Our favorite actors, actresses, and singers are also, if they’re smart, businesspeople. Celebrities make a lot of money from their talents, but they also often have lucrative “side hustles” as big-name product endorsers.Over the years, big brands like Procter & Gamble, Nestle, and more have all hired celebrity influencers to help promote their products. This list contains some of the strangest endorsements in recent memory, all of which are sure to have you scratching your head as to how these celebrities stumbled upon such unusual advertising gigs.
1. Snoop Dogg
Endorsement: Hot Pockets
Est. Cost of Product: $3*
Rapper Snoop Dogg might have a reputation as a famous international artist, but let’s not forget that he is also a businessman. After all, Snoop has a net worth of $150 million, and not all of that comes from music.
He’s partnered with a lot of brands over the years to endorse their products. One of the strangest endorsements was Hot Pockets, which Snoop endorsed in 2012. To promote these savory pastries, which you can find at Walmart and pretty much every store that sells food, he even recorded a parody of “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” his hit song, which he retitled to “Pocket Like It’s Hot.”
2. Kim Kardashian
Endorsement: Charmin
Est. Cost of Product: $7-$16*
Social media influencer Kim Kardashian has endorsed a lot of products over the years, from salads to waist trainers to public toilets. That’s right, Kardashian once had a gig as a brand ambassador for Charmin.
Charmin, a $1.09 billion brand, asked Kardashian to advertise their toilet paper at the opening of brand-new public toilets in New York City’s Times Square. The reality star agreed, and her 2010 deal with Charmin was, according to reports, quite lucrative. She wasn’t alone in promoting the toilet paper; she also had two Charmin bears with her at the product’s launch.
3. John Cena
Endorsement: Crocs
Est. Cost of Product: $30-$50*
John Cena might seem like an unbeatable wrestler, but his childhood story is a bit different from what we expected. The star was, apparently, bullied quite badly as a child, and he opened up about that experience in an for Crocs.
The “Come As You Are” campaign celebrated individuality, and the ad took us on a trip to Muscle Beach in SoCal, where Cena spoke touchingly about his struggle to fit in as a kid. Not to sound cynical, but this ad was a clever move for Crocs, as the brand’s sales had steadily been declining before it aired.
4. Katy Perry
Endorsement: The Sims 3
Est. Cost of Product: $30*
In 2012, singer and future American Idol judge Katy Perry lent her image and likeness to The Sims 3. She even allowed the video game to use some of her songs for its Sweet Treats expansion pack.
This pack cost $30 at GameStop and similar stores, making it $10 more expensive than other Sims packs. Perry went all-out for this endorsement deal, even re-recording her hit single, “Last Friday Night,” in Simlish, a gibberish language from The Sims.
5. Justin Bieber
Endorsement: Nicole by OPI Nails
Est. Cost of Product: $6-$10*
In 2009, Justin Bieber took over the world. Well, not literally, but the singer-songwriter was still incredibly popular, developing a cult following seemingly overnight. He immediately cashed in on that fame, signing lucrative deals left and right.
He even endorsed OPI Nail Polish, which came as a surprise, as the singer didn’t wear nail polish. His “One Less Lonely Girl” nail polish line was released in Walmart, selling one million bottles in 2010.
6. Ozzy Osbourne
Endorsement: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
Est. Cost of Product: $3.98*
Ozzy Osbourne is a strange guy, but what else would you expect from one of the greatest, most controversial rockers of all time? You might remember that Osbourne was once in a reality show after his Black Sabbath days.
The Osbournes gave us an inside look into Ozzy and fam, and the PARA series was incredibly popular amongst fans. During its heyday, Ozzy even nabbed some product endorsements, which included making a few avant-garde ads for the brand I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.
7. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen
Endorsement: Aquafresh
Est. Cost of Product: $1.83*
In the early 2000s, the Olsen twins were still acting, and they were still some of the most visible celebrities in the world. Though they’d later leave Hollywood to become designers, they were still cashing checks from their famous faces in 2003.
Mary-Kate and Ashely signed a deal with Aquafresh in 2003 to promote a new line of toothpaste called Bubble Cool Toothpaste. Aquafresh was hoping to capitalize on the teen superstars’ fame to draw in a younger crowd, and, while unexpected, this ad campaign did work for the brand.
8. Paris Hilton
Endorsement: Carl’s Jr.
Est. Cost of Product: $4-$6 per burger*
Carl’s Jr. is a fast food chain with more than 2,000 locations worldwide, with over 1,000 of those located in the U.S. The West Coast fast food chain is super-popular, and it has, historically, been known for its rather shocking ads.
Hey, it has to set itself apart from McDonald’s somehow. In 2005, Carl’s Jr. hired Paris Hilton for this now-infamous ad, which featured Hilton in a skimpy swimsuit washing a car and, for some reason, advertising the chain’s burgers at the same time.
9. Malcolm McDowell
Endorsement: Lunchables Uploaded
Est. Cost of Product: $4.50*
English actor Malcolm McDowell is famous for his ffilm work which includes credits like A Clockwork Orange, Caligula, Halloween, Father Stu, O Lucky Man, and more. While a Shakespearean-trained actor might not seem like he’d endorse many products, that isn’t the case with McDowell.
The movie star endorsed Lunchables Uploaded in 2015, becoming a clueless, teenager-impersonating celebrity spokesman for the brand. The Kraft Heinz ad spot was surprising, as McDowell was the last person we’d picture advertising such a kiddie product.
10. Muhammed Ali
Endorsement: d-Con Roach Traps
Est. Cost of Product: $13.99*
Could you imagine if cockroaches stung like bees and floated like butterflies? We’d all be running around in terror. The progenitor of that quote, Muhammad Ali, had a lucrative boxing career, as well as a nice side hustle as a product endorser.
During the eighties, boxing great starred in several s for d-Con Roach Traps (which are still available on Amazon to this day). He even lent d-Con his image to put on these traps, which promised to “Kill Roaches Without Poison.”
11. Mariah Carey
Endorsement: Walkers Crisps
Est. Cost of Product: $1.75*
Uber diva Mariah Carey doesn’t seem like someone who would eat chips, mainly because she is famous for having a very healthy diet that consists of, by her own admission, Norwegian salmon and not much else.
However, in 2019, she signed a Christmas advertising deal with the chip brand Walkers Crisps. The ad marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of her hit single, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” It was also incredibly expensive, as Carey made $10 million from the deal.
12. David Beckham
Endorsement: GO 10 Omega-3 Fish Fingers
Est. Cost of Product: $5*
David Beckham has a net worth in the nine figures, and he is one of the most famous English sports stars of all time. Even though he’s no longer on the field, he still remains in great shape, and this ad spot is a clue as to how.
The footballer eats quite healthily (though not as healthily as his wife, Victoria, who he has lamented only eats fish and steamed vegetables). A few years ago, Beckham advertised for GO, a brand of 10 Omega-3 Fish Fingers that were a healthy alternative to the usual fish sticks we see on in-store freezer sections.
13. Kris Jenner
Endorsement: Poise Bladder Leak Pads
Est. Cost of Product: $15-$25*
Kris Jenner has had six kids (Khloe, Kim, Kourtney, Rob, Kylie, and Kendall, for those who aren’t fans of Keeping Up With The Kardashians), so it’s no surprise that she has a bit of trouble with her bladder.
Kris found out she had stress incontinence, which was common for women after they had kids. Rather than mope about it, the momager signed a brand deal with Poise Bladder Pads to portray Rosie the Riveter in their ads for light leakage pads. Only Kris Jenner would turn a health problem like incontinence into a money-making opportunity.
14. Jamie Lee Curtis
Endorsement: Activia Yogurt
Est. Cost of Product: $1-$5*
Jamie Lee Curtis is famous for two things (mostly). First, she’s famous as the Scream Queen who battled Michael Myers in the Halloween series. Secondly, Curtis is famous for getting on TV and advertising Activia, which is yogurt for gut health.
This anti-constipation yogurt garnered Curtis a lot of teasing (and an S.N.L. spoof), but she holds her head high. She said she sold it for “seven years,” and not because she was “broke,” but because she wanted to make money while staying “home” with her kids.
15. Penélope Cruz
Endorsement: Nintendo DS
Est. Cost of Product: $149.99* (Original Price)
Years ago, Nintendo needed to hire a spokesperson for its DS. For some reason, their ad campaign jumped to Penelope Cruz, an actress who we wouldn’t have expected to be a gamer (she’s just so glamorous).
Cruz appeared in several ads for the DS, even dressing up as the famous character herself. Alas, we didn’t get to see Penelope Cruz’s version of Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It’s a tough choice between her and Chris Pratt as to who we like better as the famous overalled handyman-slash-superhero.
16. Nelly
Endorsement: Honey Nut Cheerios
Est. Cost of Product: $3.68*
Buzz Bee, the animated, friendly, bee mascot of Honey Nut Cheerios, teamed up with rapper Nelly in the “Must Be The Honey” campaign. The “Country Grammar” rapper swagged out his “homebee” in the commercial, which was directed by Hype Williams.
Honey Nut Cheerios has partnered with a lot of famous figures, including Ice-T and Usher. These campaigns are all about being relatable while reminding Americans that heart-healthy exercise doesn’t have to be a drag.
17. John Lydon
Endorsement: Country Life Butter
Est. Cost of Product: $4*
Johnny Rotten (also known, though less commonly, as John Lydon) is a singer-songwriter who became famous as the frontman for the Sex Pistols, a punk band active during the seventies and nineties.
A lot of people might’ve thought Johnny Rotten was selling out when he signed up to do product endorsement, but hey, celebrities have to pay the bills too. He showed up in a funny ad spot for Country Life Butter, in which he reminded us all that butter is actually totally punk rock.
18. Bob Dylan
Endorsement: Victoria’s Secret Lingerie
Est. Cost of Product: $10-$50*
Bob Dylan is not the spokesperson you would imagine for Victoria’s Secret, but the Bard did appear in a few ads back in 2004. Dylan was apparently the key to selling women’s underwear, or so Victoria’s Secret thought.
He appeared alongside a Victoria’s Secret Angel in the ad, playing “Love Sick,” a moody ballad from Time Out of Mind, his 1997 album. According to VS execs, they asked Dylan to do the ad spot because ads that had played his songs in the past had been quite successful among consumers.
19. Brad Pitt
Endorsement: Pringles
Est. Cost of Product: $3-$5*
Mashed described this as the “Pringles ad you didn’t know existed,” and we have to agree. This might come as a surprise, but Brad Pitt was once a struggling actor taking any ad spot or role he could get.
One such ad spot was one for Pringles. In the , Pitt played a surfer who had run out of the tasty snack. The Once Upon A Time In Hollywood star was just twenty-six when he filmed the ad, which aired in 1988.
20. Ashton Kutcher
Endorsement: Popchips
Est. Cost of Product: $4.39*
The Ranch star Ashton Kutcher was one of many celebrities to endorse Popchips (later, he’d be joined by Katy Perry). Popchips are unique because they aren’t fried, making them a bit healthier than regular potato chips.
Celebrities also swarmed to invest in these healthy chips, and Heidi Klum, P. Diddy, and Jillian Michaels all signed on to the brand. Though Popchips was supposed to be a billion-dollar brand, it faltered after 2013, despite all of its celebrity backing.
21. Lady Gaga
Endorsement: Polaroid
Est. Cost of Product: $149.99* (Projected Price)
Lady Gaga has had an interesting career, to say the least. The pop star, artist, and visionary has come a long way since her days of wearing a meat dress on the red carpet. The earliest days of her career were the strangest, full of bizarre outfits and endorsements.
Gaga nabbed the Creative Director of Specialty Products role at Polaroid, an endorsement that resulted in the GL20 Grey Line Sunglass Camera. The 2011 camera, though inventive, was a flop, never making it to retail production.
22. Jackie Chan
Endorsement: Woolworths Department Store
Est. Cost of Product: $1* (2008 Valuation)
Remember Woolworths? This beloved British department store was an icon during the twentieth century, but it ran into rough financial waters in the U.K. during the 2000s, eventually going bust in 2008.
Even a last-ditch advertising effort couldn’t save Woolworths, who hired veteran martial artist and actor Jackie Chan to promote its brand. Alas, these 2008 ads weren’t enough, and, now, Woolworths Department Store is just a fond memory.
23. Memphis Bleek
Endorsement: Garnier Fructis
Est. Cost of Product: $3-$5*
“Like That,” “Is That Your Chick,” “My Mind Right, “Round Here,” and more are just some of the singles for which rapper Memphis Bleek, a protégé of Jay-Z, is famous. The rapper has a net worth of $3 million, some of which comes from high-profile endorsements.
Bleek partnered with Garnier Fructis years ago to create a commercial and song called “Fructis Flow.” The ad was pretty strange, but Memphis explained his decision to sign on, saying that he agreed because of a pretty nice paycheck with a lot of “zeros.”
24. Cristiano Ronaldo
Endorsement: Facial Fitness Pao
Est. Cost of Product: $90-$120*
You can find the Facial Fitness Pao on Amazon for $90-$120, and it is, perhaps, one of the most bizarre gadgets on this list. The Facial Fitness Pao promises to give you a “youthful smile” by training the muscles on your face.
This gadget, which takes your face to the gym, even had a bizarre celebrity spokesperson—Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo became the face of this Japanese tool, no doubt for quite a hefty paycheck.
25. Drew Barrymore
Endorsement: Crocs
Est. Cost of Product: $30-$50*
Crocs, a comfy-yet-unattractive shoe, is beloved by nurses and chefs, but it has had endorsement from professional wrestlers (John Cena) and actresses (Drew Barrymore). Barrymore sang a ditty for Crocs’ “Come As You Are” campaign years ago, confusing fans who didn’t know she could sing.
Later, Barrymore would release her Chevron Crocs Collection in 2018, along with a Color Block Collection. These limited-edition shoes were Crocs’ attempt to bring back its brand, which has struggled with declining sales since its high point in the 2000s.
26. Ice-T
Endorsement: Honey Nut Cheerios
Est. Cost of Product: $2.99*
Rapper, actor, and producer Ice-T has a net worth of $65 million, and he, reportedly, makes around $250,000 an episode of Law & Order: SVU. The mogul knows how to strike a good business deal, and he inked one with Cheerios in 2022.
According to the rapper, Cheerios approached him, saying that they wanted him because of his age and fame to do the commercial. Cheerios is “about health,” especially heart health, and the brand felt that Ice-T, because of his popularity, would be the right person to spread that important message.
27. Snoop Dogg
Endorsement: Bic Lighters
Est. Cost of Product: $16.99 per 6-pack*
Why not Snoop Dogg for this? Everybody knows the West Coast rapper loves to smoke (he talks about it in his music), so it made sense that he struck an endorsement deal with Bic. His product is called the Bic EZ Reach Lighter.
According to the brand, the lighter “keep[s] fingers away from the flame.” Though the EZ Reach is for “stoves, grills, fireplaces, and more,” having Snoop endorse it was a tongue-in-cheek movie by Bic, a brand with a valuation of $2.64 billion.
28. Shaquille O’Neal
Endorsement: The General Insurance
Est. Cost of Product: $1,394 per year* (Average)
Chances are when you saw the phrase, “The General Insurance,” your mind jumped to the famous tagline from the commercials. Founded in 1963, The General is known for its affordability. It is also known for its famous spokesman, Shaquille O’Neal.
The partnership between the two dates back to college, when Shaq needed affordable insurance for his car. He signed up with The General and, now that he’s worth $400 million, he’s back to repay them for taking a chance on him by becoming their spokesman.
29. Johnny Depp
Endorsement: Sauvage Cologne
Est. Cost of Product: $170*
Actor Johnny Depp has been in Hollywood for decades. When the trial between Amber Heard and him was aired in 2022, a lot of brands dropped the Pirates of the Caribbean star. One of the few to stick by him was Dior.
Dior Beauty has kept Depp as its Sauvage spokesman for years. In fact, in September of 2022, the actor re-upped his deal with the brand in a contract worth $20 million. According to people who have tried the cologne, it smells like a blend of mint, bergamot, and pepper, creating a “sharp” fragrance.
30. Amy Schumer
Endorsement: Tampax
Est. Cost of Product: $6-$12 per box*
Funnywoman and feminist Amy Schumer is known for pulling no punches when it comes to her jokes and beliefs. Tampax hired the comedian to act in a series of funny commercials about menstruation and tampons.
Making periods “funny” doesn’t exactly sound like an easy task, but Schumer pulled it off. In addition to her partnership with Tampax to sell these feminine hygiene products, Schumer and Tampax also partnered to release a series of informative, amusing videos about menstruation itself.
31. Miley Cyrus & Dolly Parton
Endorsement: T-Mobile
Est. Cost of Product: $60 per month* (Essentials Plan)
For those who don’t know, Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus’ godmother, and the two have had a tight-knit relationship since Cyrus was a kid on Disney. In addition to being family, the pair are also two of the music industry’s most successful performers.
Together, they have a net worth of almost $1 billion. In 2022, the superstars teamed up with T-Mobile for a funny NFL ad called “Do It For The Phones.” The ad was T-Mobile’s ninth in a row, as it has aired at least one ad during the Big Game for almost a decade so far.
32. Patrick Stewart and Mark Hamill
Endorsement: Uber Eats
Est. Cost of Product: $0-$6 delivery cost*
Uber Eats is a service that a lot of us use, perhaps even weekly. According to SignHouse, the brand has a valuation of $20 billion, and it was the second-most-downloaded app in 2022, with almost 47 million downloads.
It got to where it is partially because of smart advertising. For example, in 2022, Uber Eats asked Mark Hamill and Patrick Stewart to go head-to-head for its food delivery commercial, resulting in a hilarious spoof that everyone enjoyed.
33. John Legend & Chrissy Teigen
Endorsement: Chex Mix
Est. Cost of Product: $2-$4 per bag*
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend are a Hollywood power couple, and, if you didn’t know it, Teigen is also a whiz in the kitchen. The supermodel has released cookbooks and cookware, both of which have generally been received well by the culinary industry.
In 2020, Teigen and Legend were paired together to promote Chex Mix—namely, their Muddy Buddy recipe. After Muddy Buddy was a hit, they also came out with a Sugar and Spice Chex Holiday Mix, which features pretzels, peanuts, vanilla-coated Chex, and marshmallows.
34. Vanilla Ice
Endorsement: Bob’s Discount Furniture
Est. Cost of Product: $350 million* (BDF Brand Value, 2014)
Robert Matthew Van Winkle, better known by his rap name Vanilla Ice, has had an interesting career. He was a rapper for a while, and he has since branched from feuding with Eminem to working in the furniture industry.
In 2022, he teamed up with Bob’s Discount Furniture, a low-cost furniture retailer, in a “Call of the Bobs” ad. In the ad, Bob’s asked a bunch of famous “Bobs,” including Vanilla Ice and Bob Ross, to assemble to promote its new domestic brand campaign.
35. Post Malone
Endorsement: Crocs
Est. Cost of Product: $25-$50 per pair*
It’s very hard to hate on Post Malone. Postie makes great music, and he genuinely seems like a nice person and a beam of sunshine. Hopefully, his influence will help turn Crocs around, helping rescue the brand from its reputation of ugliness.
Crocs and Post Malone have worked together since 2018, putting the singer on a long list of celebrities who have inked deals with the footwear brand. There are several shoes in the “Post Malone x Crocs” collection, and they appear to have been well-received by Crocs fans.
36. Dwight Yoakam
Endorsement: Bakersfield Biscuits
Est. Cost of Product: $3-$8 per box*
Dwight Yoakam is a singer known for hits like “Fast As You,” “Streets of Bakersfield,” “Guitars, Cadillacs,” “I Sang Dixie,” and more. Yoakam was a country music mainstay during the late eighties and nineties, and he has managed to parlay that success into endorsement deals.
For example, the actor and singer has a deal with Bakersfield Biscuits to promote a line of frozen comfort foods, including Chicken Fries, Buffalo Bites, Pizza Fries, Macaroni Mouth Poppers, Lanky Links, and more.
37. Ed Sheeran
Endorsement: Heinz Ketchup
Est. Cost of Product: $4.76*
Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has a net worth in the hundreds of millions, and he sells out almost all of his concerts. The British star isn’t just a musician—he’s also a huge ketchup aficionado.
Seriously, he is such a huge ketchup fan, he has a tattoo of a Heinz bottle on his body. The tattoo of the limited-edition bottle was part of a lucrative brand deal with Heinz, and, in addition to the ink, Sheeran even released a Super Bowl ad for the brand a few years ago.
38. Martha Stewart
Endorsement: Bic Lighters
Est. Cost of Product: $15.99 for a pack*
Martha Stewart joined her pal Snoop Dogg for this endorsement, which represents a lucrative contract with Bic. Martha Stewart has her own line of designs for the Bic EZ Reach Candle Lighter, which Bic says is perfect for not just candles, but also grills, firepits, and more.
Not only are Snoop and Martha in on this campaign, but Bic also added another person, Willie Nelson to the mix in 2023. It’ll be hard to top the 2021 “Pass It” ad featuring Snoop and Martha, but we’ll see what Bic has in store for us this summer, as far as ads go.
39. Naomi Osaka
Endorsement: Beats by Dre
Est. Cost of Product: $199.99*
Tennis star Naomi Osaka plans to return to tennis in 2024, and fans can’t wait to see her come triumphantly back to the sport. In the meantime, Osaka isn’t hurting for money. In addition to her prize cash, she also has signed lucrative endorsement deals in the past.
For example, she starred in a round of global ads for the headphone company Beats by Dre in 2022. Osaka was the perfect person to promote Beats Fit Pro, Dr. Dre’s newest wireless earbuds targeting athletes (and average gym-goers, too).
40. Chrissy Teigen
Endorsement: Blue Apron
Est. Cost of Product: $11.99 per serving*
Chrissy Teigen isn’t just a supermodel, she’s also a chef. So, it only makes sense that she’d partner with Blue Apron, a meal delivery service, to create a series of recipes. The partnership both promoted Blue Apron, and it also boosted the popularity of Teigen’s cookbook, Cravings.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Lettuce Cups, Sweet & Spicy Sesame Chicken Noodles, Chinese Chicken Salad, and more all came out of this six-week partnership. Most were rated pretty highly on Blue Apron’s website, encouraging many to give these easy recipes a try.
41. Guy Fieri
Endorsement: King’s Hawaiian
Est. Cost of Product: $4.92*
King’s Hawaiian rolls are a must-have at any barbecue, family event, or party. Chances are, you might have or have had a box of these rolls in your pantry yourself, as they are one of grocery stores’ most popular offerings.
In the winter of 2021, King’s announced that it was partnering with TV personality, restaurateur, chef, and all-around nice guy Guy Fieri to promote its rolls. It kicked things off with “Slider Sunday,” an ad spot that reminded us why Fieri truly is the Mayor of Flavortown.
42. Cyndi Lauper
Endorsement: Cosentyx
Est. Cost of Product: $7,235 per month without insurance*
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a monoclonal antibody that doctors can prescribe for psoriasis, arthritis, and other ailments. Cosentyx hired superstar singer Cyndi Lauper to push ads to raise awareness about psoriasis, a skin condition, in 2015.
Lauper suffers from the skin condition, which can be very uncomfortable and painful (Kim Kardashian also has it). According to Lauper, Cosentyx helped clear up her psoriasis, keeping her pain-free for over four years.
43. Shaquille O’Neal
Endorsement: Papa John’s
Est. Cost of Product: $10-$30*
Really, we could have an entire article dedicated to the brand endorsement deals that NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has linked. One lucrative deal was with Papa John’s. Shaq isn’t just a brand ambassador for the pizza chain, he is also a board member, franchisee, and genuine fan.
Shaq was appointed to Papa John’s board in 2019, with the company citing his experience in broadcasting, TV, gaming, music, business, and more as a reason why they gave him the position. Bottom line: O’Neal is a smart businessman…and a huge fan of pizza, too.
44. David Carradine
Endorsement: Yellow Book
Est. Cost of Product: N/A
Kill Bill and Kung Fu actor David Carradine was a mainstay in Hollywood from the ‘70s to 2009, when he passed away in Bangkok, Thailand. The eccentric actor released, two years before his passing, an ad spot for Yellow Book.
That’s right—hopefully everyone remembers the Yellow Book, a big, banana-colored book full of phone numbers. Carradine’s ad spot was titled “Yellowbook,” and it featured the actor demonstrating how the Yellow Book offered a “Path to Enlightenment” straight out of Carradine’s Kung Fu days.
45. Ryan Reynolds
Endorsement: Mint Mobile
Est. Cost of Product: $15-$25 per month*
Ryan Reynolds isn’t just a very funny actor and hilarious social media personality; he’s also a businessman. He not only owns the soccer team Wrexham F.C., he also has a 25% stake in Mint Mobile, a budget telecommunications firm.
In 2023, it was announced that T-Mobile would be purchasing Mint for $1.3 billion, representing a windfall for Reynolds. In addition to being a part-owner of the company, Reynolds has also released quite a few funny ad spots that have successfully boosted Mint’s popularity.
46. Liev Schreiber
Endorsement: Mattress Firm
Est. Cost of Product: $200-$3,000*
Liev Schreiber has been in movies and shows like Ray Donovan, A Small Light, X-Men Origins, Salt, Scream 2, and more, and he also, apparently, has a fondness for advertising. He surprised quite a few people when he showed up in a commercial for Mattress Firm in 2021.
The brand reset was Mattress Firm’s attempt to reboot its advertising. Schreiber’s ad talked about “junk sleep,” with the actor educating people on how not sleeping well (thanks to a bad mattress) can lead to a lot of health problems.
47. Marshawn Lynch
Endorsement: Skittles
Est. Cost of Product: $1.49*
Marshawn Lynch has a reputation for being not only a talented, hard-hitting football player, but also for being a down-to-earth, fun guy. Lynch has promoted the brand Skittles for a while, and he’s not just there to collect a paycheck.
The running back loves the candy, as he began eating it as a child to settle his stomach. Fast-forward a couple of decades, and Lynch signed a Skittles endorsement deal that Kantar Media said could be worth $5 million.
48. Eli Manning
Endorsement: Frank’s RedHot
Est. Cost of Product: $3.49*
Peyton Manning isn’t the only member of the Manning family inking endorsement deals. His brother, NFL quarterback Eli Manning, also has contracts with companies like Toyota, Reebok, Samsung, Gatorade, Hublot, Nike, Frank’s Red Hot, and more.
After his NFL retirement, Manning starred in the very funny “Free Time” ad for Frank’s Red Hot, a brand of hot sauce. According to one report, Manning has earned $8 million from endorsements, and you have to wonder how much Frank’s paid him for that ad.
49. Janelle Monáe
Endorsement: Audi
Est. Cost of Product: $104,900* (Base Price)
Singer Janelle Monae is famous for her talent, creativity, and elegance. She showcased those traits well in her commercial for the Audi RS e-tron GT, which aired in 2022. Audi USA released the ad spot in the summer of that year, and it featured Monae driving one of its sleek sports cars through city streets.
Monae wore a suit, the look for which she has become well-known, in the ad, which offered a vision of “progress.” As for the e-tron, a new, 2023 model costs $104,900 for the base model alone.
50. Ken Jeong
Endorsement: Xiidra Eye Drops
Est. Cost of Product: $634 per month without insurance*
Funnyman (and doctor!) Ken Jeong starred as a “Real Dry Eye Patient” in a faux movie trailer for Xiidra, a brand of eye drops. He played a patient with dry eye disease who uses Xiidra to treat his ailment so he can attend a fancy dance party later.
Xiidra is a prescription medication, and it contains strong drugs that promise to lessen the inflammation that causes the eyes to dry. It appears that Jeong actually uses Xiidra, and he even re-upped his contract with the medication in 2023.
51. Britney Spears
Endorsement: Curious Perfume
Est. Cost of Product: $20-$30*
When you think of pop icon Britney Spears, fragrances might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Yet back in 2004, Britney launched her perfume “Curious” in partnership with Elizabeth Arden. The perfume, with its unique blend of Louisiana magnolia, golden Anjou pear, lotus flower, tuberose, and vanilla-infused musk, seemed an unusual venture for a pop star.
However, Britney’s loyal fanbase supported her in this new endeavor, leading to the fragrance’s commercial success. The pop icon has since launched various other scents, making her mark in the fragrance industry. Britney’s “Curious” serves as a testament to her multi-dimensional career, proving that she is not just a pop star but a successful businesswoman as well.
52. Helen Mirren
Endorsement: Wii Fit
Est. Cost of Product: $20* for the game, $70-$100* for the Wii Fit balance board
Dame Helen Mirren, the Academy Award-winning British actress known for her powerful performances in The Queen and Prime Suspect, surprised everyone when she became the face of Nintendo’s Wii Fit. Renowned for her roles in serious dramas, Mirren’s endorsement of a fitness video game seemed an unlikely match.
The showed Mirren maintaining her fitness using the game’s strength and balance exercises. She brought her grace and poise to the video game, inspiring a broad audience to incorporate fitness into their lives. Despite the unusual pairing, the campaign was successful, proving that Helen Mirren is as versatile in her endorsements as she is in her acting roles.
53. George Clooney
Endorsement: Nespresso Ads
Est. Cost of Product: $130-$600*
George Clooney, the Hollywood heartthrob celebrated for his performances in dramas like Ocean’s Eleven and Syriana, took a different turn when he became the face of Nespresso. Known for his serious roles, Clooney brought a light-hearted approach to the luxury coffee brand. The ads, filled with Clooney’s charm and wit, portrayed him as a man who would do anything for a cup of Nespresso, even being outshone by the coffee itself.
The unexpected combination of a luxury coffee brand and a Hollywood star brought a touch of glamour and humor to our daily coffee-drinking experience. These ads have not only boosted Nespresso’s brand but also shown us a different, more playful side of George Clooney.
54. Leonardo DiCaprio
Endorsement: Jim Beam Whisky
Est. Cost of Product: $15-$40*
Leonardo DiCaprio is a figure synonymous with cinema, celebrated for his intense roles in movies such as Inception, The Revenant, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Known for his selective approach to endorsements, it was quite surprising when DiCaprio appeared in a Japanese commercial for Jim Beam Whisky.
The noir-style commercial saw DiCaprio portraying the bourbon brand with a mysterious, yet appealing, aura. This uncommon pairing was an intriguing break from DiCaprio’s usual intense screen presence, proving that this versatile actor could adapt his appeal to a commercial as well as he could to a film script.
55. Charlize Theron
Endorsement: Japanese Dome Home
Est. Cost of Product: $30,000-$500,000*
Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron has wowed audiences worldwide with her acting prowess, as seen in movies like Monster and Mad Max: Fury Road. Yet, she left many puzzled when she starred in a Japanese commercial for Dome Home, an eco-friendly housing solution. The featured Theron frolicking around the sustainable, dome-shaped homes, providing viewers with an unusual and entertaining spectacle.
While a Hollywood A-lister endorsing dome homes in Japan seemed odd, Theron’s charm and energy ensured the campaign’s success. This unexpected endorsement reaffirmed Theron’s versatility and influence, extending beyond Hollywood to even architectural preferences.
56. Matthew McConaughey
Endorsement: Lincoln Cars
Est. Cost of Product: $35,000 to over $80,000*
Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey’s philosophical ads for Lincoln Cars stand out for their eccentricity and thought-provoking nature. Known for his roles in movies like Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar, McConaughey brings a similar depth to his car s. The ads feature McConaughey engaging in deep thought, interacting with dogs, and even playing poker with himself, all while smoothly driving a Lincoln.
Despite being unconventional for a car commercial, his unique delivery has made these ads highly memorable, leading to numerous parodies and further increasing their reach. This unconventional pairing of a serious actor with a car brand through philosophical ads reinforces McConaughey’s ability to make even a car a memorable viewing experience.
57. Julia Roberts
Endorsement: Lavazza Coffee
Est. Cost of Product: $10-$20*
Renowned for her enchanting smile and captivating performances in films like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, Julia Roberts made an unexpected endorsement choice with the Italian coffee brand Lavazza. The commercial showcased Roberts portraying Venus in a modern adaptation of Botticelli’s famous painting, “The Birth of Venus,” bringing her an enchanting smile after her first sip of Lavazza coffee.
While the idea of an Oscar-winning actress in a coffee ad might seem unusual, Roberts’s global appeal and charm blended perfectly with the rich Italian tradition of Lavazza, making it a memorable and effective campaign.
58. Bruce Willis
Endorsement: Sobieski Vodka
Est. Cost of Product: $10-$20*
Action star Bruce Willis, renowned for his tough-guy roles in films like Die Hard, made a surprising move when he endorsed Sobieski Vodka. This rugged Hollywood star humorously personified the vodka brand’s authenticity and no-nonsense approach in the ads.
In one commercial, he is even seen driving a Sobieski truck, which was quite a shift from his usual action-packed roles. This unexpected alliance of an action star and a vodka brand turned heads but managed to enhance the brand’s image, thanks to Willis’s charismatic persona and the ads’ tongue-in-cheek humor.
59. Pierce Brosnan
Endorsement: Pan Bahar
Est. Cost of Product: $5*
Pierce Brosnan, best known for his suave portrayal of James Bond, surprised everyone when he endorsed Pan Bahar, an Indian mouth freshener. The commercial showed Brosnan swapping his trademark spy gadgets for a can of Pan Bahar, much to the amusement of viewers.
The unusual pairing of a former James Bond star with an Indian brand created quite a stir globally, sparking numerous memes and discussions. Despite the controversy, the garnered significant attention, proving once again that Brosnan’s charisma is indeed captivating, no matter how unconventional the context.
60. Danny DeVito
Endorsement: Limoncello
Est. Cost of Product: $20-$40*
Celebrated actor Danny DeVito, known for his unique comic timing and versatile roles, astounded everyone when he endorsed his brand of Limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur. DeVito introduced his signature Limoncello after a hilarious and tipsy appearance on a talk show where he admitted to having indulged in the drink the previous night.
This unusual venture seemed strange but was entirely in line with DeVito’s eccentric and lovable persona. His Limoncello endorsement was memorable, not just for its oddity but for its genuine reflection of DeVito’s lively and spirited personality.
61. Robert Downey Jr.
Endorsement: OnePlus 8 Pro
Est. Cost of Product: $900*
Robert Downey Jr., best known for his role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, made an unusual endorsement decision when he paired up with the Chinese smartphone company, OnePlus. Downey, with his reputation for portraying high-tech genius on-screen, became the face of the OnePlus 8 Pro.
The star was seen in multiple s holding the device, and at one point, even painting a mural with the phone in hand! Despite the incongruity of a Hollywood superstar endorsing a relatively new player in the mobile phone market, Downey’s charisma and association with cutting-edge technology turned the endorsement into an attention-grabbing spectacle.
62. Sylvester Stallone
Endorsement: Warburtons Bread
Est. Cost of Product: $3*
Sylvester Stallone, an action movie legend recognized for iconic roles in Rocky and Rambo, raised eyebrows when he endorsed Warburtons, a UK-based family baking company. Stallone starred in a commercial for the brand, showcasing him in an unexpected yet amusing baking scenario.
It was a delightful surprise to see the heavyweight champ handling a different kind of dough and delivering loaves instead of punches! The commercial, brimming with humor and a dash of action, proved that even an unusual pairing like Stallone and a bread brand could deliver a knockout hit in the advertising world.
63. Angelina Jolie
Endorsement: Shiseido Cosmetics
Est. Cost of Product: $25-$100+*
Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie, known for her striking beauty and outstanding performances, surprised many when she became the face of Shiseido Cosmetics in Japan. The Academy Award-winning actress, humanitarian, and mother of six, made a unique endorsement choice that wasn’t widely seen outside of Japan.
The campaign showcased Jolie’s timeless beauty and elegance, making it a hit among consumers. Despite the surprise, Jolie’s global appeal and the refined quality of Shiseido products made this an unforgettable collaboration in the world of celebrity endorsements.
64. Danny Trejo
Endorsement: Snickers
Est. Cost of Product: $1*
From playing tough-guy roles in films like Machete to running his own food business, Danny Trejo has done it all. Still, it was surprising to see him endorse Snickers, a popular chocolate bar.
In a hilarious commercial for the brand, Trejo is seen portraying a grumpy, ax-wielding Marcia Brady from “The Brady Bunch,” only to transform back into the cheerful character after eating a Snickers bar. This unusual but amusing endorsement perfectly captured the brand’s “You’re not you when you’re hungry” slogan and proved that even the toughest Hollywood actors can deliver a laugh!
65. Bill Murray
Endorsement: Suntory Whisky
Est. Cost of Product: Starting from $40*
Known for his deadpan humor and captivating performances, Bill Murray turned heads when he endorsed Suntory Whisky. The actor, reprising his role from the film Lost in Translation, appeared in a series of commercials for the Japanese brand, delivering his lines with characteristic wit and charm.
While the idea of Murray endorsing a foreign whisky brand seemed strange, the actor’s endearing persona and the ads’ clever humor made this an unforgettable and effective campaign, cementing Murray’s status as an unconventional star who can make even the oddest endorsement deals work.
66. Michael Phelps
Endorsement: Rosetta Stone Language Programs
Est. Cost of Product: $11.99/month*
You’d expect swimming superstar Michael Phelps to endorse sports equipment or health supplements, but language learning software? Phelps turned heads when he became the face of Rosetta Stone Language Programs.
Having traveled worldwide for his swimming career, Phelps emphasized the importance of communicating with fans and fellow athletes in their native languages. Despite its unusual nature, this endorsement highlighted Phelps’ recognition of cultural exchange in global sports, making it a memorable campaign that expanded his image beyond the swimming pool.
67. Keira Knightley
Endorsement: Coco Chanel
Est. Cost of Product: Starting from $100*
British actress Keira Knightley, renowned for her roles in period dramas, raised eyebrows when she became the face of Coco Chanel. She was appointed the face of Coco Mademoiselle, an enchanting fragrance synonymous with sophistication and allure. However, it wasn’t Knightley’s association with Chanel that raised eyebrows; it was the cinematic spectacle of the adverts.
High-intensity car chases and lavish settings painted Knightley as an audacious, independent woman, a far cry from her usual corset-clad, period drama roles. This portrayal, combined with her seductive allure, made for a surprisingly exciting and memorable campaign. As such, Keira Knightley’s endorsement of Coco Chanel had us appreciating her versatility and Chanel’s innovative approach to marketing.
68. Scarlett Johansson
Endorsement: SodaStream
Est. Cost of Product: $80-$130*
Acclaimed Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson caused a bit of a stir when she became the brand ambassador for SodaStream, a home carbonation product. Known for her blockbuster roles and glamorous red-carpet appearances, the choice of promoting a DIY soda maker felt peculiar and decidedly out of left field.
In the 2014 Super Bowl , Johansson brings an unexpected, sultry appeal to the act of making soda at home, transforming the mundane into something altogether exciting. The controversy surrounding her association with an Israeli company even led to her stepping down as an ambassador for Oxfam. This unusual product pairing surprised many, showcasing the unpredictable landscape of celebrity endorsements.
69. Michael Jordan
Endorsement: Hanes Underwear
Est. Cost of Product: $15-$30*
Michael Jordan, a name synonymous with basketball greatness and athletic prowess, took an unexpected leap when he decided to endorse Hanes Underwear. The man, whose gravity-defying dunks and on-court charisma took the NBA by storm, suddenly graced TV screens nationwide, selling us everyday undergarments. This surprising endorsement humanized the towering figure of Jordan, showing him in a more everyday, domestic light.
But, it was precisely this jarring yet relatable dichotomy that made the partnership so effective. Who would have thought we would see an NBA legend telling us about the comfort and quality of Hanes underwear? In the end, the ‘Hanes meets Jordan’ equation was peculiar, to say the least, but unquestionably memorable.
70. Jennifer Aniston
Endorsement: Aveeno
Est. Cost of Product: $6-$20*
Jennifer Aniston, America’s sweetheart and famed Friends star, has long been admired for her flawless skin and age-defying looks. When she became the face of Aveeno, a brand known for its natural skincare products, it was a match that made sense but was still met with surprise. After all, it’s not often we see A-list celebrities endorsing affordable skincare products usually found in drugstores.
However, Aniston’s grounded and relatable image aligned perfectly with Aveeno’s wholesome, nature-inspired branding. Through this partnership, Aniston brought a touch of stardom to the every day, reminding us that quality skincare doesn’t always have to come with a Hollywood price tag.
71. Daniel Craig
Endorsement: Omega Watches
Est. Cost of Product: $2,000 to over $40,000*
Daniel Craig, famously known for his role as James Bond, has long been associated with the suave sophistication of his character. However, when he signed on to endorse Omega Watches, it was met with surprise. Traditionally, actors rarely align themselves with their characters in the advertising world.
The melding of Craig and Bond’s personas added an extra layer of intrigue to the endorsement. In the ads, Craig masterfully showcased Omega Watches with an unmistakable 007 flair, cementing Omega’s image as a brand of unmatched elegance and adventure.
72. Kevin Hart
Endorsement: Tommy John Underwear
Est. Cost of Product: $20-$40*
Renowned for his comedy and larger-than-life personality, Kevin Hart’s endorsement of Tommy John Underwear was a ‘huh?’ moment. Underwear endorsements are typically associated with sports stars or models, not comedians.
However, the brand capitalized on Hart’s humor, producing some incredibly entertaining and memorable ad campaigns. His candid and comedic approach to the often too-serious underwear ads was refreshing and successful, reminding us that endorsements can be as unconventional as the celebrities themselves.
73. Celine Dion
Endorsement: Air Canada
Est. Cost of Product: N/A
When you think of Celine Dion, you imagine her powerful voice and timeless songs. An endorsement from an airline is probably the last thing that comes to mind. However, Dion’s partnership with Air Canada proved to be a masterstroke.
Dion, like Air Canada, is seen as a Canadian icon. The association between the two was designed to evoke a sense of national pride, linking travel with the nostalgia of Dion’s music. Despite its unexpected nature, the endorsement perfectly showcased both brands’ pride in their Canadian heritage.
74. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Endorsement: Cup of Noodles
Est. Cost of Product: $1*
Is Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsing a fitness product? No surprise there. The Terminator endorsing Cup of Noodles? Now, that’s something you don’t see every day. Schwarzenegger’s endorsement of the instant noodle product was unusual, but it was also a hit, particularly in Japan.
The ads, featuring Arnold in a variety of hilarious scenarios, showed a different, funnier side of the action star, demonstrating that even the toughest celebrities can’t resist the allure of a warm cup of noodles.
75. Ben Affleck
Endorsement: Lynx Deodorant (Axe in the US)
Est. Cost of Product: $5*
Known for his roles in high-intensity dramas and as Batman, Ben Affleck is no stranger to the limelight. But his endorsement of Lynx Deodorant (or Axe, as it’s known in the US) raised quite a few eyebrows.
The product, largely marketed towards younger men, seemed an odd choice for the mature, Academy Award-winning actor. Despite this, Affleck’s charismatic presence brought a touch of Hollywood glam to the brand, proving that even the most unexpected celebrity-product pairings can make a significant splash in the world of advertising.
76. Kim Kardashian
Endorsement: Gummy Bear Hair
Est. Cost of Product: $30 per bottle*
You probably have seen Gummy Bear Hair vitamins on your TL a few times, especially if you follow celebrities like the Kardashians. Kim signed a likely-lucrative endorsement deal with Gummy Bear Hair to hawk their vegan multivitamins, which promised to give you long, lustrous locks like hers.
Though Kim and her sisters, Kendall and Kylie, can’t get enough of these pretty blue vitamins, are they all they say they are? According to Good Housekeeping, lab tests have shown that just eating a balanced diet will give you the same effect (for less money).
77. Jessica Simpson
Endorsement: Proactiv
Est. Cost of Product: $24.95 per month*
Jessica Simpson’s Proactiv commercials were so 2000s. The commercials featured the singer, actress, and now-business-mogul washing her face with Proactiv and proclaiming it clear and acne-free.
Simpson claimed the brand cleared her acne up, giving tabloid photographers one less thing to gossip about when they took her picture. Simpson was a Proactiv best-seller, hired during the heights of her fame from Newlyweds. The skincare line is currently going through a major, much-needed rebrand. Wonder who they’ll hire to be the face of the product next?
78. John Cena
Endorsement: Fruity Pebbles
Est. Cost of Product: $3.99 per box*
John Cena makes this list again for his endorsement of Fruity Pebbles, a sugary, fruity cereal of which even adults can’t get enough. The pro-wrestler, who is known for his brightly-colored wrestling costumes, stood in for Fred Flintstone in 2013.
The promotion took place for four million boxes, with Ad Age reporting that Cena was chosen after ad tests showed kids wanted “variety.” Cena has been promoting Fruity Pebbles for a long time, ever since The Rock gave him the unflattering nickname in the ring.
79. Hulk Hogan
Endorsement: Honey Nut Cheerios
Est. Cost of Product: $3.99 per box*
Hulk Hogan is yet another wrestler to sign on to promote something rather unexpected. The celebrity agreed to promote Honey Nut Cheerios, a beloved American brand, years ago, and he joked on Instagram that he “got addicted” to the cereal after doing the commercial.
His “addiction” lasted three years. The 1986 commercial is now one of Honey Nut Cheerios’ most famous, and it’s nice to know that Hogan actually liked the product he was endorsing, unlike a lot of celebrities who do endorsements just for a paycheck.
80. Fabio
Endorsement: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
Est. Cost of Product: $3.98 per tub*
In 1996, acting legend and model Fabio signed on as a memorable TV spokesperson for the brand I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. Years later, the plant-based butter brand would bring Fabio back for another commercial in 2016.
Fabio (full name: Fabio Lanzoni) has been a spokesman for the brand since the 1990s. Fabio is a pretty healthy person in real life, as he reportedly follows a very strict diet free of sugar, salt, and caffeine.
81. Jeff Foxworthy
Endorsement: Golden Corral
Est. Cost of Product: $13-$17 for the weekend buffet*
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is famous for his family-friendly, clean humor, so it only made sense when Golden Corral, a place where families eat, hired him as their spokesperson. The two partnered in 2015, with Foxworthy introducing the buffet chain’s Take Home Box option.
According to Golden Corral’s Donna Mercer, the company ad VP, they hired Foxworthy as a “fun face” for the chain’s “Golden Bill of Rights” campaign. The promotion was planned for the summer of 2015, as that was when families would have more time, theoretically, to enjoy GC’s weekday specials.
82. Brad Pitt
Endorsement: Chanel No. 5
Est. Cost of Product: $280*
Though it’s not really that unusual that Brad Pitt would become a celebrity spokesman for Chanel No. 5, a luxury, expensive perfume, the ad he did for the brand was totally strange. The ad was shot in 2012 by Joe Wright, the same guy who directed Pride and Prejudice.The Guardian described the confusing monologue of the ad as the “smell of disaster,” while Entertainment Weekly.
described the ad spot as one that made us all “scratc[h] our heads.” As a final punch to the gut, The Week called the ad “embarrassingly awful.” In this case, it’s not the endorsement contract itself that is strange; it’s the ad.
83. Jon Bon Jovi
Endorsement: DirecTV
Est. Cost of Product: $70 per month*
“Turn Back Time” was a 2016 DirecTV commercial featuring Jon Bon Jovi serenading a couple sitting in their living room. He restarts a show that was already airing, proving that, with DirecTV, you could “turn back time” on your set.
The wacky commercial was a bit unexpected, but, then again, Jon Bon Jovi is a master businessman, in addition to being a successful artist. Just because his net worth is $410 million doesn’t mean he won’t do some crazy commercials from time to time to cash a paycheck.
84. Joe Namath
Endorsement: Beautymist Pantyhose
Est. Cost of Product: $10 on eBay* (2023 Price)
This is perhaps one of the most iconic, strangest ad endorsements of all time. It came courtesy of Joe Namath, superstar NFL quarterback and pantyhose enthusiast. His commercial sought to prove to millions of American women that Beautymist could make their legs look flawless.
Or at least, that’s what the voiceover said. Namath admitted that the commercial did make his “stomach turn,” as it was rather unusual at the time. 1974 wasn’t exactly as gender-fluid as 2023, and we’re sure Namath caught a lot of heat in the locker room for this ad spot.
85. Tom Brady
Endorsement: Uggs
Est. Cost of Product: $50-$200 per pair*
Professional athletes are a gold mine for surprising endorsements, and Tom Brady’s Uggs ad spot was one of the more unexpected ones. The NFL star became a professional endorser for UGG Australia, who picked Brady as its main spokesman to win over male customers.
The thing is, Brady genuinely seems to love Ugg slippers, saying that he’s even given away pairs to his friends because he believes in the shoes’ quality. Though Brady got ribbed for this ad endorsement, he’s stood strong behind his love of Uggs.
86. Lindsay Lohan
Endorsement: Tronix (TRON)
Est. Cost of Product: $0.08 per coin*
We’re pretty sure that Lindsay Lohan is regretting her cryptocurrency endorsement now, as, in March of 2023, the SEC filed fraud charges against her and other celebrity backers. Lohan was part of a group of celebrities who endorsed the crypto-coin TRONIX.
After learning that TRON, Tronix’s creator, was lying to make its coins seem like they have higher trading volumes than they did, the SEC went all-out, suing TRON, Lindsay Lohan, and others who endorsed the coins.
87. Dennis Quaid
Endorsement: Ensurance
Est. Cost of Product: $0 for a quote*
In 2020, actor Dennis Quaid (he of The Parent Trap, Day After Tomorrow, Rookie, Jaws 3-D, and Dog’s Purpose fame) signed on to endorse Esurance, an insurance platform that gives people free quotes.
Quaid signed on to do several ad sports, including “Safe and Unsafe Drivers” and “It’s Surprisingly Painless.” Though an action star and an insurance platform may seem like unlikely bedfellows, Quaid’s work with Esurance was actually very well-liked.
88. Kendall Jenner
Endorsement: Pepsi
Est. Cost of Product: $1 per can*
How could we make a list of strange endorsements without including one of the most infamous ones of the past decade? While Kendall Jenner shooting an ad for Pepsi isn’t that strange, her ad itself was disastrous, resulting in fallout that hurt both her and the soda company.
The tone-deaf ad (you really have to see it to understand it) led to Pepsi apologizing, admitting it “missed the mark.” The ad tried to reach out to millennials, but, instead, it was the focus of intense social media critique and mockery.
89. Kylie Jenner
Endorsement: FitTea
Est. Cost of Product: $40 for the detox pack*
“Using @fittea before my shoots is my favorite” was a quote from Kylie Jenner’s Instagram in 2016. The beauty mogul and reality star was, at the time, hawking FitTea, a product that promised to remove bloat and make you thinner.
The “detox tea” actually isn’t all that good for you, according to Teen Vogue, Wired, Blogilates, and more. These teas can cause cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, though companies tend to frame these painful side effects as a result of “toxins leaving the body.” Or something.
90. Wilt Chamberlain
Endorsement: Castoria
Est. Cost of Product: $47 for a 6-pack*
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the greatest NBA players of all time, and his name will go down in history. Not only is he famous for his basketball skills, he’s also well-known for doing some wacky ads.
For example, did you know that he and his mother were in an ad for a children’s laxative years ago? Castoria, a kids’ laxative, is the strangest company for which Chamberlain endorsed, though he also had ad spots with Foot Locker, VW Rabbit, Coleco, Miller Lite, and many more.
91. Charlie Sheen
Endorsement: Hanes
Est. Cost of Product: $5-$15 for a pack*
This is the ad campaign that Hanesbrand no doubt regrets. Years ago, Hanesbrand hired Charlie Sheen to advertise its products, resulting in a series of funny commercials that seemed, at the time, a good idea.
Then Sheen Charlie-Sheened, and Hanesbrand had to drop his ads quickly. The company severed their contract with Sheen in January of 2010 after his December, 25, 2009 arrest for domestic violence. Hanes assured the public, in a somber statement, that Sheen’s ads would “not run again.”
92. Anna Nicole Smith
Endorsement: TrimSpa
Est. Cost of Product: $30 per bottle*
Model and actress Anna Nicole Smith was hired by TrimSpa as a spokeswoman, and the contract was quite lucrative for the former. According to CBS News, Smith was paid between $200,000 and $500,000 annually to be the TrimSpa endorser.
TrimSpa isn’t around anymore, having gone out of business in 2008. The dietary supplement promised to cut your appetite, thanks to it being ephedra-based. The commercial with Smith featured her making an “ultimate comeback,” thanks to TrimSpa helping her control her well-known weight fluctuations.
93. Matt Damon
Endorsement: Crypto.com
Est. Cost of Product: $14 billion company valuation in 2022*
“FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE” was the tagline of Matt Damon’s infamous series of Crypto.com commercials. Crypto.com is one of the fastest-growing platforms in the world for crypto trading, and it hired Damon as its spokesman years ago.
Apparently, Damon is an investor in the platform, in addition to being a spokesman. Later, in 2023, Damon claimed he only did the now-much-mocked ad because his charity, Water.org, was struggling and the platform donated $1 million to it.
94. Madonna
Endorsement: Miele Vacuum Cleaner
Est. Cost of Product: $300-$500 per vacuum*
Madonna selling vacuum cleaners? Though it seems implausible, that’s what happened in 2013. Miele, a vacuum brand, hired Madge to be its spokeswoman for the Miele S4. In the commercial, the pop star cleans her carpets right before hitting the Met Ball.
According to Appliances Online, Miele made a smart bet hiring Madonna, as sales of their vacuums “double[d].” Miele is a good vacuum cleaner brand, with SFGate stating that it was worth the price, thanks to its efficiency and twenty-year lifespan.
95. Bryan Cranston
Endorsement: Preparation H
Est. Cost of Product: $14 per 1oz. tube*
Before Bryan Cranston became famous as Walter White in Breaking Bad, he was an actor trying to make it just like everyone else. He started his career in advertising, signing on to do a Preparation H commercial in the eighties.
Pre-fame Cranston was very serious in the commercial, intently striding towards the camera to inform viewers how they could fix their hemorrhoids with Preparation H. The commercial is so eighties, complete with Cranston donning an ugly tie and giant glasses.
96. Lisa Rinna
Endorsement: Depends
Est. Cost of Product: $19-$25 per box*
Lisa Rinna is a glamorous actress, starring in Real Housewives. She’s also a smart businesswoman, and she knows when to not turn down a deal. Years ago, the adult-diaper brand Depends gave her $2 million to become their spokeswoman.
Who would turn down that kind of money? Rinna agreed, shooting a glamorous, Lisa-Rinna-esque commercial for the brand that became “an iconic moment,” according to Bravo. If you haven’t seen the ad, stop what you’re doing and look it up on YouTube, as it is worth a watch.
97. Charles Barkley
Endorsement: Weight Watchers
Est. Cost of Product: $5 per month for a membership*
NBA star Charles Barkley has always been open about, well, everything. This includes his struggles to lose weight, as the “Round Mound of Rebound” had to fight to keep his weight down when he was in the NBA.
Never shy to poke fun at himself, Barkley signed on years ago to become a Weight Watchers spokesman. The brand’s program worked for him, as he lost 42 pounds. He later joked on a hot mic that WW was a “scam,” as they were paying him to lose weight, something he should’ve been doing for free.
98. Dylan Mulvaney
Endorsement: Bud Light
Est. Cost of Product: $21 for a 30-pack*
Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light deserve a spot on this list, as their pair-up was very unexpected. The beer brand partnered with Mulvaney, a trans rights advocate, in 2023, and the results were disastrous for both parties.
The ad spot didn’t go well, receiving a lot of backlash. Bud Light immediately saw its sales tank, as people boycotted the brand in America. The backlash was so negative, the ad exec who proposed the partnership with Mulvaney was placed on leave because her “rebrand” idea was such a colossal misstep.
99. Khloe Kardashian
Endorsement: Flat Tummy Tea
Est. Cost of Product: $39 for a detox pack*
It’s hard to be a celebrity in the public eye and struggle with your weight. No one knows that better than Khloe Kardashian, who has been open about her troubles finding her own body positivity. Though she’s now known for her grueling fitness regiment, Kardashian apparently lost some of the weight using Flat Tummy Tea.
She advertised this “cleanse” tea a few years ago, receiving a lot of backlash for it. The appetite-suppressing shakes and teas have been highly-criticized, with nutrition experts deeming Flat Tummy Tea a risk for malnutrition and dehydration.
100. Ray Lewis
Endorsement: Snuggie
Est. Cost of Product: $20*
Ray Lewis endorsing Snuggie is a brand partnership that no one saw coming in 2010. Ray Lewis, at the time, was publicizing his new brand of clothing called RL52. RL52 consisted of shirts, hats, jewelry, jackets, and, as you can see, a Snuggie.
While we’re not going to get into Lewis’ legal history here, those who know about his past charges will likely agree that having Lewis promote such a soft, snuggly brand is a bit…unexpected, to say the least.
