Star power: the cult of celebrity in TV advertising – part 2.

In our last blog, we discussed the effectiveness of using celebrities and star power in TV advertising, exploring how brands utilise these recognisable names and faces across multiple adverts to create their own cinematic universes that audiences can buy into. In this blog, we’re going to look at six of the best examples of using celebrities in TV adverts and why the celebs in question are a good fit for their respective brand partners.

Star names don’t get much bigger than George Clooney and his appearance in those famous Nespresso TV adverts is a brilliant example of celebrity endorsement. His suave and sophisticated persona aligns perfectly with Nespresso’s luxury brand image, enhancing its appeal to consumers seeking premium coffee experiences. Clooney’s international fame and charm captivate a global audience, creating memorable and engaging commercials. His involvement also adds credibility and prestige to the brand, reinforcing the idea that Nespresso is a top choice for discerning coffee drinkers who appreciate elegance and quality.

Terry Crews’ presence in the classic Old Spice TV adverts is so effective due to his dynamic energy and comedic talent, perfectly aligning with the brand’s bold and humorous image. His over-the-top personality captures viewers’ attention, making the commercials memorable and entertaining. Crews’ physicality and charisma emphasise Old Spice’s brand message of strength and confidence, appealing to a wide audience. By using his distinct persona, Old Spice successfully differentiates itself in a competitive market, reinforcing its identity as a fun and irreverent brand.

Probably one of the most well-known uses of celebrities in TV ads recently is Kevin Bacon’s long standing partnership with EE. Known for his versatility and charisma, Bacon effortlessly connects with audiences of all ages, making the ads engaging and relatable. His humour and likability add a touch of warmth and familiarity, enhancing brand appeal, and his “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” persona aligns perfectly with EE’s message of connectivity and network coverage. This strategic use of a well-loved celebrity helps EE stand out in a highly competitive market.

Dame Judi Dench’s appearance in multiple MoneySuperMarket TV adverts is a masterstroke of celebrity advertising. Known for her authoritative and commanding presence, she brings gravitas and credibility to the brand, instantly capturing viewers’ attention when she appears on screen. Her iconic status, and ability to blend humour with sophistication as a spoof of her Bond character M leading the MoneySuperSeven, make the ads memorable and engaging. Utilising a beloved figure like Dench also broadens the adverts’ appeal, reaching a much more diverse audience and enhancing brand recognition through her widely admired persona and cultural influence.

They might be as big a name as the others in this list, especially outside the UK, but Ant & Dec’s appearances in the mockumentary-style Bank of Antandec TV adverts for Santander are some of our favourites. As beloved TV hosts, they bring a sense of familiarity and trust to the brand, making Santander’s financial services appear more approachable and user-friendly. Their relatable and charming personalities, as well as their humorous approach and genuine chemistry, make complex financial concepts engaging and easy to understand.

Last but by no means least, it’s Warburtons and pretty much the entire Hollywood! The staple British brand’s use of huge Hollywood names like George Clooney, Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro and Samuel L. Jackson, in their TV adverts is highly effective due to these stars’ iconic status and strong screen presence. Their involvement adds humour and an element of surprise, making the commercials memorable and engaging. These celebrities bring a cinematic feel to the adverts, elevating the brand’s profile and aligning Warburtons with quality and tradition. This strategy appeals to a broad audience by combining beloved personalities with relatable, everyday products.

We’re sure you can think of plenty more great examples of brands using celebrities in their TV adverts so we’d love to hear some of your favourites. And if you’d like to get your brand on TV with a famous face (or not), get in touch to find out more about our TV advertising services.