numerous sponsors including Pepsi, Cadbury and Polaroid, and the official Spice Girls branding on hundreds of different product tie-ins, they quickly became the most merchandised group in music history. Their global merchandising efforts alone brought in over £300 million in 1997, while the group's total grosses were estimated at US$500–800 million by May 1998.

References

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  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.
  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.
  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" . 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. "1930s (History | Sinclair Oil)". www.sinclairoil.com. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  12. Blumenthal, Jeff (16 June 2010). "TD mascot sporty, fun and 'strains intellectual scrutiny'". Philadelphia Business Journal. Retrieved 20 October 2010.

Further reading