Advertising has always been a significant component of any business, especially for fast food chains. What better way to get the word out about the newest menu items than to employ some of the world’s most recognizable faces? Here are 15 surprising celebrities who appeared in fast food commercials.
10. Drew Barrymore: McDonald’s
At the tender age of 4, Drew Barrymore appeared in a McDonald’s commercial in 1981, long before she found fame with “E.T.” This commercial was a testament to her early start in the acting world.
9. George Clooney: Taco Bell
George Clooney’s charisma has always been undeniable, and he lent his charm to Taco Bell for a hilarious 1980s commercial, well before his breakout role on ER. His appearance in the ad proves that even future A-listers have humble beginnings.
8. Ben Affleck: Burger King
In 1989, a young Ben Affleck appeared in a Burger King commercial. Before he became Batman, and before starring in a Dunkin Donuts series of commercials, Affleck was delivering Burger King to customers’ houses and was featured in a fun phone mix-up storyline in the ad.
7. Britney Spears: McDonald’s
Britney Spears lent her youthful appeal and charm to McDonald’s in a Japanese commercial in the early 2000s. It perfectly encapsulated the era’s vibrant pop culture scene.
6. Paris Hilton: Carl’s Jr
In a sultry 2005 Carl’s Jr commercial, Paris Hilton turned heads aplenty as she chowed on their Spicy BBQ 6 Dollar Burger.
The commercial was considered risqué, and subsequently banned from playing on TV in certain areas of the south-east.
In 2014, she made another appearance in a Carl’s Jr commercial that also featured model, Hannah Ferguson making it yet another a memorable fast-food moment.
5. Jodie Foster: McDonald’s
A very young Jodie Foster appeared in a McDonald’s commercial in the early ’70s. This was one of her first acting roles before she became an acclaimed actress and director.
4. Sarah Michelle Gellar: Burger King
Long before slaying vampires in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Sarah Michelle Gellar was a child actress who made a name for herself by appearing in a Burger King commercial criticizing McDonald’s.
3. Elijah Wood: Pizza Hut
Before his journey to Middle-Earth, Elijah Wood appeared in a Pizza Hut commercial. The youthful actor won hearts with his cute appeal, which he used to promote the fast-food pizza giant.
2. Jason Alexander: McDonald’s
Before his “Seinfeld” fame, Jason Alexander appeared in a 1980s McDonald’s commercial promoting the McDLT, a unique burger that kept the hot and cold parts separate until ready to eat.
1. Backstreet Boys: Burger King
In the early 2000’s, when the Backstreet Boys were at the height of their fame, they found the time to hold the pickles and lettuce for Burger King by striking up a mega-deal that involved starring in a series of commercials for the fast food chain.
They even had their own happy meal toys designed after them.
There are countless actors, and singers that have appeared in fast food commercials over the years but these are the best and most surprising of the bunch.
We’re sure some of these people would rather sweep these commercials under the rug!
