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
13 Ads from the Past That Featured Unexpected Celebrities
Inga Seliverstova on Pexels

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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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 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 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 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.

Written by: Daisy Montero

Daisy began her career as a ghost content editor before discovering her true passion for writing. After two years, she transitioned to creating her own content, focusing on news and press releases. In her free time, Daisy enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes from her favorite cookbooks to share with friends and family.

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