20 Celebrity Endorsements From The ’80s You Totally Forgot About
Ah, the glorious ’80s—when hairspray was basically a personality trait, leg warmers were high fashion, and celebrities popped up in the most unexpected places.
It wasn’t enough to see your favorite stars in blockbuster movies or on MTV; nope, they were also pitching pantyhose, microwaves, and even fried chicken with total sincerity. Back then, a celeb endorsement was pure gold, and the weirder the combo, the better!
Remember when Ricardo Montalbán made car seats sound like luxury suites? Or when Hulk Hogan told kids to eat their vitamins… and maybe some pasta, too? From Joe Namath modeling nylons to Brooke Shields casually chatting denim, these ads were bold, bizarre, and totally unforgettable.
So grab your Walkman, crank up the synth, and join me as we rewind to 20 iconic celebrity endorsements from the ’80s that might make you laugh, cringe, or say, “Wait, they sold what?!”
1. Bruce Willis for Seagram’s Wine Coolers
Who could forget Bruce Willis before he was John McClane? There he was, effortlessly cool, strumming a guitar on a sun-drenched patio, and sipping on a Seagram’s Wine Cooler. This wasn’t just any commercial; it was a vibe. Bruce, with that irresistible smirk, convinced us that a laid-back life could be bottled and poured over ice.
I remember watching these ads and thinking, “This guy could sell ice to an Eskimo!” But it was more than just the coolers. It was Bruce’s charm, the way he made us believe that breaking into a smooth melody was just another part of patio life.
Even today, I can’t sip a wine cooler without picturing Bruce’s laid-back strumming and wishing I had an ounce of his coolness. He sold us not just a drink, but a lifestyle—a cooler, more relaxed ’80s vibe.
2. O.J. Simpson for Hertz
Before the headlines, O.J. Simpson was the Hertz man, sprinting through airports faster than you could say “car rental.” Those commercials were a spectacle—watching The Juice glide through terminals in a slick suit, hurdling over luggage like it was the 100-meter dash. It was the definition of travel goals.
I remember as a kid, my dad would mimic O.J.’s moves every time we went to pick up a rental. It was hilarious, albeit a bit embarrassing, but it was the power of those ads. They made renting a car seem like the most exhilarating part of a journey.
It’s funny how something as mundane as car rentals became thrilling, all thanks to O.J.’s athletic flair. He wasn’t just selling speed; he was selling style and excitement, making every trip feel like a grand adventure.
3. Michael Jackson for Pepsi
Michael Jackson and Pepsi—a pairing as electrifying as a moonwalk across a stage. The King of Pop brought his signature dance moves to the cola world, and who could forget the infamous hair-on-fire incident during filming? It was the ad that launched a thousand gasps, but also solidified his status as a pop culture icon.
As a die-hard MJ fan, these commercials were pure magic. Watching him glide across the screen with a Pepsi in hand was like watching a music video come to life—a seamless fusion of music, dance, and fizz.
Despite the mishap, MJ’s partnership with Pepsi was legendary, setting the bar for celebrity endorsements. It wasn’t just about selling soda; it was about creating a spectacle, a moment in time that left us all in awe.
4. Cybill Shepherd for L’Eggs Pantyhose
Glamour and pantyhose—two words that defined Cybill Shepherd’s iconic L’Eggs commercials. There she was, a vision of elegance, promising comfort and confidence all wrapped up in stretchy fabric. L’Eggs didn’t just sell pantyhose; they sold a feeling, and Cybill was the perfect embodiment of that.
I remember my mom swearing by L’Eggs, citing Cybill’s grace as a standard to aspire to. Those ads were more than just marketing; they were a slice of aspirational living, offering every woman a touch of Hollywood chic.
Cybill made pantyhose a statement piece, turning a simple garment into a symbol of empowerment. She showed us that confidence and style could come in a small plastic egg, ready to transform anyone into a star.
5. Joe Namath for Hanes Pantyhose
Joe Namath in pantyhose—it was a twist no one saw coming. But there he was, Broadway Joe, flaunting Hanes’ silky smoothness with a wink and a nod. Talk about breaking stereotypes! This wasn’t just a commercial; it was a moment of comedic genius that left everyone talking.
I recall the first time I saw that ad; it was like seeing a unicorn. Joe Namath, known for his football prowess, was selling pantyhose with swagger and humor, proving that even the manliest of men could appreciate comfort and style.
Hanes turned pantyhose into a conversation starter, thanks to Joe’s audacious endorsement. It was bold, it was cheeky, and it worked, turning an everyday item into a pop culture phenomenon.
6. Brooke Shields for Calvin Klein Jeans
Brooke Shields and Calvin Klein Jeans—a match that sparked controversy and captivated an entire generation. With her famous line, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins,” Brooke turned denim into a daring statement of youthful rebellion and sensuality.
I remember my teenage peers quoting Brooke to justify wearing jeans to virtually every occasion. It wasn’t just about the denim; it was about embracing that bold, carefree spirit she embodied.
Calvin Klein’s campaign was more than just an ad; it was a cultural touchstone, with Brooke Shields at its heart, challenging norms and redefining fashion for years to come.
7. Mr. T for Snickers
Mr. T and Snickers—a combination as perfect as chocolate and caramel. With his trademark mohawk and gold chains, Mr. T brought his larger-than-life persona to the world of candy bars, declaring, “I pity the fool who’s hungry!”
As a fan of The A-Team, seeing Mr. T on my TV screen, energetically advocating for Snickers, was a treat. His tough-guy charisma made reaching for a Snickers bar feel like a power move.
These commercials were more than just ads; they were an extension of Mr. T’s indomitable spirit, making snack time feel like an adventure with a side of attitude.
8. Hulk Hogan for Right Guard Deodorant
When Hulk Hogan endorsed Right Guard Deodorant, it was as if the world of wrestling had collided with personal hygiene. With muscles bulging and a charismatic grin, Hulk made wearing deodorant look like an essential step to achieving ultimate strength.
I vividly remember mimicking Hulk’s flexing pose in front of the bathroom mirror, convinced that a swipe of Right Guard was the secret to my future wrestling career. After all, if it was good enough for the Hulkster, it was good enough for me.
These ads reminded us that confidence starts with feeling fresh, and who better to convey that message than a wrestling icon who embodied power and presence?
9. Sally Struthers for International Correspondence Schools (ICS)
Sally Struthers and late-night TV—a duo as comforting as a warm cup of cocoa. With her friendly demeanor and earnest pitch, Sally made distance learning seem like the pathway to a brighter future. “Do you want to make more money? Sure, we all do.” Her words were an invitation to dream bigger.
I recall those infomercials playing in the background while I stayed up late, pondering the possibilities of learning refrigeration repair from the comfort of my home. Sally’s sincerity made it easy to believe in the promise of self-improvement.
Her partnership with ICS was more than just promotion; it was a beacon of hope for those seeking new opportunities, making the idea of education accessible to everyone.
10. Bill Cosby for Jell-O Pudding
Before the controversies, Bill Cosby was synonymous with Jell-O, bringing a warm, fatherly charm to the realm of pudding pops and gelatin desserts. His playful, animated commercials were a staple of the ’80s, delivering laughs alongside dessert delights.
Sunday afternoons often meant gathering around the TV, eagerly awaiting Cosby’s latest Jell-O antics. His infectious humor made the simple act of enjoying a pudding cup seem like a joyous occasion.
Though his legacy has been tarnished, those Jell-O ads remain a nostalgic reminder of a time when dessert was served with a side of humor and heart.
11. Don Johnson for Diet Coke
Don Johnson and Diet Coke—a cooler than cool pairing that encapsulated the suave essence of Miami Vice. With his white blazer and signature stubble, Don didn’t just drink Diet Coke; he made it a lifestyle choice.
Every time I cracked open a can of Diet Coke, I half-expected to hear the Miami Vice theme start playing. Don’s endorsement wasn’t just about the soda; it was about embodying that effortlessly smooth ’80s cool.
These ads were as iconic as his TV show, blending style, sophistication, and refreshment in a way that only Don Johnson could.
12. Tina Turner for Hanes Hosiery
Tina Turner’s legs were legendary, and Hanes Hosiery made sure the world knew it. With their ’80s campaign, they paired her electrifying stage presence with the promise of unparalleled hosiery quality.
I remember those ads vividly—Tina strutting her stuff, exuding vitality and confidence, her legs shimmering in Hanes’ finest. It wasn’t just hosiery; it was a rock-and-roll lifestyle accessory.
Hanes Hosiery, with Tina leading the charge, turned legwear into a statement of power and femininity, all wrapped up in a catchy tune and captivating performance.
13. Fabio for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
Fabio and butter—who could resist such a smooth combination? In the late ’80s, Fabio became the face of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, bringing his signature romance-novel allure to the world of spreads.
I still chuckle at the image of Fabio cradling a slice of toast, whispering about buttery goodness as if it were the most romantic thing in the world. His charm transformed breakfast into a scene from a love story.
These ads weren’t just about butter alternatives; they were about turning mundane moments into opportunities for passion, with Fabio as the ultimate spokesperson for indulgence.
14. Whoopi Goldberg for Slim-Fast
Whoopi Goldberg brought sass and authenticity to Slim-Fast, transforming diet shakes into a fun, relatable experience. Her commercials were a breath of fresh air, blending humor with a no-nonsense attitude.
Watching Whoopi, you felt like you were getting advice from a friend, not just a celebrity. Her wit made the idea of meal replacement approachable, almost enjoyable, as she poked fun at dieting clichés.
These ads were more than just weight loss pitches; they were a celebration of individuality and confidence, with Whoopi leading the charge with her unique flair.
15. George Foreman for Meineke Mufflers
Before the grills, George Foreman was a boxing legend who lent his name to Meineke Mufflers, bringing his heavyweight charm to car maintenance. His commercials were all about trust and quality, delivered with a knockout smile.
As a kid, I thought if George Foreman could vouch for mufflers, they must be indestructible. His endorsement gave Meineke a sense of reliability and strength, much like George himself.
These ads were a testament to his versatile appeal, proving that George could sell just about anything with that winning grin and affable nature.
16. Burt Reynolds for Skoal Chewing Tobacco
Burt Reynolds and Skoal Chewing Tobacco—a pairing as rugged as the Wild West. With his cowboy hat and iconic mustache, Burt brought a touch of Hollywood flair to the world of smokeless tobacco.
These ads were a staple of my youth, with Burt embodying that quintessential tough-guy persona. They were a nod to a bygone era, where men were men, and chewing tobacco was a rite of passage.
While the product’s health implications are debatable, Burt’s endorsement was all about charisma and grit, making Skoal a choice for those who fancied themselves as rebels with a cause.
17. Christie Brinkley for Prell Shampoo
In the ’80s, Christie Brinkley’s hair was the stuff of legends, and Prell Shampoo made sure we all knew it. With every flip of her luscious locks, Christie promised volume and vitality in every bottle.
I remember those commercials vividly; they were like mini-supermodel showcases, with Christie’s hair taking center stage. It wasn’t just about cleanliness; it was about achieving that signature Brinkley bounce.
Prell delivered on the promise of supermodel hair, and Christie was the perfect ambassador, transforming shampooing into a glamorous ritual.
18. Leonard Nimoy for Magnavox
When Leonard Nimoy endorsed Magnavox, it was like having Spock himself guarantee your electronics. With his calm, logical demeanor, he made home entertainment feel like a matter of science.
These ads were a masterclass in subtlety, with Nimoy’s presence adding an air of sophistication and reliability. I remember thinking, “If it’s good enough for Spock, it’s good enough for me.”
Magnavox wasn’t just selling gadgets; they were offering a slice of the future, with Nimoy as the ideal guide through the technological frontier.
19. John Houseman for Smith Barney
John Houseman and Smith Barney—a partnership of gravitas and gray hair that exuded trust and tradition. With his distinguished presence, Houseman’s line, “They make money the old-fashioned way… they earn it,” became a mantra for financial integrity.
I remember my grandfather quoting that line whenever he talked about the stock market, as if John Houseman himself had whispered it into his ear. Those ads were powerful, using Houseman’s authority to instill confidence in every investment.
Smith Barney wasn’t just about financial services; it was about preserving old-school values, with Houseman as the ultimate voice of reason and reliability.
20. Vanilla Ice for Coca-Cola
Vanilla Ice and Coca-Cola—a late ’80s collaboration as unexpected as it was memorable. Riding high on “Ice Ice Baby,” Vanilla Ice brought his unique style to the world of soda, making every sip seem like a lyrical adventure.
I still remember the buzz around those commercials; they were as much about the music as they were about the drink. Vanilla Ice’s endorsement turned Coca-Cola into a pop culture phenomenon, one can at a time.
These ads were all about the energy, capturing the essence of a generation that lived life at full volume, with Vanilla Ice leading the charge.