10/09/2024
Remember These Iconic TV Commercials? 🎬 These advertisements turned once-unknown actors into some of the most recognizable faces in American households. Beyond familiarity, commercials can provide a financially viable way for working-class actors to earn a steady income.
1. The “Old Spice Guy,” portrayed by Isaiah Mustafa, found massive success in his viral campaigns with . The popularity of the campaign boosted his visibility in Hollywood, leading to other acting opportunities.
2. “Mayhem,” played by Dean Winters for , was speculated to make between $4K and $10K per commercial initially. His earnings likely increased due to the popularity of the campaign.
3. Vanessa Branch, portrayed the iconic spokeswoman in the “Lint Licker” ad. Commercial actors can earn anywhere from $1,000 to over $50,000 depending on the length of the campaign, the company’s advertising budget, and whether they receive residuals.
4. Stephanie Courtney, the actress behind “Flo” in commercials, has been portraying the character since 2008. She is estimated to earn around $1 million per year.
So... What Are Residuals?
Residuals are payments made to actors, writers, directors, and other creatives in the entertainment industry when their work is reused or rebroadcast after its initial release. These payments are designed to compensate for the continued use of their work, particularly in reruns, streaming, syndication, or other platforms beyond the original airing.
In 2024, , the actors’ union of Hollywood, went on strike over residual payments. In the streaming era, actors were receiving residuals as low as $20 to $30 for episodes and campaigns airing on streaming platforms. When a negotiation deal was struck, SAG-AFTRA secured a 7% increase in residuals as well as other streaming bonuses (source: Spectrum News & EW.com).
While social media and streaming platforms continue to thrive, commercials remain a key advertising form providing vital income and visibility for working class actors.
