13 Celebrity Appearances in Old Commercials You Forgot About
Before becoming famous, many celebrities appeared in commercials that now feel like hidden treasures from the past. These ads feature stars in their early days, often barely recognizable, selling a wide range of products, from snacks to electronics. Watching these moments again offers a fun peek into their journeys.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Many celebrities had humble beginnings, and some of their first screen time came from quirky commercials. From fast food chains to household products, these early appearances are easy to forget but hard not to enjoy once seen again. This article brings back 13 celebrity commercials that often go unnoticed today. These ads reveal how far some stars have come since their early roles. Remembering these moments is a fun way to see the unexpected paths to stardom.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio – Bubble Yum
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Long before Titanic made him a global star, Leonardo DiCaprio was promoting Bubble Yum gum in the late ’80s. The commercial showed him full of energy, chewing gum and smiling with teenage charm. His talent was already visible, even in such a short appearance. It’s a sweet reminder of how far he’s come. Fans enjoy seeing him before his dramatic film career began.
2. Brad Pitt – Pringles
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Brad Pitt appeared in a Pringles ad in the late 1980s, playing a fun-loving guy on a road trip with friends. The commercial was full of sun, music, and crispy chips. He looked every bit the heartthrob even then. It’s funny to see such a big star pitching snacks. The ad feels like a time capsule from a simpler era.
3. Ben Affleck – Burger King
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Milosz Reterski. on Wikimedia
Ben Affleck once starred in a Burger King commercial where he played a young man delivering food to a girl who called the wrong number. The storyline was light and flirty, and Affleck brought a charming smile to the role. It’s surprising to see such a casual performance from a future Oscar winner. His screen presence was clear even back then. The commercial is now a cult favorite among fans.
4. Morgan Freeman – Listerine
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Before becoming the voice of wisdom in Hollywood, Morgan Freeman appeared in a Listerine commercial in the 1970s. His voice was already strong, but far less recognizable at the time. He explained the mouthwash’s benefits with calm confidence. Seeing him in this context is both strange and entertaining. It shows that even legends start small.
5. Sarah Michelle Gellar – Burger King
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As a child actress, Sarah Michelle Gellar starred in a Burger King commercial where she compared it to McDonald’s. The ad caused such a stir that she was reportedly banned from McDonald’s restaurants for a while. Her youthful energy and confidence stood out. This early role came years before she became Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It’s a bold start for a future TV icon.
6. Tina Fey – Mutual Savings Bank
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Before her “Saturday Night Live” fame, Tina Fey appeared in a local bank commercial. She played a customer learning about the bank’s services. Her delivery was clear and professional, not yet filled with the humor she became known for. The ad is plain, but knowing who she became makes it interesting. It’s a glimpse into her career before comedy took over.
7. Aaron Paul – Corn Pops
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Aaron Paul, before Breaking Bad on television, once starred in a Kellogg’s Corn Pops commercial. He played a high school kid desperate for his cereal. His wide-eyed expression and excitement were over-the-top in the best way. It’s a sharp contrast to his intense roles later in life. The ad shows his early energy and love for being in front of the camera.
8. Keanu Reeves – Coca-Cola
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Keanu Reeves once rode a bike in a Coca-Cola commercial, playing a young cyclist competing in a race. His acting was sincere, and his charm was already beginning to shine through. He supported his on-screen father in the story, creating a heartwarming moment. The ad is often forgotten, but it shows his early potential. It’s a refreshing look at the star before the action roles began.
9. Jason Alexander – McDonald’s
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Before his “Seinfeld” fame, Jason Alexander starred in a McDonald’s commercial featuring a catchy song about the McDLT. He danced and sang enthusiastically, selling the “hot stays hot, cold stays cold” burger. His performance was full of Broadway energy. It’s a hilarious contrast to his grumpy George Costanza character. The ad has become a nostalgic favorite online.
10. Demi Moore – Diet Coke
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In the 1980s, Demi Moore appeared in a Diet Coke commercial where she portrayed a stylish young woman enjoying the soft drink. Her smile and confident look captured attention even in a short clip. The ad was sleek, trendy, and clearly aimed at the fashion-forward crowd. Watching it now, you can see early signs of the movie star she would become. The simplicity of the commercial makes her stand out even more.
11. Matt LeBlanc – Heinz Ketchup
H. J. Heinz Company on Wikimedia
Before he was Joey on “Friends,” Matt LeBlanc starred in a clever Heinz ketchup ad. He played a man carefully setting up the ketchup to pour just in time as he reached the bottom of the stairs. The commercial was creative and fun, and LeBlanc’s timing was perfect. His relaxed attitude made the ad memorable. It’s a small but smart role in his early career.
12. Bryan Cranston – Preparation H
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Bryan Cranston once did a commercial for Preparation H, a far cry from his later role as Walter White. The ad was straightforward and professional. He played a concerned man describing how the product works. It’s amusing to think of such a serious actor promoting a health product. The contrast between then and now makes it unforgettable.
13. Kristen Stewart – Porsche
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Before “Twilight,” Kristen Stewart appeared in a Porsche ad as a young girl. She played a child amazed by the sleek car’s design and speed. The commercial had a dreamlike quality, showing the car through a child’s eyes. Her acting was natural, even at that age. It was an early performance that foreshadowed her future success on screen.