10 Commercials That Sparked Legendary Careers
Commercials often hide incredible stories behind their catchy jingles and clever scripts. Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars began by selling bubble gum, chips, or even cheese, captivating audiences with raw charisma. These brief ad appearances were the sparks that ignited legendary careers.
Brad Pitt Crunched His Way to Stardom
Not many actors can make munching on chips unforgettable, but Brad Pitt did just that with Pringles. In 1989, a commercial featured Pitt effortlessly stealing the spotlight, even in a crowd. Who would have thought a simple chip campaign could open the door to superstardom?
Ben Affleck Delivered More Than Fast Food
Picture this: Ben Affleck as a bright-eyed delivery boy in a 1984 Burger King ad. With a few witty lines and a dash of charm, he made burgers seem like gourmet meals. That drive-through moment? It became the drive toward his award-winning career.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Added Pop to Pop-Tarts
Who knew frosted pastries could lead to blockbuster fame? Joseph Gordon-Levitt brought quirky energy to a 1991 Pop-Tarts ad. The boy-next-door appeal he showed here later evolved into the complex characters we’ve come to love. It was a pretty sweet debut.
Leonardo DiCaprio Sold Bubble Yum with a Smile
Imagine being captivated by a child’s charm in a gum ad—because that’s what Leonardo DiCaprio achieved in 1988. This commercial appeared to turn bubble-blowing into art. The charisma that melted hearts here foreshadowed his meteoric Hollywood rise.
Kirsten Dunst Rolled Trouble into Triumph
Board games aren’t usually star-makers, but Kirsten Dunst flipped that script. Her playful charm in a 1989 Trouble ad stood out, even with the chaos of dice and laughter. That bubbly personality went on to win over audiences in everything from “Jumanji” to “Spider-Man.”
Seth Green Cashed In with Rally’s Catchphrase
“Cha-Ching!” became a cultural buzzword in 1991 thanks to Seth Green’s hilarious turn in Rally’s commercials. His knack for combining sass with humor was hard to ignore. Long before he ruled TV, this fast-food gig made him a star among teenagers everywhere.
Bryan Cranston Took Preparation H to the Next Level
You wouldn’t expect hemorrhoid cream ads to launch a career, but Bryan Cranston defied expectations. In the early ’90s, he brought unexpected deadpan humor and professionalism to the role. This offbeat start eventually gave us Walter White—a genius pivot no one saw coming.
Steve Carell Served Laughs with Chicken
Steve Carell’s comedy genius shone even in a Brown’s Chicken ad. His deadpan delivery turned a typical fast-food spot into an instant classic. It wasn’t just chicken he was serving—it was also the first dose of awkward comedy he went on to become the king of.
Paul Rudd Played It Cool for Super Nintendo
Gamers got their first glimpse of Paul Rudd’s boyish charm in a 1991 Super Nintendo commercial. Battling through pixelated worlds, Rudd radiated relatability. That approachable energy paved the way for his future as one of Hollywood’s most lovable leading men.
Elijah Wood Cheesed It Up with Style
Elijah Wood’s early ’90s cheese ad made dairy unforgettable. Bright-eyed and full of enthusiasm, he turned a simple snack into a showstopper. This cheesy start evolved into an epic adventure when he carried the One Ring across Middle-earth in “The Lord of the Rings.”
