List of American advertising characters

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

Product Character Years used Notes
A&W Root Beer The Great Root Bear debuted 1974  
AFLAC insurance the AFLAC duck 2000–present voiced by Gilbert Gottfried
Ajax cleanser the Ajax pixies 1948–1950s Speaking voices are Joe Silver, Hans Conreid and June Foray
Ajax detergent the White Knight debuted 1963  
Alka-Seltzer Speedy Alka-Seltzer 1952–1964 voiced by Dick Beals
American Tourister luggage luggage-mauling gorilla 1970–1980s  
Ameritrade stock brokerage Stuart 1999 known for quotes like "Let's light this candle!"; played by Michael C. Maronna
Anderson's Soup the Anderson's Soup "non-identical twins" Happy and Pee-Wee debuted 1957 voiced by Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding
Anderson Weber car dealership The Green Defender & Carpool late 1999–early 2000 A superhero duo similar to The Green Hornet & Kato.
Arby's restaurants Oven Mitt 2003–present Voiced by Tom Arnold
Ask.com Jeeves 1996–2006  
Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup Aunt Jemima 1893–present  
Bacardi Rum & Cola drink Bacardi & Cola 2003  
Bardahl auto engine additive Dirty Sludge, Sticky Valve, Gummy Ring, Blackie Carbon 1953  
Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers Frank Bartles and Ed Jaymes 1985–1991 Played by David Joseph Rufkahr (Bartles) and Dick Maugg (Jaymes)
Big Boy restaurants Big Boy   live-action spots in the 1970's by Jonathan Winters
Bonny Maid floor cover products the Bonny Maid 1949–1950 played by Anne Francis
Boo Berry cereal Boo Berry 1972–present  
Borden Elsie the cow 1938–present  
Boubin automotive shop Boubin Bear late 1980s–present A large bear wearing a hat, vest, and jeans. He holds his jeans up and tips his hat while saying "It's the bear facts, folks!" Voiced by Andy Aasgaard.
Bounty paper towels Rosie the waitress 1970–1990 played by Nancy Walker
BP Connect Gas Stations The "A Little Better Gas Station" Crew 2007-Present Plays to the song LA By Message Of The Blues
Bubble Yum bubble gum Floyd D. Duck    
Bud Ice beer Bud Ice penguin 1996 Known for ominously singing "Doo-be-doo-be-doo..."
Bud Light beer Spuds MacKenzie 1987–1989  
Bud Light beer Johnny, the Bud Light guy 1995 Known for catchphrase "I love you, ma-a-a-n!"; played by Rob Roy Fitzgerald
Budweiser beer "Budweiser"-croaking frogs 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.
Budweiser beer Frank and Louie, lizards 1998 The main adversaries to the Budweiser frogs.
Budweiser beer 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 restaurants Burger Chef and Jeff 1954–1996  
Burger King restaurants The Burger King 1974–1990, 2004–present  
Burger King restaurants Herb 1985 played by John Merrick
Burger King restaurants Fighting chickens Spicy and TC 2004  
Bush's baked beans Duke the Dog 1993-present Jay Bush's canine companion who always tries to sell his owner's secret recipe; voiced by Robert Cait
Buster Brown shoes Buster Brown and his dog Tige 1904–present live-action spots by Jerry Marin
California Raisin Advisory Board the California Raisins debuted 1987 Singin' dancin' California Raisins.
Camel cigarettes Joe Camel 1987–1997  
Campbell's Soup the Campbell's Soup kids    
Capital One Mr. No 2000s played by David Spade
Cap'n Crunch cereal Cap'n Crunch 1963–present Created by Jay Ward Productions; originally voiced by Daws Butler
Carling Black Label beer Mabel the waitress 1950s played by Jean Goodspeed (1951 through mid-1950s)
Carl's Jr. restaurants the Carl's Jr. Star 1960s–present has become West-Coast counterpart of Hardee's
Charmin bathroom tissue Mr. Whipple 1965–1989 played by Dick Wilson
Chef Boyardee canned pastas Chef Boyardee   based on company founder Hector Boiardi
Cheetos snacks Chester Cheetah 1986–present voiced by Pete Stacker
Chevron (Standard Oil of California) Hy Finn debuted 1958 voiced by Paul Ford
Chevron the Chevron cars 1995–present  
Chick-fil-A the Chick-fil-A cows 1995–present known for the catchphrase "Eat Mor Chikin" (sic)
Chicken of the Sea tuna Chicken of the Sea mermaid 1952–present voiced by Darla Hood in TV commercials
Chiquita bananas Miss Chiquita Banana 1944–present  
Chuck E. Cheese restaurants Chuck E. Cheese 1977–present voiced by Duncan Brannan
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal Wendell, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch chef    
Cocoa Puffs cereal Sonny the Cuckoo Bird 1960s–present originally voiced by Chuck McCann
Cocoa and Fruity Pebbles Flintstones characters 1970-Present
Columbia Pictures the Columbia Torch Lady 1924–present  
Comet cleanser Josephine the plumber 1960s–1970s played by Jane Withers
Condomman.com Condom Man 2003–present  
Cookie Crisp cereal Cookie Jarvis 1970s  
Cookie Crisp cereal Officer Krum, Cookie Crisp Crook, and Chip the Cookie Hound 1990s  
Cookie Crisp cereal the Cookie Crisp Wolf 2005–present  
Cool Whip dessert topping Sarah Tucker 1960s played by Marge Redmond
Coors Light beer Coors Light Twins played by Diane and Elaine Klimaszewski
Coppertone sunscreens the Coppertone Girl 1944–present  
Corn Flakes cereal Cornelius the rooster   Originally voiced by Dallas McKennon, voiced in 1960's by Andy Devine
Count Chocula cereal Count Chocula 1971–present  
Cracker Jack snacks Sailor Jack and his dog, Bingo 1918–present  
Cream of Wheat hot cereal Rastus the Cook 1890–present 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.
Crest toothpaste Arthur Goodwin, pharmacist 1970s played by Arthur O'Connell
Dell computers Steven Jackson 2000–2003 known for quotes like "Dude, you got a Dell"; played by Benjamin Curtis
Diet Coke Diet Coke hunk 1990s played by Lucky Vanous
Domino's Pizza The Noid 1980s–1990s voiced by Pons Maar
Doublemint gum Doublemint Twins    
Dreyfus investments Major, the Dreyfus lion debuted 1960s  
Dunkin' Donuts Fred the baker 1981–1997 known for quote "Time to make the donuts"; played by Michael Vale
Duracell batteries The Puttermans 1990s  
Dutch Boy paint the Dutch boy 1907–present  
Energizer batteries Jacko late-1980s known for catchphrase "Oi!"; played by Aussie footballer Mark 'Jacko' Jackson;
Energizer batteries Energizer Bunny 1989–present  
Esso Oil/Exxon the Esso tiger/the Exxon tiger debuted 1964 See ExxonMobil website  
Esurance Erin Esurance 2004–present Animated super-spy
Eveready batteries Eveready "9 lives" cat debuted c. 1920s–1930s  
Excalibur Films Virginia Beaver   Fictional spokesperson
Federal Express Mr. Spleen, fast-talking executive 1982 played by John Moschitta, Jr.
Florida Department of Citrus Florida Orange Bird 1970s created by Walt Disney Productions
Flying "A" service stations Axelrod the dog 1960s  
Ford automobiles the Ford dog debuted 1952  
Franken Berry cereal Franken Berry 1971–present  
Fritos snacks Frito Bandito 1960s voiced by Mel Blanc
Fruit Stripe gum Yipes, the Fruit Stripe Zebra 1962–present  
GEICO the GEICO gecko 1999–present voiced by Kelsey Grammer, Dave Kelly, Richard Steven Horvitz, Jake Wood, and others
GEICO the GEICO cavemen 2004–present played by Jeff Daniel Phillips, Ben Weber, John Lehr, and Ben Wilson
General Mills Betty Crocker 1921–present  
Gerber baby products the Gerber baby 1927–present sketched by Dorothy Hope Smith, depicts four-month-old neighbor Ann Turner
Gillette Blue Blade razors Sharpie the parrot 1952–1960  
Gold Dust Washing Powder The Gold Dust Twins 1880s - 1940s  
Good & Plenty candy Choo-Choo Charlie 1950–1950s  
Granny Goose snacks Granny Goose    
Green Giant vegetables Jolly Green Giant 1928–present Originally voiced by Herschel Bernardi; has been done recently by Len Carlson
Green Giant vegetables Little Green Sprout    
Hamburger Helper the Helping Hand debuted 1977 voiced by Patrick Coyle
Hamm's Beer Hamm's Beer bear debuted 1952  
Hardee's restaurants the Hardee's Star debuted 1997  
The Hartford insurance the Hartford elk debuted 1974  
Hawaiian Punch drinks Punchy (the Hawaiian Punch Guy), and Oaf/Opie debuted 1961  
Honda Clearance Sale Mr. Opportunity 2005–2006  
Honey Nut Cheerios cereal BuzzBee the bee   Originally voiced by Arnold Stang
Hotpoint home appliances Happy Hotpoint debuted 1955 played by Mary Tyler Moore
Hubba Bubba bubble gum the Hubba-Bubba Gum Fighter debuted 1979  
ICEE frozen drinks ICEE polar bear    
Ipana toothpaste Bucky Beaver 1957–1959 voiced by Jimmie Dodd
Isuzu automobiles Joe Isuzu 1986–1990 played by David Leisure
Italian Swiss Colony wine Little old winemaker 1960s played by Ludwig Stossel, voiced by Jim Backus
Jack in the Box restaurants Jack, the ping-pong-ball-headed man    
Jax Beer Elephant and Bartender Late 1950s and early 1960s voiced by Mike Nichols and Elaine May
Jell-O gelatin dessert Chinese baby debuted 1959 voiced by Allen Swift
Jelly Belly jelly beans Mr. Jelly Belly 1996-present  
Keds shoes Kedso the Clown    
Keds shoes Kolonel Keds    
Keebler snacks Ernie Keebler and the Keebler elves 1968–present Ernie voiced by Parley Baer for many years
Kellogg's Apple Jacks cereal Cinnamon & Apple mid 2000s-present  
Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal Toucan Sam 1952–present voiced by Mel Blanc, Paul Frees, Maurice LaMarche
Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal Tony the Tiger   voiced by Dal McKennon, Thurl Ravenscroft
Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal Dig 'Em Frog 1972–1986, 1987–present originally voiced by Howard Morris
Kellogg's Pop-Tarts Milton the Toaster 1970s–1980s voiced by William Schallert
Kellogg's Raisin Bran cereal Sunny the sun 1966–present originally voiced by Daws Butler
Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal Snap, Crackle and Pop 1928–present  
Kellogg's Sugar Pops cereal Sugar Pops Pete 1950s  
KFC restaurants Colonel Sanders   Col. Harland Sanders founded Kentucky Fried Chicken and eventually became its mascot; a later cartoon version was voiced by Randy Quaid.
Kid Cuisine meals K.C. Penguin    
Kleenex table napkins Manners the butler 1957–1950s played by Richard Cutting
Kool cigarettes Willie the Kool penguin debuted 1930s Has a wife named Millie
Kool-Aid drink mixes Kool-Aid Man 1975–present  
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Cheesasaurus Rex    
Kraft Singles cheese Dairy Fairy debuted 1980s  
Lee Dungarees jeans Buddy Lee doll 1998–present based on the doll who debuted in 1921
Life cereal Mikey, the freckled-face kid 1972–1981 played by John Gilchrist
Little Caesars pizza Little Caesar    
Lucky Charms cereal Lucky the Leprechaun 1964–present originally voiced by Arthur Anderson
M&M's candy Red and Yellow M&M's characters 1996–present voiced by Billy West and J.K. Simmons, respectively
M&M's candy Blue and Green M&M's characters 1997–present  
M&M's candy Orange M&M's character 1998–present  
Mad magazine Alfred E. Neuman 1954–present  
Malt-O-Meal cereal Cool Blue and Li'l Oaty 1998–present  
Marlboro cigarettes the Marlboro Man debuted 1954  
Mattel toys Matty Mattel and Sisterbelle 1959–1962  
Maypo Marky Maypo 1956–present created by Storyboard, Inc. (John Hubley)
Maytag home appliances Ol' Lonely, the Maytag repairman debuted 1967 played by Jesse White (1967–1988), Gordon Jump (1988–2003), Hardy Rawls (2003–present)
McDonald's restaurants Ronald McDonald 1959–present originally played in Washington, D.C. by Willard Scott
McDonald's restaurants The Moon Man 1986–1997 played by Doug Jones
Meow Mix cat food Meow Mix Cat 1972–present  
Merrill Lynch Merrill the bull    
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Leo the lion 1924-present based on the Goldwyn Company mascot, 1917-24
Miller Lite beer The Miller Lite Beer Refs 2004–present  
Mobil the Mobil Pegasus 1911–present  
Morton Salt the Morton Salt Girl 1914–present  
Mr. Clean cleaning products Mr. Clean 1958–present first live-action Mr. Clean played by House Peters, Jr.
Mrs. Butterworth's syrup Mrs. Butterworth    
MTM Enterprises Mimsie the kitten 1970–present  
National Crime Prevention Council McGruff the Crime Dog 1978–present  
National Federation of Coffee Growers Juan Valdez 1959–present played by José F. Duval (1959–1969, Carlos Sánchez (1969–present)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vince and Larry, the crash test dummies 1985–1999 voiced by Jack Burns and Lorenzo Music, respectively
NBC NBC peacock 1956–1975, 1979-present First appeared in 1956. Debuted as animated logo in 1957.
Nestlé Quik/NesQuik the Quik Bunny/NesQuik Bunny 1973–present voiced by Barry Gordon
Nevada Air Quality Management Division Dusty the Dusthole 2003-present known for catchphrase "Don't Be a Dusthole!"; played by Alan Burd
Nike sneakers Li'l Penny debuted 1996 voiced by Chris Rock, based on basketball's Anfernee Hardaway
9Lives cat food Morris the Cat 1968–present voiced by John Erwin
OfficeMax stores the Rubberband Man 2004–2005 played by Eddie Steeples
Old Milwaukee beer the Swedish Bikini Team 1991  
Old Spice cologne and aftershave the Old Spice sailor 1970s–1980s played by John Bennett Perry
Orbit chewing gum Vanessa 2002–present  
Palmolive dish detergent Madge the manicurist 1966–1992 played by Jan Miner
Pampers diapers Pampers pampa    
Pep Boys auto parts stores Manny, Moe, and Jack   caricatures based on founders Emanuel (Manny) Rosenfeld, Maurice L. (Moe) Strauss, and W. Graham (Jack) Jackson
Pets.com Pets.com Sock Puppet   originally performed by Michael Ian Black; now mascot for auto loan company Bar None
Piels beer Bert and Harry, the Piels brothers 1955–1960 voiced by Bob Elliott (Harry) and Ray Goulding (Bert)
Pillsbury Poppin' Fresh, the Pillsbury Doughboy 1965–present voiced first by Paul Frees, currently by JoBe Cerny
Pine-Sol cleaning detergent The Pine Sol Lady   played by Diane Amos
Planters peanuts and snacks Mr. Peanut 1916–present  
Popsicle ice pops Popsicle Pete 1940s–1995  
Post Cereals' Honeycomb cereal The Crazy Craving debuted 1990s  
Post Cereals' Golden Crisp cereal Sugar Bear   voiced by Sterling Holloway, Gerry Matthews
Power Companies - various Reddy Kilowatt Reddy Kilowatt is a cartoon character that acted as corporate spokesman for electricity generation in the United States for some six decades.  
Progressive auto insurance Flo   Actress Stephanie Courtney
Qantas Airlines Qantas koala debuted 1967 voiced by Howard Morris
Quaker Oats the Quaker Oats man 1877–present  
Quaker Quake cereal Quake 1965–1970s created by Jay Ward Productions, voiced by William Conrad
Quaker Quisp cereal Quisp 1965–1970s voiced by Daws Butler
Quizno's restaurants Spongmonkey 2003–2004 characters originated on an internet blog
Quizno's restaurants Baby Bob 2005–present The Baby Bob character originated on an internet blog, and had a short-lived CBS show; currently voiced by Ken Hudson Campbell
Raid insecticides Raid bugs 1956–present  
RCA Nipper the curious dog 1900-present  
RCA Chipper debuted 1991 a puppy version of Nipper
Real California Cheese Happy Cows debuted 1990s product website  
Red White & Blue Beer Harmon R. Whittle 1980s  
Robert Hall clothing stores Robert Hall birds 1950s  
Savarin coffee El Exigente 1960s–1970s played by Carlos Montalbán
Schlitz Malt Liquor Schlitz Malt Liquor bull    
ScotTowels paper towels Aunt Bluebelle 1970s voiced by Mae Questel
Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner Scrubbing Bubbles   originally voiced by Paul Winchell
Serta mattresses Serta Counting Sheep   animated by Aardman Animations
7UP soda Freshup Freddie 1950s  
7UP soda The UnDeer Early 1970s Christmas mascot - 7UP issued a promotional hand puppet of the character; voiced by Paul Frees
7UP soda Cool Spot 1987–1995  
Six Flags theme parks Mr. Six 2004–2005, 2009–present  
Snuggle fabric softener Snuggle Bear   designed by Kermit Love, voiced by Corinne Orr
Sony Randy the Transistor Radio 1963 Used for a promotional booklet
Sprite soda Miles Thirst 2004-present  
Star-Kist tuna Charlie the Tuna debuted 1961 voiced by Herschel Bernardi
Starbucks coffee the Starbucks melusine    
Subway restaurants The Subway Shadow 2000 a hand shadow voiced by Gilbert Gottfried
Sun-Maid raisins The Sun-Maid Raisin Girl    
Taco Bell restaurants the Taco Bell chihuahua 1997–2000 voiced by Carlos Alazraqui; portrayed by a chihuahua named Gidget
Taco John's restaurants Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey 2004–present A Capuchin monkey wearing a sombrero and poncho
Target stores Spot the dog    
Taster's Choice coffee Taster's Choice couple debuted 1987 in Britain, 1990 in U.S. played by Anthony Stewart Head and Sharon Maughan
Toilet Duck toilet cleaner Toilet Duck mid-1990s An animatronic, helmet wearing duck head sticking out of a small tank. Typically strolls into the bathroom saying "Quack, quaaack!"
Tootsie Roll Pops Mr. Owl 1970–present voiced by Paul Winchell
Tootsie Rolls Captain Tootsie    
Toys "R" Us stores Geoffrey the giraffe 1960s–present Animatronic Geoffrey voiced by Jim Hanks
Travelocity the roaming garden gnome debuted 2003  
TriStar Pictures the TriStar Pegasus 1984–present  
Trix cereal Trix rabbit 1959–present Originally voiced by Mort Marshall; lately has been done by Russell Horton
Trojan condoms Trojan Man    
Twinkies snacks Twinkie the Kid    
Ty-D-Bowl toilet cleaners the Ty-D-Bowl Man   Played by Mark Matheisen, Fred Miltonberg, Larry Sprinkle
Uncle Ben's rice Uncle Ben 1946–present Purportedly named after a Texas rice grower
United States Forest Service Smokey Bear 1944–present found clinging to a charred tree limb as a cub following a forest fire
United States Forest Service Woodsy Owl 1970–present voiced by Frank Welker
United States Post Office Department/United States Postal Service Mr. ZIP 1960s–1970s  
Verizon Wireless the Verizon Wireless Test Man 2004–present played by Paul Marcarelli; famous for the quote "Can you hear me now? Good."
Vlasic pickles the Vlasic stork debuted 1970's  
Volkswagen GTI Miss Helga debuted 2006  
Wal-Mart stores Mr. Rollback 1988–2008  
Wendy's restaurants Founder Dave Thomas' daughter Wendy 1969–present  
Wendy's restaurants Mr. Wendy 2004 played by Roger Eschbacher
Western Airlines Wally the bird debuted 1955  
Willy Wonka candy Willy Wonka (animated version) 1972–present Based on Gene Wilder's portrayal and Quentin Blake's illustrations.
Xerox copiers Brother Dominick debuted 1975 played by Jack Eagle
various advertisers Ernest P. Worrell debuted 1980s played by Jim Varney

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_advertising_characters"