14 Stars from Commercials – Who Are They Really?

7. Isaiah Mustafa – Old Spice Guy

Everybody knows the hot Old Spice Guy, who starred in a memorable campaign that kind of mocked the idea of a manly man. He was a little over the top with his smouldering sex appeal and shirtless swagger, taunting audiences with the tagline “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like.” The popular commercials even lead to a testosterone-fueled challenge between Mustafa and Fabio (the Old Spice guy cleaned up, of course). After a stint as a football player and a few minor acting parts, the Old Spice role propelled Mustafa into the spotlight in 2010, a campaign he still works on today.

8. Vanessa Branch – Orbit Gum Girl

Blonde spokesmodel Vanessa Branch extolled the virtues of “fabulous” Orbit gum from 2006 to 2010, playing a charming British lass who cleans up dirty mouths with refreshing wads of chewing gum. Apparently, one of the perks of the gig included a lifetime supply of gum. She’s American but was born in England, so she can fake that posh proper accent they were looking for. She’s appeared on countless infomercials and has 30 film credits to her name, including a wench role in Pirates of the Caribbean. She also scored some roles on TV’s Lost and Gilmore Girls. She speaks fluent Chinese and has appeared in several Chinese movies, too.

9. Stephanie Courtney- Progressive Insurance’s Flo

Love or loathe the perky Progressive lady, you have to admit, she gets under your skin to the point of being unforgettable – and that’s the point of advertising. Since 2007, comedienne Stephanie Courtney has played the iconic Flo, Progressive’s answer to the GEICO gecko, appearing in over 100 commercials for the insurance company (some plot lines quirkier than others). The overly-enthusiastic character has taken on a life of its own, and Flo has quite the active fan base on social media. Despite her popularity, Courtney says she rarely gets recognized on the street without the thick retro makeup, blue headband and crisp white apron. You may also recognize her as Marge on Man Men and a few other bit roles on TV.