Actors Who Made Big Bucks By Appearing In Commercials And Ads
Actors don't need to be in big blockbuster films or successful TV shows to make a nice chunk of change. Just ask Carly Foulkes, aka the T-Mobile Girl. All it takes is one solid character in a commercial, and actors can pretty much call it a day!
At least, these actors can, since their net worths climbed to incredible heights from working on commercials and advertisements.
Laurel Coppock As Toyota Jan: $1 Million
In 2012, Laurel Coppock landed the role of Toyota Jan, beating out 500 other actresses to be the car manufacturer's new mascot. Even when she became pregnant, Toyota incorporated it into the commercials, not wanting to let go of their leading lady.
While she is well-known for playing Jan, Coppock has also appeared on popular comedic series, such as Arrested Development, The Office, and Modern Family. Her TV and commercial work has left Coppock with a fantastic net worth of $1 million as of 2020.
Tim Leigh Williams For Trivago: $5 Million
The attractive middle-aged Tim Leigh Williams was a man people listened to in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He'd let viewers in on the secrets of Trivago, a hotel website that always seemed to have the best deals.
At least, that's what the wave of web pages that whooshed past Williams during the commercial suggested. The commercial was his biggest gig, although he did appear in a few films throughout his career. But it was Trivago that helped him amass a $5 million net worth.
Morgan Smith-Goodwin As Red from Wendy's: $3 Million
Morgan Smith-Goodwin gained national attention when she appeared on commercials for the fast-food chain Wendy's in their "Now That's Better" campaign. From 2012-2016, Smith-Goodwin appeared as a spunky redhead, aptly named Red, drinking her fountain sodas and making Wendy's French fries look very appetizing.
While the actress has worked on other television projects, including Veep and Whitney and Britni, Wendy's was a huge factor in her net worth, which is around $3 million, as of 2021.
J.K. Simmons As Professor Nathaniel Burke: $20 Million
Yes, actor J.K. Simmons has been in multiple big-time movies, including Spider-Man, Whiplash, and even LaLa Land. But some people might remember him as Professor Nathaniel Burke at the fictional "Farmers University" for the Farmers Insurance Group commercials.
With a distinctly powerful and booming voice, it's difficult for people to not listen to Simmons on the commercial, something the company was probably going for. His appearance in the ads has help Simmons reach a net worth of $20 million.
Dean Winters As "Mayhem:" $5 Million
Arguably one of the best-known commercial characters is "Mr. Mayhem" from Allstate, the guy who, in every instance, is a hazard. He lets people know that Allstate Insurance is the way to go, especially if viewers want to be "saved" from things like young girls texting and driving.
Aside from his many commercial appearances with Allstate, Winters is also well-known for his role in Oz. As of 2021, his net worth is $5 million.
Maria Bamford As The Target Lady: $300k
During the 2009-2010 holiday season, comedian Maria Bamford showed her comedic chops as an overeager shopper at Target. In the commercials, Bamford's role was to be the first in line, no matter what.
And while the commercial was big-time, Bamford didn't really break into the industry until her voice acting took off. She's worked on some hit animated series, such as Catdog, Bojack Horseman, and SpongeBob SquarePants. As of 2021, her net worth is $300,000.
Colin Ferguson As The Maytag Man: $8 Million
In 2014, Colin Ferguson landed the role as the new "Maytag Man," aka "Generation Five" or the infamous Maytag Repairman. But Ferguson's role as the repairman is different than his predecessors.
He doesn't play a repairman waiting around the shop for an appliance to break. Instead, he is the appliance! He's played the role for a few years and is, as of 2021, still killing the appliance "character." So much so that his net worth is now $8 million.
Carly Foulkes As The T-Mobile Girl: $3 Million
From 2010 to 2013, Carly Foulkes was the white and pink summer dress-wearing T-Mobile girl, showing up in commercials and advertisement campaigns for T-Mobile myTouch 4G. Then, the company switched it up, ditching the dress and cladding Foulkes in leather biker attire, complete with a motorcycle.
Not bad for a girl who took over from Catherine Zeta-Jones! With the commercial work and some modeling under her belt, Foulkes has a combined net worth of $3 million.
Dennis Haysbert As The Allstate Guy: $20 Million
In 2003, people were introduced to the deep and trustworthy-sounding voice of Dennis Haysbert, the spokesman for Allstate Auto Insurance. Known for the tagline, "That's Allstate’s stand. Are you in good hands?" Haysbert hasn't made any moves to leave the character behind, even though he works on other projects.
Some of his more well-known appearances include the Major League film trilogy, Absolute Power, and 24. As of 2021, the actor's net worth is a solid $20 million.
Wendy Kaufman As The Snapple Lady: $500k
Wendy Kaufman is best known for her role in the first-ever Snapple commercials. In them, Kaufman would peer over a reception counter and answer Snapple fan mail in her thick New York accent.
The commercial series was a hit, and people loved her character. In fact, her commercial series is wildly considered the reason why Snapple sales shot through the roof between 1994 and 1995. Her work on the commercials earned Kaufman a net worth of $500,000.
Jake Wood As The Voice Of The Geico Gecko: $3 Million
Arguably one of the most recognizable commercial voices is Jake Wood, aka the green GEICO Gecko. In the British actor's rendition of the Gecko, he's not walking around streets trying to get people to purchase auto insurance.
Rather, he's a representative of the company, sitting around a conference table with the hot shots of GEICO. Wood voiced the insurance mascot until 2015. This not-so-small gig was a nice addition to his net worth, which is around $3 million.
Beck Bennett For AT&T: $4 Million
One of AT&T's commercial campaigns, "It's Not Complicated," featured Beck Bennett sitting around a small table with young kids, interviewing them with questions the kids uncomplicate. It's cute, fun, and probably made more than one viewer switch providers.
Most recently, Bennett portrayed Deacon Logan in Bill & Ted Face The Music and the voice of Luc in one episode of the HBO Max series Close Enough. As of 2021, his net worth is $4 million.
Catherine Zeta-Jones As The OG T-Mobile Girl: $10m/Year
The year 2002 was a big one for Catherine Zeta-Jones. Not only was she named the global ambassador for the cosmetic line Elizabeth Arden, but she was offered the chance to be the spokesperson for T-Mobile. She took the offer.
The offer was huge, too. Her contract with T-Mobile would make her the highest-paid celebrity endorser, earning an estimated $10 million per year. And that was solely for the phone company!
Valerie Bertinelli For Jenny Craig: $20 Million
Since the '70s, Valerie Bertinelli has been a staple of American television, first appearing on the sitcom One Day at a Time. Most recently, though, her weight-loss journey's been followed over a series of commercials by the dietary food company and weight-loss program Jenny Craig.
Since the late 2000s, Bertinelli's been a staple of Jenny Craig's commercials and advertisements, showcasing her amazing body transformation. As of 2021, Bertinelli's work has amounted to a net worth of $20 million.
Angela Sarafyan As Cingular's "Umbrella Girl:" $6 Million
Before her big break as one of the main cast members in the hit series Westworld, actress Angela Sarafyan was known as something totally different. She was known as the "umbrella girl" in commercials for Cingular Wireless.
While she wasn't making millions at the time, Sarafyan did make a solid salary of $75,000 for her work. Now that she has broken into Hollywood, though, her net worth has definitely increased. As of 2021, she's worth $6 million and no longer has to sulk under an umbrella!
Vanessa Lynn Branch For Orbit Gum: $500k
If there is one thing Vanessa Lynn Branch is known for, it has to be the Orbit Gum slogan that she said during commercials after quirky stunts and while flashing her perfectly white smile: "Fabulous! For a good, clean feeling. No matter what!"
She's also appeared in numerous films and television series, including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Lost, and Criminal Minds. All of her work has amassed her a net worth of around $500,000.
T. J. Jagodowski From Sonic Drive-In: $600k
Comedian and improv extraordinaire, T. J. Jagodowski is wildly recognizable for his work on Sonic Drive-In commercials. In particular, the long-running feature him alongside fellow comedian Peter Grosz.
A fun fact about those commercials is that they're mostly improv, with the two actors working with what they have -- each other and a whole lot of food and tasty drinks from Sonic. His work on the Sonic Drive-In commercials has brought the comedian's net worth up to $600,000.
Vince Shlomi As The ShamWow Guy: $2 Million
Comedian, actor, director, and infomercial pitchman, Vince Shlomi is known for pitching the unusual product ShamWow, a weirdly absorbent towel. Of course, only those who are up at strange hours of the night have most likely seen this eccentric individual.
He's also pitched the kitchen utensil "Slap Chop," the liquid cleaner "InVinceable," a lint roller called "Schticky," and the "Crank Chop," another kitchen-type utensil. Thankfully, the strange product pitching was not in vain, with him amassing a net worth of $2 million.
Milana Vayntrub As Lily For AT&T: $3 Million
Milana Vayntrub got her big commercial break in 2013 when she landed the role of Lily Adams for AT&T, the bubbly sales girl who wants nothing more than to help people find the right phone plan.
While the commercial job is huge, Vayntrub has also appeared in hit series such as This Is Us, Marvel Rising, and Other Space. All of her work, particularly that with AT&T, has brought her net worth up to $3 million.
Stephanie Courtney As Flo From Progressive: $6 Million
The year 2008 changed the insurance company Progressive forever, with the introduction of their mascot, Flo. Played by Stephanie Courtney, the character of Flo is loud, knowledgable, and wants nothing more than to talk bundles with prospective buyers.
While Courtney has been in various shows throughout her acting career, her success and fame stem from Flo. The character has even made her a millionaire. As of 2021, Courtney's net worth is an astounding $6 million.
Gillian Vigman As "Jack's Wife:" $500k
Comedian Gillian Vigman has appeared in numerous commercials throughout her career, including Swiffer, Chase banking, United Airlines, Hanes, Splenda, Rooms to Go, DirectTV, and even California Milk. But, arguably, the commercial series she's best known for is Jack in the Box and her role as "Jack's Wife."
The various commercial work has done wonders for Vigman's net worth, bringing it up to a solid $500,000 as of 2021. Hey, someone had to love the snowman-scarecrow Jack-thing.
Katherine Crown As A DriveTime Girl: $1 Million
In 2013, Katherine Crown became one-half of the DriveTime Girls, an eccentric credit duo that would "recuse" potential buyers who've been rejected from auto dealers. The campaign lasted for a solid year, with Crown appearing in each commercial.
Her bubbly and fun personality has also made its way into voice acting. Crown's voiced Tulip in Storks, Melanie Baker in Clarence, and Izzy in Total Drama. As of 2021, Crown has a nice net worth of $1 million.
Melanie Paxson For Red Robin: $600k
Actress Melanie Paxson is one of those people who've been in multiple commercials. She's appeared in some for State Farm Insurance, Glad Trash Bags, and even Fiber One. But one of her bigger jobs came from a Red Robin's burger commercial.
Not a bad gig, especially for people who enjoy sitting around munching on onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and French fries. Due to all of her commercial work, Paxson's net worth is around $600,000.
Peter Grosz As A Sonic Guy: $1.5 Million
Peter Grosz is one part of the comedy duo in the Sonic Drive-In commercials. Pretty much all improv, Grosz shows off his comedic chops alongside his co-star T. J. Jagodowski as they sit in a car in a Sonic parking lot, marveling over the delicious treats they've just ordered.
Most recently, Grosz has been a reoccurring panelist and guest host on the NPR show Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me. He's amassed a net worth of $1.5 million.
Patrick Warburton For National Car Rental: $20 Million
Patrick Warburton has a very distinct voice, deep, slow, and controlled. It actually might be why National Car Rental chose him as their "control enthusiast" in commercials! While the commercial is well-known, Warburton is arguably more recognized for his voice work.
The actor has voiced many popular characters, including Kronk from The Emperor's New Groove, Joe Swanson in Family Guy, and Brock Samson in Venture Bros. With all of his television and film work, Warburton's net worth is $20 million.
Angelina Jolie Made $10 Million For Louis Vuitton Ads
To most people, Angelina Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress who's been in more than one big motion picture while getting a lot of tabloid coverage on the side. While that's all true, she's also worked on Louis Vuitton advertisements on the side.
But being a big star has its perks, and Jolie was able to make a solid chunk of cash working for the high-end fashion house. Ten million, to be exact. And that's just working on the ads!
Diane Amos As The Pine-Sol Lady: $250,000
Diane Amos has been a spokesperson for Pine-Sol cleaning supplies since 1993. Known for her catch-phrase, "That's the cleaning power of Pine-Sol, baby," Amos is a breath of fresh air each time she starts talking about the product.
But her cheerful demeanor might have something to do with the fact that she's so comfortable in front of people, working as a stand-up comedian when she's not endorsing Pine-Sol. The commercials have brought her a solid net worth of $250,000.
Nicole Randall Johnson As A DriveTime Girl: $700k
In 2013, Nicole Randall Johnson was hired to be one-half of the dynamic duo known as the DriveTime Girls, quirky credit ladies who saved prospective buyers from being rejected by auto dealers.
She's also known for her comedic commercial work with the soda Sierra Mist and for her celebrity impersonations on MadTV, such as Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy, and even Chris Rock. Johnson's stellar career has given her a solid net worth of $700,000.
Beyonce's Partnership With Pepsi: $50 Million
Pepsi was pretty smart when they decided to grab the Queen B herself for promotional commercials. Ever since she was just breaking into the industry with Destiny's Child, Beyoncé has been one of the faces for the soda brand, whether in magazine spreads or commercials.
Even though the singer probably doesn't need more dollar signs in her bank account, no one can fault her for making quite the deal with Pepsi. And when we say that, we mean a $50 million contract!
Demetri Goritsas As The Slim Jim Guy: $100k
Television viewers might remember Demetri Goritsas from the late 1990s when he portrayed the strange character of Slim Jim Man for the Slim Jim beef jerky snacks. Thankfully, he moved on from wearing a beef jerky costume.
Goritsas has appeared in major films such as X-Men: First Class, Saving Private Ryan, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, and even Darkest Hour. With all of his onscreen work, the actor has amassed a solid net worth of $100,000.