We see their faces on the big screen, winning Oscars and commanding our attention with their dramatic performances. But sometimes, the most memorable roles these actors play are the ones we never actually see them in. They are the voices behind our favorite animated characters, the unseen narrators who add depth and emotion to a 30-second spot.
Lending their voice to an advertisement is a unique art form. It requires an actor to convey personality, humor, and emotion using only their vocal cords. Here are five famous actors who have done just that, becoming the unforgettable voices of some of the most iconic animated ad campaigns.
1. J.K. Simmons: The Heart of the Yellow M&M for Decades
When you think of the M&M's characters, you probably have a specific voice in mind for each one. For the sweet, slightly clueless, and endearingly optimistic Yellow M&M, that voice belongs to the Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons.
Long before he was terrifying audiences as J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man or compelling them as the ruthless music teacher in Whiplash, Simmons was bringing a beloved candy character to life. His portrayal of Yellow is a masterclass in vocal acting. He infuses the character with a gentle, Midwestern warmth and a touch of innocent bewilderment that makes him instantly lovable. Whether Yellow is getting into trouble with his sarcastic friend Red or trying to understand the complexities of the world, Simmons's voice is the constant, reassuring presence that has defined the character for decades.
Hear the voice of the Yellow M&M:
J.K. Simmons as the Yellow M&M in Compilation:
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Simmons's work for M&M's is a perfect example of how a great actor can elevate a commercial character into a beloved icon. His voice is instantly recognizable, yet he completely disappears into the role, making us believe that a small, animated candy could have such a big, warm heart.
2. Antonio Banderas: The Suave Bee of Nasonex
For years, a familiar, charming, and slightly accented voice has been asking us a simple question: "Nasonex, the bee?" That voice belongs to the one and only Antonio Banderas.
The Spanish actor, known for his passionate roles in films like The Mask of Zorro and Pain and Glory, brought his signature charisma to the role of the animated bee in the long-running Nasonex allergy medication commercials. The bee, a playful personification of the nasal spray's active ingredient, could have been a simple, forgettable mascot. But with Banderas's voice, he became something more: a suave, slightly mischievous, and undeniably charming little guy.
Banderas's performance is all about tone. He uses his naturally warm and engaging voice to make the bee feel like a helpful friend, not a corporate pitchman. He glides through the commercials with an effortless cool, making the information about allergy relief go down as smoothly as his accent. It's a brilliant piece of casting that turned a potential annoyance into a beloved part of pop culture.
Listen to the suave bee:
Antonio Banderas as the Nasonex Bee:
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3. Morgan Freeman: The Voice of God (Literally) for Doritos vs. Mountain Dew
Is there any voice on Earth more authoritative, more comforting, or more instantly recognizable than that of Morgan Freeman? He has narrated documentaries, played presidents, and even voiced God himself. So, when Doritos and Mountain Dew wanted to create a Super Bowl commercial with a truly epic, biblical scale, there was only one choice.
The 2020 commercial, a brilliant parody of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, features Freeman as the narrator, setting the stage for a terrifying showdown. But the "horror" is hilariously mundane: a man is locked in a room with only a giant bag of Doritos and an ice-cold Mountain Dew to sustain him. Freeman's voice, usually reserved for matters of grave importance, is used to describe the man's snack-fueled descent into madness.
Hear the voice of (snack) god:
Morgan Freeman in Doritos vs. Mountain Dew "The Shining" Parody:
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The genius of the ad is the contrast. Freeman's deeply serious, authoritative narration is applied to a completely absurd, silly situation. The result is comedic gold. He elevates the mundane act of snacking into an epic, almost spiritual journey, and the joke lands perfectly because it's his voice delivering it.
4. George Clooney: The Invisible Elegance of Budweiser
Before he was a global movie star, George Clooney was a jobbing actor, and that included lending his unmistakable voice to one of America's most iconic brands. For several years in the mid-2000s, Clooney was the unseen narrator for a series of beautifully crafted Budweiser commercials.
These ads, often featuring the brand's beloved Clydesdale horses, were cinematic mini-movies. They relied on stunning visuals and an emotional score to tell stories of friendship, loyalty, and tradition. Clooney's voice was the perfect complement. His warm, measured, and slightly gravelly tone added a layer of gravitas and sophistication to the spots. He wasn't selling beer; he was telling a story, and his voice made you want to listen.
Experience Clooney's narration:
George Clooney Narrates Budweiser Commercial (2005):
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Clooney's work for Budweiser is a prime example of how a famous voice can elevate an advertisement without being the star. He was the invisible presence that tied the visuals together, adding depth and emotion without ever overshadowing the story. It's a testament to his skill as a performer that he could command attention with just his voice, even when his face was nowhere to be seen.
5. Billy West: The Sarcastic Soul of the Red M&M
While J.K. Simmons gives the Yellow M&M his heart, the Red M&M gets his sharp, sarcastic wit from the legendary voice actor Billy West. West is a titan of the industry, known for voicing iconic characters like Stimpy (The Ren & Stimpy Show), Philip J. Fry and Professor Farnsworth (Futurama), and countless others.
His work as the Red M&M is a perfect showcase for his talents. Red is the cynical, world-weary foil to Yellow's optimistic naivete. He's the one who rolls his eyes at the absurdity of it all, the one who delivers the sarcastic one-liners that make the commercials so funny. West's voice is incredibly expressive, able to convey a universe of sarcasm and disdain with a single syllable.
Listen to the voice of Red:
J.K. Simmons, Billy West, and Phil Hartman as M&M's:
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The dynamic between West's Red and Simmons's Yellow is the heart of the M&M's campaign for decades. They are a classic comedic duo: the straight man (Red) and the lovable fool (Yellow). West's contribution is immeasurable; he gave Red a voice that is instantly recognizable and endlessly entertaining, making him one of the most beloved animated characters in advertising history.
Conclusion: The Unseen Stars
These five actors demonstrate the incredible power of voice in advertising. J.K. Simmons, Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman, George Clooney, and Billy West have all used their unique vocal talents to create characters and narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep level. They are the unseen stars, the voices that live in our heads long after the commercial is over, proving that sometimes, the most memorable performances are the ones we only hear.
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