The 20 most memorable characters from commercials

For those of a certain age who watched television during the 1970s and into the '80s, especially Chicago Cubs baseball on WGN, Murph was a staple. Played by underrated character actor Richard X. Slattery, Murph owned and operated a Union 76 gas station. He was always helpful, a problem solver to his customers, generous and supportive of co-workers, and an all-around nice guy who made us want to run out to the local full-service gas station nearby.

The current pitchmen for Liberty Mutual Insurance, Doug (David Hoffman) and his CGI pal LiMu Emu, are trying to give customers the best deals on their coverage and policies. Doing so via a buddy-cop vibe where LiMu might actually be the more mature of the two. It's a creative approach to the insurance advertising, which, as we'll see, is filled with memorable characters. For better or worse. 

Pepperidge Farm makes some tasty cookies, English muffins, bread, and other baked goods, and also had a memorable pitchman back in the day. From 1956-'77, veteran actor Parker Fennelly hocked these unique cookies and delivered the phrase "Cause Pepperidge Farm remembers." In 1979, Charles C. Welch took over the character, which was as wholesome as they got.

Television fans might not remember that actor Kevin Miles is not the first to portray the always helpful "Jake from State Farm" Insurance personality. He actually took over the gig in 2020, after Jake Stone originated the role beginning 2011. Since then, Jake has teamed with the likes of Caitlin Clark and Chris Paul to spread the word for one's insurance needs and has blossomed into a celebrity himself.

The great Nancy Walker was already an established actress when she took on the character of Rosie in those famed Bounty paper towel commercials from the 1970s and into the '80s. The popular and wisecracking diner waitress always made sure her customers knew their spills could be cleaned up with Bounty, "the quicker picker-upper." She did comparisons with other brands right there on the counter. 

Fans of the 1990s NBA should remember "Grandmama," the high-flying, slam-dunking, elbow-throwing, elderly hooper who beat Charlotte Hornets star Larry Johnson in a one-on-one game. The commercial for Converse shoes was a hit, and "Grandmama" (played by Johnson) also appeared in an episode of the popular prime-time sitcom Family Matters.

For more than two decades beginning in the mid-1960s, grocery store manager Mr. Whipple reminded customers to please "don't squeeze the Charmin," the "squeezably soft" toilet paper. Yes, people wanted to know just how soft Charmin was, but we had to take word of Mr. Whipple, who was played by the established actor Dick Wilson. According to The New York Times, Wilson appeared as Mr. Whipple in more than 500 commercial spots for Charmin.

From 2008-'16, actor Jonathan Goldsmith portrayed "The Most Interesting Man in the World. Now, the suave, debonair, white-bearded sophisticant, who was usually surrounded by beautiful women and various scenarios (often far-fetched), didn't always drink beer, but when he did, he drank Dos Equis. The commercial spots were an immediate hit and led to several popular internet memes of the likeness and playing off said ads. 

Often, commercials are a way for an actor or comedian to truly get their foot in the show business door. That's been the case for Milana Vayntrub, the Russian-American actress who gained prominence as Lily, the AT&T store salesperson who humorously helped customers with their phone or internet needs. Sure, it was natural for viewers to get tired of seeing Lily on screen, especially during AT&T-associated events, like the men's basketball NCAA Tournament, but it's allowed Vayntrub some consistent success.

Actor Dean Winters has enjoyed success with roles on Oz, 30 Rock and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. However, it's many a TV viewer who's him best for attracting "mayhem" in those Allstate Insurance commercials. When Mayhem is around, anything and everything terrible can happen. He certainly takes a physical beating, but Allstate is there to help. Honestly, we can't get enough of these spots.

Similar to the success Milana Vayntrub has enjoyed as Lily, actress Stephanie Courtney has made a nice living playing Flo, the outgoing, overly exuberant and eccentrically helpful salesperson for Progressive Insurance. Since 2008, Flo has been featured prominently on television, and as her popularity increased, so did the complexity of her storylines within the commercials. We even got to meet her family and have long seen her interact with Progressive co-workers. 

First, you won't find the GEICO caveman on this list. There's only one standout pitch person when it comes to selling the company's insurance -- and it's the Gecko. The British-speaking, scholarly gecko is fascinating and informative, and adds a hint of creativity to the many insurance ads out there. British actor Jake Wood has been the longtime voice of the Gecko, but former Cheers and Frasier star Kelsey Grammer has also lent his voice to the character.

Not only was Harland Sanders the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (he began selling chicken on the side of the road), but he often appeared in commercials for the popular chain. Now, Sanders is a real-life personality, but he's also quite the character, donning that white suit and black tie. There might not be a human figure more synonymous with a name that Colonel Sanders.

Also known as the Dunkin' Donuts store owner who chanted, "Time to make the donuts!" From 1981-'97, Fred (Michael Vale) woke up in the wee hours of the morning to make donuts fresh for customers to enjoy. Fred always seemed tired, but was dedicated, and became a celebrity in his own right. Often celebrated by the chain. The phrase "Time to make the donuts" can still be found on Dunkin' boxes today.

During the mid-1990s, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway was a star point guard for the Orlando Magic. So naturally, he made the perfect commercial pitchman. However, he was usually upstaged by his alter ego. The puppet "Lil' Penny" was a star of many a Nike commercial, voiced by comedian Chris Rock. Lil' Penny was in demand, the life of the party, and often sitting courtside with Spike Lee.

Dubbed the "Original Party Animal." Spuds was an international phenomenon as the mascot for Bud Light during the 1980s. A staple during the beer's commercials during that time, Spuds, a bull terrier, was often seen sporting sunglasses, hanging out with pretty girls, even strumming a guitar and always at the best parties. Fun fact: The real-life dog was actually a female.

Much like Spuds McKenzie, the Energizer Bunny surpassed the commercial aspect of its fame. Wearing shades, flip flops and banging a bass drum, the Bunny kept going and going. Proving that Energizer batteries were the consumers' best choice when it came to a long-lasting battery. Or, at least that's what they wanted us to think. He even went toe-to-toe with Darth Vader in one particular spot during the 1990s.

Wine coolers were all the rage in the mid-to-late 1980s, and at the top of said heap was Bartles & Jaymes, and its ample flavors for tasty, refreshing alcohol. The product was also known for its commercials, which featured the characters Frank Bartles (played by David Rufkahr) and Ed Jaymes (Dick Maugg). The two senior citizens were usually featured sitting on a house porch, offering new developments of their product. But, they were also seen lakeside, flying an airplane and at a baseball field. Bartles did all the talking, and traditionally closed the ads, in his dry tone, with the tagline "thanks for your support."

When it comes to ad-pitching non-humans, the Aflac Duck is a Hall of Famer. Introduced on New Year's Day 2000, the quirky duck does so much more than quack "AFLAC." He can bowl, work out with Nick Saban and Deion Sanders, excels at yoga and even mans the help desk when needed. If television audiences had not heard of Aflac Insurance before the duck arrived, they certainly have since. 

When it comes to iconic commercial slogans, there arguably are none greater than Wendy's "Where's the beef?" phenomenon. That's exactly what it was, transcending Wendy's to become pop culture. The original commercial debuted in January 1984, with three female senior citizens inspecting an oversized bun with a tiny hamburger patty inside. One of the women, actress Clara Peller, spouted, "Where's the beef?" The rest was history. The slogan was slapped on t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. Peller, who died in 1987, became an immediate sensation and one of the most memorable commercial figures of all time.