13 Ads from the Past That Featured Unexpected Celebrities
This list shows 13 old ads where famous people appeared in ways many did not expect.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some celebrities have appeared in ads that may surprise you. This list shows 13 ads where famous actors, singers, and athletes promoted products you might not connect them with. You will see different brands and products that made these ads unusual. Each one shows how companies used unexpected stars to get attention.
1. Rita Hayworth for Chesterfield Cigarettes
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Rita Hayworth was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood during the 1940s. Many were surprised when she appeared in ads for Chesterfield cigarettes, smiling next to a pack. Seeing such a glamorous actress promoting cigarettes shows how different advertising was back then.
2. Bing Crosby’s Chesterfield Debut
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Bing Crosby was known for his smooth singing voice and classic Christmas songs. It felt strange when people saw him holding a cigarette pack in Chesterfield ads. Even though his fans loved his music, cigarette ads were very common for celebrities during that time.
3. Sean Connery Promoting Jim Beam
Unknown author – Comet Photo AG (Zürich) on Wikimedia Commons
Before he became famous as James Bond, Sean Connery appeared in ads for Jim Beam bourbon. In the ad, he looked cool and confident while holding a glass of whiskey. It was a surprising moment where fans saw him selling liquor instead of fighting villains.
4. Orson Welles for Paul Masson
Carl Van Vechten on Wikimedia Commons
Orson Welles was known for directing and starring in serious films. Later, he surprised many by appearing in ads for Paul Masson wine. His strong voice and dramatic style made even a simple wine commercial feel like a movie scene.
5. Woody Allen & Smirnoff
Jerry Kupcinet - photographer on Wikimedia Commons
Woody Allen was famous for his awkward humor and funny movies. That is why it was unexpected to see him in ads for Smirnoff vodka. His shy and nervous personality made the ad both strange and funny at the same time.
6. George Clooney for Lancelot Whiskey
Nicolas Genin on Wikimedia Commons
Before becoming a big movie star, George Clooney did some ads overseas. In one, he held a glass of Lancelot whiskey and smiled for the camera. Seeing him in a drink commercial before his Hollywood fame feels surprising today.
7. Jamie Lee Curtis & Activia
Josh Hallett at https://www.flickr.com/photos/hyku/ → https://www.flickr.com/photos/hyku/4700190029/ on Wikimedia Commons
Jamie Lee Curtis is known for her movies, but later she appeared in ads for Activia yogurt. She talked about how the yogurt helps with digestion and health. Fans were not used to seeing a famous actress in a commercial about gut health.
8. Justin Bieber for OPI Nails
Lou Stejskal on Wikimedia Commons
Justin Bieber surprised everyone when he teamed up with OPI to promote a nail polish line. Many of his young fans loved it and wanted the colorful shades. Seeing a teenage pop star connected to nail polish made the ad stand out.
9. Kim Kardashian & Charmin
Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia Commons
Kim Kardashian is known for luxury and fashion, but she once helped promote Charmin toilet paper. She even appeared at a pop-up event in Times Square. Seeing her talk about toilet paper instead of beauty or fashion made many people smile.
10. Britney Spears for Candie’s
marcen27 from Glasgow, UK on Wikimedia Commons
Britney Spears worked with Candie’s to promote clothes and shoes at Kohl’s stores. The ad showed her wearing casual outfits that her young fans could easily buy. It mixed her superstar image with products made for everyday shoppers.
11. Olsen Twins for Aquafresh
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were teen idols who even promoted toothpaste. In Aquafresh ads, they smiled and held colorful toothpaste tubes made for kids. It was fun to see famous young stars making brushing teeth look cool.
12. Michael Jordan & Nike Air Jordans
Steve Lipofsky Basketballphoto.com on Wikimedia Commons
Michael Jordan and Nike changed the world of sneakers forever. His Air Jordan shoes became a huge success and made him even more famous. This partnership showed how powerful celebrity ads can be in sports and fashion.
13. Tiger Woods’ Nike Campaign
PaddyBriggs at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
Tiger Woods helped Nike sell millions of golf products when he became their star. His strong image helped grow the brand’s golf line. However, when his personal problems became public, sales declined, highlighting the significant dependence of celebrity ads on a star’s image.