Top Fictional & Cartoon Characters Who Starred in Commercials

Over the years, many companies have enlisted the help of fictional characters to help sell products and services. Here is a look at past and present animated and costumed television stars who have starred in television commercials.

Alf
Lovable 80s television icon was resurrected for ads for AT&T's 10-10-220 commercials, which featured a host of other 'real' people.

Bugs Bunny
Looney Tune Bugs Bunny has appeared in many a television commercial, including ads for Nike, the cereals Alpha Bits and Sugar Crisps, Kool-Aid, McDonald's, Aflac and more.

The Flintstone's
The prehistoric characters were used to push more than just One-a-Day vitamins. Originally intended for adults, the Flintstone's spoke for Busch Beer and Winston cigarettes. The Flinstone's have also served as 'spokescharacters' for Domino's Pizza and Skippy Peanut Butter. Of course, we can't forget the line of cereals named for the Pebbles' character.

Kermit the Frog
Kermit the Frog has had some longevity when it comes to promoting products on television. He has appeared in ads for Ford, BMW, Denny's, UPS and Pizza Hut.

Miss Piggy
Miss Piggy appeared with fellow Muppet 'Kermy' in commercials from Denny's, UPS and Pizza Hut, as well as in her own ads for Baked Lay's potato chips.

The Peanuts
Charlie Brown and the gang are perhaps most well-known for appearing in ads for MetLife. However, the Peanuts have appeared in many other commercials for companies like Knott's Berry Farm, Chex, Dolly Madison Bakery, Friendly's Restaurant, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association.

The Pink Panther
This former comic strip character and animated character has been known for decades as the spokespanther and mascot for Owens Corning's fiberglass insulation. The pink color no doubt also attracted Sweet'n Low to the Pink Panther, as he appeared in its ads as well.

The Road Runner
The Road Runner is another Looney Tune character that made the jump from Merry Melodies cartoons to the advertising world. The Road Runner appeared in an ad for a new Plymouth car of the same name, along with Wile E. Coyote. He also appeared in ads for other GM cars, Honey Nut Cheerios and more.

The Simpsons
Bart Simpsons' "Let go of my Butterfinger!" is probably the most memorable ad starring Homer and Bart Simpson. The Simpsons have also appeared in commercials for MasterCard and Burger King.

Wile E. Coyote
The Road Runner's archenemy as appeared in many commercials, past and present. He first appeared in an ad for the Plymouth Road Runner. Wile E. Coyote also appeared in ads for Aflac, General Motors, Pepsi, Honey Nut Cheerios, Energizer and McDonald's.

Companies like McDonald's and Burger King have used fictional characters to push products-especially kids meals. Hot movies or television shows at the time often lend to merchandising opportunities and commercial ideas. Most recently, the characters of Shrek are featured in ads for McDonald's.