No one can deny the charisma and star power of Hollywood celebrities. While signing an advertising deal with big American companies brings a lot of money, overseas commercials have become a source of big income too! These international campaigns are not just hard to turn down, they are also one of the most expensive commercials ever produced!

From gummy bears to telecommunication products, Hollywood stars like Britney Spears and Justin Bieber have sold international products that you’d never catch them selling at home. We have created a list of 60 of the most iconic celebrities who starred in endorsement deals overseas!

Katy Perry - Laundrin

No one could do it like the one and only Katy Perry! Aside from being a music icon, Perry is also one of the most bankable artists in Hollywood. So there is no doubt that her appearance in the Japanese brand, Laundrin was a hit to the Japanese market. 

Looking fabulous in a dalmatian-printed coat, Perry totally sold the commercial by spraying  Laundrin’s latest home fragrance product and just enjoying her time alone in the house. The Japanese brand is known for its various collections of home and car fragrances that provide long-lasting scents wherever you go. With the commercial’s success, Perry definitely makes a perfect global brand ambassador.

Nicolas Cage - Sankyo

The Japanese people surely love the American actor and film producer Nicolas Cage. The amazing actor apparently appeared in the Japanese commercial for the brand Sankyo more times  than you could  imagine! For everyone’s information, the brand is  one of the leading pachinko machine manufacturers in the country. Although the commercials have a different sense of humor, Cage was still able to convey the brand’s “Good luck, Good life” tag line that captured the hearts of many Japanese consumers. 

One of Cage’s most notable Sankyo commercials was about triplet fever! He had the viewers laughing their heads off with his hilarious reactions after finding out that his fans are entirely sets of triplets. From the silver screen to foreign commercials, Cage is really that artist with a wide range of talents and someone who puts his heart into his works.

Bruce Willis -Daihatsu

Daihatsu is one of the oldest Japanese automobile manufacturers that produced unforgettable commercials in its heyday. Of course, with the American action star Bruce Willis as their brand ambassador, the company was unbeatable! Willis did a series of commercials promoting the Daihatsu Mira e:S model.  

Willis totally owned the commercial, exuding with the tough but cool-guy persona he has brought into movies like Die Hard while rambling a few Japanese phrases–which no doubt delighted his fans there. Daihatsu is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Toyota Motor Corporation. Fun fact: the now famous Toyota Avanza was a revamped model of the classic Daihatsu Xenia.

Samuel L. Jackson - Sky Broadband

There is no way you could have missed Samuel L. Jackson’s commercial for the Sky Broadband. The company’s brilliant advertisement was inspired by the film Captain America: The Winter Soldier where Jackson plays his character as Nick Fury. At first, you would actually think that it was a trailer or a clip from the film, until the director said cut!

Jackson’s wit and iconic lines from the commercial were so powerful that many of the viewers started to avail the Sky Broadband Shield. Although Sky Broadband is a product of the United Kingdom, it is one of the most recognized and widely used broadband products in the world.

Mariah Carey -HostelWorld

Just like her wide range of vocal chords, the legendary music diva Mariah Carey also has a wide range of endorsements and commercials. One of them is  her commercial for one of the best hostel companies in the world, HostelWorld. Channeling her inner Miranda Priestly, Carey totally killed the commercial from the moment she stepped out of the car to strutting her way to the concierge. 

Despite being mean after finding out that her team booked her a hostel instead of a hotel, Carey still looked absolutely beautiful. Towards the last scene, Carey was fascinated with what the hostel could offer and ended the commercial singing an amazing song and just living her best life!

Uma Thurman - Virgin Media

No one ever comes close to the beauty of American actress and former supermodel, Uma Thurman. During her younger years, there is no doubt that she was the apple of the eye of many brands in the commercial industry. With her stunning face, Thurman took everyone’s breath away in her 30-second commercial for Virgin Media. 

Although the Hysterical Blindness and Kill Bill star basically only had a few lines during the entire commercial, her words and amazing features were powerful enough to sell the British telecommunication company’s product. Thurman is one of the most bankable artists to date and with the face of an angel, she could turn every brand she endorses into gold.

Johnny Depp - Asahi 

Aside from his successful career in the Hollywood industry, the multi-talented actor Johnny Depp is also one of the most marketable artists when it comes to brand advertisements. With his fame having reached global status even  during his 21 Jump Street and Edward Scissorhands days, the actor also displayed his guitar-playing chops in a commercial for the Japanese beer Asahi. 

Here, after Depp makes a few electrifying strums, he then decides to open a can of Asahi beer,  takes a deep breath and reminds everyone to have the courage to never abandon yourself. It was the money shot for the commercial. With his remarkable influence, it’s not surprising he has other endorsements besides under his belt.

Jeff Goldblum – Currys Christmas Ad

From his monstrous transformation into an insectoid-human hybrid in the The Fly, getting chased by dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park movies and then dooming an alien invasion simply using a laptop in Independence Day, Jeff Goldblum’s versatility continues to garner him fans. The actor is also an accomplished jazz pianist. But because his talent seems to know no bounds, he has also branched out into commercials, notably a series of ads for the British electrical retailer and repairer Currys. 

In one of the clips, Goldblum advises viewers to act in the spirit of Christmas. He even demonstrated how to properly react when opening a Christmas present! Goldblum not only sold the commercial but also saved the spirit of Christmas.

 Cameron Diaz – Softbank

Before iPhones and Samsungs even made it to the market, there was Softbank. Aside from being a successful company during the early 80s, what made them more desirable was their brand ambassador: Cameron Diaz. With Softbank’s iconic commercials featuring Diaz walking through the streets of New York and looking incredible in an evening gown, the Japanese brand was the “it” phone back in the days. 

Despite just talking to the phone during the series of three commercials, people still bought it and the brand was unbeatable! The Charlie’s Angels superstar is a global phenomenon who uses her influence as a powerful tool to inspire and help other people.

David Duchovny –  Siberian Crown

Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing an actor paying homage to his own roots – or maybe what he thought his roots were. Before finding out he was actually  Ukrainian, American actor David Duchovny believed he was Russian. The X-Files actor even starred in a commercial for the Russian beer, Siberian Crown! Duchovny explored his “what ifs” in life in the commercial. 

He played the roles of what could have been his career in an alternate life, including an astronaut.. The advertisement may last for two and a half minutes but it was one of the most meaningful and powerful commercials that was ever made. Duchovny also spoke Russian flawlessly in the commercial. 

Leonardo DiCaprio – Jim Beam 

After playing the unforgettable role of Jack in Titanic, there was no doubt that the incredible Leonardo DiCaprio would go a long way. The Hollywood heartthrob did not only receive awards for his performance but also various brand endorsements! Looking sleek and sharp, DiCaprio appeared in a commercial for  Jim Beam. 

He acted as a bartender preparing an on-the-rock drink that totally nailed the commercial. DiCaprio ended the commercial by saying the company’s slogan “cool bourbon” and it was everything! Although Jim Beam is an American brand, the commercial was also aired in Japan, making DiCaprio a bigger international superstar–if such magnitude is still possible. 

Jennifer Aniston – Heineken

One of the most prominent and top-paid actresses of all time is the one and only Jennifer Aniston. Everyone’s favorite Friend has also ventured in product endorsements here and abroad. For the latter, she did a commercial for the Dutch brewing company, Heineken.

The scene started out very sexy as a man saw Aniston straining to reach  the last two bottles of Heineken, exposing her firm waistline. . He went straight to the American actress  to help–only to grab the beers for himself! It was a comedy of  epic proportions. The commercial was also aired in the United States and some other countries where Heineken is sold.

Lady Gaga – F1 Rocks

The moment Lady Gaga became an international pop singing sensation, everything changed. The “mother monster” made history not just in the world of fashion but also in the music industry. After topping the wmusic charts week after week at the start of her fame, she soon became a household name. 

After Gaga appeared in the promotional commercial for the F1 Rocks in Singapore looking fabulous, there was no doubt that  sold-out concerts were her future. With her popular  song “Just Dance” as the background music for the commercial, it was just on point for the upcoming event. Gaga remains one of the world’s most highly-influential people to date. 

 George Clooney – DnB Bank, Norway

With his handsome face and golden heart, American actor and filmmaker George Clooney definitely makes  perfect husband material! The Hollywood heartthrob was swoon-worthy as a newlywed in Norway’s DnB Bank commercial. Here, Clooney plays a wealthy man  that a woman impulsively marries during a drunken night. She wakes up the next day in a fancy hotel suite  trying to figure out who she’s married to since the photos show the man wearing a mask. 

Looking confused, she tries to look for more clues until the dashing Clooney enters the room. Not surprisingly, she gets the shock of her life, and can only stare in disbelief as her new husband helps her scroll for the love nest of her choice following their honeymoon. A memorable commercial indeed, largely due to the casting coup of the Ocean’s Eleven star. 

Angelina Jolie – Shiseido

When it comes to beauty no one ever comes close to the stunning  Angelina Jolie. From her amazing bone structure to her trademark puffy lips, Jolie has one of the most perfect faces in the world. Interestingly, her name actually means “pretty little angel”! It’s not surprising then that the Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido chose her to endorse their brand. 

Capitalizing on her features, Jolie looked fantastic in the commercials. She even promoted one of the company’s lip gloss products, of course. But the actress’ beauty goes beyond skin-deep. For many years now, she has been a UN Ambassador, focusing on the plight and uplifting the lives of refugees.

Brad Pitt – Softbank

Softbank loves Hollywood celebrities, so it’s no surprise that it signed Brad Pitt for its commercials as well. This time around,  it’s twice the star power because besides having the Inglorious Basterds actor, the commercial was helmed by The Grand Budapest Hotel director Wes Anderson.

In the commercial, The Lost City star looked spectacular in a yellow outfit and seemed to be enjoying his vacation. He also took pleasure in helping other people and taking pictures using the phone’s camera. What gives it away as a Wes Anderson commercial? The vibrant, vintage, old-school color palette, of course!

Hugh Jackman - Lipton Iced Tea

Ever wonder where the Australian actor Hugh Jackman got his moves when he played the lead role in the fantasy drama film The Greatest Showman? Jackman showcased his light-footed  dance moves in the British-owned Lipton tea commercial. For this, Jackman finds himself in a hotel in Japan. While waiting, he opens a bottle of–what else–Lipton Iced Tea.  

The Music Man actor then breaks into  dance–and convinces everyone to join in. From the lobby, to the kitchen, and even the hotel’s hallways, Jackman was able to put up an incredible production number. From that one sip, he was able to embody the brand’s slogan, “drink positive.”

Julia Roberts – Lavazza

Unlike any other artists, Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts has remained on top of the industry ever since she started her career back in 1989. With her outstanding performances and unforgettable roles, Roberts has solidified herself as one of the legendary icons over the years. Her fame landed her on different brand endorsements including the Italian coffee company, Lavazza. 

In the commercial she made for the classic coffee company, Roberts took everyone’s breath away by looking like a goddess! Despite being tired and frustrated, the iconic actress’ face lit up after she got a taste of the classic Italian coffee. As the subject of a painting, The Pretty Woman actor  is a work of art herself. 

Keanu Reeves – Suntory

Canadian actor Keanu Reeves is not your average Hollywood artist. Aside from his numerous accolades and notable films, Reeves apparently has a non-aging face that has blessed the silver screen for decades now. With his youthful features, there is no doubt that he would make a perfect commercial model. 

One of his most unforgettable commercials from his early days as an actor was with the Japanese alcohol brand Suntory. Good-looking as he was, Reeves played the role of a man being seduced by a cat-turned woman. With the commercial’s success, Reeves did not only promote the Suntory Reserve Whiskey but also won the hearts of his Japanese fans.

Harrison Ford – Kirin

One of the highest-grossing actors to date is the legendary American actor Harrison Ford. After his outstanding performance as Han Solo in the epic space film Star Wars, Ford began to receive numerous projects and even brand endorsements! His fame spread throughout the world, so commercials were just a natural addition to the impressive and still growing list of his projects. 

His appearance in the Japanese beer brand Kirin commercial may not make sense to some people but it definitely translated into just having a good time. Ford’s massive influence absolutely makes a good market and good money. Will he crack open a bottle of beer in his highly-anticipated return as Indiana Jones?

Gwyneth Paltrow – Bean Pole

The ever-gorgeous Gwyneth Paltrow never misses to top the lists of the most beautiful actresses in the world. Part of her countless accomplishments as an artist are her numerous brand endorsements and course, her lifestyle brand Goop. Often described as luminous, Paltrow was the perfect model for the Korean clothing brand Bean Pole. 

Classically-dressed in a white turtleneck coupled with a straight skirt, she exchanges coy, flirtatious glances and smiles with a handsome man in the commercial. It’s always a good day to be at the receiving end of her sexy but subtle glances. No wonder The Bard  fell hard for her in Shakespeare In Love!

Dennis Hopper – Tsumura

Dennis Hopper rose to worldwide stardom for his performances in Blue Velvet, Apocalypse Now, Waterworld, and Easy Rider. Aside from his critically-acclaimed films, he starred in various international commercials as well! For the Japanese medical company Tsumura, the actor is featured in a 15-second advertisement as he climbs into a bathtub and enjoys a bath with a rubber duckie! 

The commercial became viral when it was posted on YouTube, for it made people wonder what was going on. What made it even weirder was the fact that Tsumura was a medical company, and the commercial does not relate to it at all! While it seems weird for a lot of viewers, the buzz that the commercial generated surely became a source of promotion for the company!

Charlize Theron – Lux

Speaking of divine beauty, there is no denying that the stunning actress Charlize Theron is one of the most in- demand artists ever since she started her career. Being included in the list of the 100 most influential people in the world, The South African-American actress is a pro when it comes to international commercials. So what commercial did she star in?

Theron appeared in a commercial for the global soap brand Lux. On-point with the brand, the actor luxuriates in the bath before heading off to another red carpet appearance. It’s just another day’s work, but this time there’s no rigorous transformation involved–a feat Theron pulled when she famously shaved off her eyebrows and gained twenty pounds to nab the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Monster. 

Madonna – Takara

After the legendary music icon Madonna started her career in 1982, it was a total cultural reset! With her out-of-this-world music videos, chart-topping songs, and unforgettable looks, Madonna became one of the most influential artists in the world. The “Queen of Pop” has been a global phenomenon with multiple commercial endorsements under her belt. 

The Evita actor  landed a role in a commercial for the Japanese drink Takara. Wearing a traditional Japanese dress, Madonna absolutely slayed the look! Although it was only a short commercial, the Vogue  singer  was mesmerizing to watch as she faced off a golden dragon. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Compare the Meerkat

Before venturing into politics, Arnold Schwarzenegger made his mark on Hollywood through roles in Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator, Running Man and Total Recall. He also forayed into comedy with Jingle All the Way. Clearly wanting to test his versatility outside of action films, Schwarzenegger once again tapped into his comedic side with a commercial for Compare the Meerkat.

Talking to the two anthropomorphic Russian meerkats, Schwarzenegger was forced to give them two tickets for his latest Terminator film sequel, Terminator Genisys. The commercial apparently was also a way of promoting the movie. With his stint as governor of California long behind him, Schwarzenegger is apparently in talks to revive his role in Running Man 2.

Salvador Dali – Lanvin Chocolate

Surrealist artist Salvador Dali has carved a name for himself as one of the greatest painters of the twentieth century. While other artists only enjoyed success within the realm of the arts, Dali made his mark on media and popular culture as well! 

In the 1968 advertisement for the French chocolate Lanvin, the artist is seen in a snowy background, eating chocolate and declaring his love for Lanvin. “Every morning upon waking up, I experience a supreme pleasure: that of being Salvador Dali!” he proudly says in French, while his famous beard moves on its own! 

Scarlett Johansson – Lux

Who would have thought that behind Scarlett Johansson’s badass character in The Avengers is a successful commercial model? A household name since co-starring with Bill Murray in Lost in Translation, Johansson’s Black Widow role in The Avengers cemented her place in pop culture and superhero history. But did you know that she also starred in a commercial for the Japanese brand Lux?  

In the commercials she made for the prestigious company, Johansson showcased her radiant beauty and flawless skin! No ass-kicking from her in this role, just dreamy shots of her silky hair sweeping across the screen sure to make viewers wish to keep tossing their hair in slow motion. 

Richard Gere – Orangina

The Japanese people are known for producing weird commercials that may be  extremely challenging for the western world to understand. Some commercials do not relate to the brand that they are endorsing at all! For his deal with the soda brand Orangina, American actor Richard Gere plays the role of a Frenchman who comes home to his family. 

Set in a picturesque countryside village in France, the commercial follows Gere as he disembarks from a train. He is greeted by his grandson who smiles in excitement. The one minute campaign ends with Gere and his grandson hugging before the logo of Orangina flashes on the screen. 

Ryan Reynolds – BT

vancityreynolds, Instagram/Dan Moller, YouTube
When it comes to unforgettable commercials, Ryan Reynolds’ stint  for the Wi-Fi brand BT is still the one to beat. The Deadpool superstar showed some of his amazing superhero stunts as he jumped into a flying helicopter just to prove how strong the BT wi-fi connection was! Although the commercial only lasted for 27 seconds, it surely was a rush! 

Reynolds is no stranger to commercial advertisements as he is considered one of the highest-grossing actors to date. The commercial was aired in London, England and it was a total blast! Reynolds is also a recipient of numerous accolades so there is no doubt that he could nail every commercial role he landed on. 

 Snoop Dogg – Vybemobile

Global music icon Snoop Dogg did not only change the game in the music industry but also the world of commercials. Aside from being a big name when it comes to music, Snoop Dogg is also a well-known commercial artist. For the German mobile brand Vybemobile, Snoop Dogg surprised everyone by looking so sleek and polished. 

His remarkable transformation was the exact opposite of the Snoop Dogg that everyone knows- very swaggy. Aside from looking great, the “Drop it Like its Hot” singer also sang a German song! Snoop Dog is an international singing sensation with chart-topping songs that continue to inspire so many artists all over the world. 

 Paul Newman – Maxwell Coffee House

Japanese commercials love to feature Hollywood stars to boost the sales of their products! For the international brand Maxwell House’s Japan campaign in the 80s, they married two household names to create an impact: Oscar award-winning actor Paul Newman and the iconic Maxwell coffee! 

The commercial shows a group of people feeling giddy over cake. However, the woman holding it dropped the cake before they could even start the party. In order to save the day, Newman made them coffee to lift their mood! Flashing his world-famous smile, Newman enchanted the crowd with his Maxwell coffee! No one can deny that a cup of good coffee always saves the day!

Cindy Crawford – Pocari Sweat

Supermodel Cindy Crawford ruled from the 1980s all the way to early 2000s with her face and iconic mole appearing in print ads, perfume commercials, numerous brand endorsements as well as magazine covers and the runway! So it’s no surprise that even the Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat tapped her services for their medieval-themed commercial! 

Evoking the feel of a video game set in a fantasy world, Crawford showcases her fighting skills against a green-eyed panther. The commercial has warrior princess written all over it, and after a day of fighting monsters by yourself, wouldn’t you want to replenish with Pocari Sweat?

Sean Connery – L4 Yogurt

Aside from playing the iconic role of British secret agent James Bond, Scottish actor Sean Connery has graced a multitude of commercials here and abroad! For a commercial of a Japanese yogurt named L4, the actor wakes up in a dreamy glass-villa overlooking a swimming pool. 

Connery wears a white robe and smiles after observing the beautiful place. He then takes  a spoonful of the product and says, “excellent!” The 30-second commercial ends with the James Bond actor flashing a smile before the screen features a shot of the product. With Connery’s charisma and good looks, there is no doubt why the product became a hit in Japan! 

Matt Dillon – Frame Denim

Hollywood heartthrob Matt Dillon is the living embodiment of the phrase “fifty and fabulous!” Age is clearly a plus for UK brand Frame Denim when they tapped the dashing There’s Something About Mary actor to feature in their print advertisements. 

In a series of campaign shots, the actor is seen sporting different clothing items from the brand, looking sleek and sexy while posing on a wooden chair. The laid-back photoshoot is set in a simple room with black and white flooring to accentuate the fashions and the physical features of the actor. His effortless demeanor and undeniable charm captures the modern vibe of the Frame Denim brand! 

Britney Spears – Mikakuto Gummy Candy

Everyone agrees that the  Pop Princess’ charisma transcends cultural and language barriers. In a commercial for the Japanese Mikakuto Gummy Candy, Britney Spears is seen dancing inside a pink airplane. She struts her classic moves to the sound of her global hit Sometimes and offers her body guard a piece of the gummy candy. 

Spears’ Japanese fans were ecstatic when they heard the superstar speak their language. The English translation of the commercial’s Japanese script goes: “Like it? I like it! You'll go to enjoy one after another. Gummies you'll savor down to your stomach. They're Konnyaku gummies, so your belly will like it! Delicious and Simple!”

Kevin Bacon – EE

Fans of films like Footloose, Apollo 13, and Friday the 13th will surely agree that Kevin Bacon is a true Hollywood A-lister. He said that himself in his famous commercial for UK brand EE! He opens the 2-minute advertisement by saying, “I am not here to talk about Kevin Bacon Hollywood A-lister, I am here to talk about Kevin Bacon: center of the universe!” Well, he’s not too far off. Who has not heard of the game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? 

Produced by Saatchi & Saatchi London and directed by renowned commercial director Jake Scott, the campaign follows Bacon as he strolls down the street, narrating the importance of connecting with people. He enters a pub and stumbles upon people who are busy using their cellphones. Bacon talks about the different possibilities of communication offered by EE. The commercial ends with a voice over of EE’s slogan: the new network about your digital life!

Ben Stiller – Kirin Fruit Beer

Many Japanese commercials pay tribute to American culture by featuring Americana aesthetics and Hollywood celebrities. Ben Stiller’s Kirin Fruit Beer advertisement is no exception, for it looks like a scene from his blockbuster film Zoolander! It’s a fun and bubbly commercial that captures Stiller’s charisma and the brand’s cool and contemporary vibe. 

The video campaign follows Stiller as he talks about the beverage. Surrounding him is an all-singing and all-dancing cheerleading team with their pom-poms and fun moves. After opening a can of the citrus-flavored beverage, Stiller is frozen in a block of ice only to return back to normal after a football lands in his hand. A pack of football players charges the scene and everyone bursts into smiles while enjoying an ice-cold can of the new Kirin fruit beer!

Lucy Liu – Suntory 

Lucy Liu is not just a Charlie’s Angel, but an international commercial model as well. After signing a deal with Suntory Diet Beer, the actress appeared in a commercial to promote the Japanese brand. The 15-second advertisement shows Liu biking around the city and looking as jolly as ever! 

The actress wears a blue yoga top and bright orange jogging pants, while the people around her exude so much happiness. Thanks to the tune of It’s a Happy Day, the commercial creates a light and vibrant mood, similar to the feeling one gets when enjoying a can of Suntory Diet Beer!

Sylvester Stallone – Warburtons

Sylvester Stallone needs no introduction. With a string of blockbuster movies under his name, he has created a successful career out of his action-packed, high-budget projects. Stallone’s stardom is not just exclusive in the movies, for he has also starred in incredibly-produced commercials. His £18 million campaign with the British company Warburtons showed the lengths they go and the odds they defy to deliver fresh bread on time. 

Directed by Declan Lowney in collaboration with Andy Lee and Johnny Porthouse, the 110-second commercial is entitled The Deliverers and follows the style of an action-movie trailer. It pays homage to Stallone’s best-known films such as The Expendables and Rocky, and follows the action star as he navigates his way from one difficulty to another just to deliver freshly baked bread!

Jackie Chan – Woolworths 

Thanks to his extraordinary martial arts skills, Chinese actor Jackie Chan became a global phenomenon. Starting out as a stuntman, Chan climbed his way to the top, starring in numerous films and even commercials! One of the most notable commercials he ever made was for the Australian brand Woolworths. Chan did not only nail the commercial but also showcased some of his martial arts talents! 

The Rush Hour movie star visited two of the brand’s puppet celebrities and ended up getting into a fight with one of the puppets. It was a hilarious commercial but a totally unforgettable one. Chan remains one of the greatest action stars that ever graced the silver screen. 

Tommy Lee Jones – Suntory Boss Coffee

 Legendary actor Tommy Lee Jones is not just famous for playing unforgettable roles in films like The Fugitive, Men in Black, and Double Jeopardy, he also made waves for playing the role of an alien in a series of commercials for the Japanese brand Suntory Boss Coffee. 

While Jones has created a successful career playing cowboys, law enforcement officers, and modern heroes, his 13-year deal with the brand made him play the role of an alien who loves to observe the different aspects of human life. The collaboration between Jones and Boss coffee became so successful in Japan that even up to this day, vending machines all over the country still carry Boss’ canned coffee with Jones’ face on every item! 

Jodie Foster – Caffe Latte

One way of becoming a successful Hollywood artist is through brand endorsements, just like the American veteran actress Jodie Foster. The Academy Award-winning actor apparently has been in the show business industry ever since she was two years old! Foster started her career as a commercial model for four years and was no ordinary commercial model. 

The Panic Room star was an international sensation with brand endorsements all around the globe including the Japanese coffee brand Caffe Latte. With her massive influence and gorgeous face, Foster was the perfect commercial model for the biggest coffee company in Japan.

 Al Pacino – Sky Broadband

Al Pacino is not just a brilliant actor, but a funny comedian as well! For its advertising campaign, internet company Sky Broadband enlisted the Hollywood icon to share his humor and charisma to their viewers. The advertisement shows two IT experts entering a luxurious estate to fix a client’s internet issue.

It is revealed that the owner of the mansion is none other than Al Pacino, who complains that his computer is very slow. The IT experts explain that the broadband is the problem, and not the computer. Swinging his golf club while standing on a grand piano, Pacino conclusively hit his computer with a golf ball. Poor computer, if only the Scarface actor subscribed to Sky Broadband earlier, he would not be experiencing such a problem! 

Elijah Wood – Toyota 

Thanks to his unforgettable role as Frodo Baggins in the highly-successful Lord of the Rings trilogy, actor Elijah Wood has landed numerous deals and advertisement campaigns across the globe. For the Japanese automobile Toyota, Wood channels a little bit of his Middle Earth magic by starring alongside an animated bunny.

The commercial shows Wood in casual clothes. He parks the Toyota NOAH hybrid and comes out of the car–and then is greeted by Peter Rabbit. The two stare at each other before the camera focuses on Wood’s face, highlighting his expressive eyes that made him perfectly cast as Frodo! 

Andy Warhol – TDK

Pop Art will never be a cultural phenomenon without the genius of Andy Warhol. For his 1982 collaboration with the Japanese brand TDK, the creative genius blurred the line between advertising and performance art by starring in a series of commercials for the video tape label. 

Shot in a studio with a rainbow backdrop, the first commercial features Warhol alongside a model wearing a lioness costume. The artist holds a triangular metal while the lioness poses beside him. The second commercial shows Warhol in his classic black ensemble while holding a television with a rainbow screen. Thanks to his strong fan base, the collaboration between TDK and Warhol became a massive success! 

Nicole Kidman – Compare the Meerkat

Another Hollywood icon that graced the commercial of the British and Australian brand Compare the Meerkat is the gorgeous Nicole Kidman. The commercial started out romantically with Kidman and the anthropomorphic meerkat Sergei on a date. Looking stunning in a black long dress, Kidman was fantastic! 

Their getting-to-know scene was soon interrupted by Aleksandr Orlov, who accused Kidman of stealing his best mate! The multi-awarded actress was included in the list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2004 and 2018. As one of the world’s most talented and highest-paid actresses, she makes a good investment for a brand endorsement. 

John Travolta – Tokyo Drink

In order to revitalize their product, Japanese brand Takara Shuzo enlisted Grease actor  John Travolta to be its sole endorser. The drink was far from trendry during that time and in order to make it more marketable, the company decided to rename it Tokyo Drink.

Thanks to Travolta’s star power and mass appeal, the company’s decision was a game-changer. Travolta, perhaps not surprisingly, showcased his dancing skills that put him on the trajectory to Hollywood success. As he bopped and swaggered to 80s music while surrounded by an all-female group of back-up dancers, the actor then introduced Tokyo Drink as the coolest beverage in town! 

Mr. T – Snickers

American celebrity Mr. T is not just famous for his “tough guy” roles in films and television shows like The A-Team and Rocky III, he is also popular for his catchphrase “I pity the fool!” In a series of commercials for the UK branch of Snickers, the actor played his usual macho character to spread laughter among audiences. 

He is seen chasing a football player, a man speed-walking on the street, and another one who is hesitating to swim in a pool. He then proceeds to crash the place and fires them with a snickers machine gun. While some people find the commercials a little bit controversial, many of his fans still praised Mr. T. for featuring his iconic catchphrase and funny personality!

Hugh Laurie – Schweppes

There is no denying the fact that British comedian Hugh Laurie’s humor is like no other. Aside from his funny man antics, only a few people know that he is fluent in Spanish! For an advertising deal with the brand Schweppes, Laurie wowed audiences with his  Spanish-speaking skills to endorse the brand’s tonic water! In the commercial, he is seen speaking to a  beautiful woman named Pat. He said that he heard a lot of good things about her, but he thought she was dead. 

Speaking flawlessly in Spanish, Laurie offers her a bottle of tonic water. Pat, however, , says she only drinks it at night. Smiling, Laurie answers,  “Too many people drink it at night with the lights off. Moreover, now in Siberia, it’s night!”  So Pat smiles back and accepts the offer.

Daniel Day-Lewis – Kanebo

Known for deep-diving into Method acting for movies such as My Left Foot and The Last of the Mohicans, Daniel Day-Lewis has numerous acting awards to his name. Now, we wonder if he did anything close to his usual approach to his acting projects in this commercial for Kanebo. That’s right, he has one! 

In 1991, he signed a deal with Japanese cosmetics brand Kanebo. Airing only in Japan, the Academy Award-winning actor is seen dipping his hand in the lake to scoop up water. Then he  looks at the camera and declares, “It’s pure.” We’re sold! 

Orson Welles – G&G Whisky

Japanese companies love featuring American celebrities to sell their products. Actor and Director Orson Welles is no stranger to international advertisements. Known for his brilliant roles in Citizen Kane, The Third man, and The Other Side of The Wind, the Hollywood legend also lent his talent to various international brands. 

One of Welles’ unforgettable commercials is from the Japanese Whiskey G&G where he is seen professing his love for the said brand. In the 1-minute video, Welles talks about his passion for making films and the importance of perfection in making them. He takes a sip of the whiskey and says “Perfection! G&G!”

Chuck Norris – T Mobile

Movie fans will always remember Chuck Norris for his unforgettable performances as the main villain in Bruce Lee films like Way of The Dragon, Game of Death, and The Warrior Within. Although he has not appeared in action-packed movies in years, his martial art skills are still as exceptional as ever. 

For the Czech brand T- Mobile, Norris showcased that he still got the moves that made him a pop culture icon! In a series of commercial spots produced by advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi, Norris is seen spending the holidays with a Czech family. Norris gets into some funny moments that comically move away from his tough guy image. In one of the spots, the mother asked him to kill the Christmas carp, but the famous tough guy fainted instead!

James Brown – Nissin

 Soul and funk music legend James Brown was not a stranger to commercials. His commercial appeal and charisma brought great revenues for every brand that he endorsed. He has starred in various endorsements across the globe from McDonald’s to Pepsi Cola to Nissin’s Miso noodles!

While most A-listers are choosy about the products they endorsed, Brown lent his talent to a multitude of products such as beer, pork tenderloin, gin, and even athletic wear, proving that the music icon was a true businessman! For the 15-second commercial of Japanese brand Nissin, Brown is seen wearing a sparkly blue outfit. He pours boiling water into the cup and starts dancing and singing to his hit song Sex Machine.

Willem Dafoe – Frame Denim

It is rare to start a modeling career once you hit your sixties. For Aquaman and Spiderman: No Way Home star Willem Dafoe, it is not an impossible feat to conquer! The versatile actor also became the face of FRAME Denim for its Spring/Summer 2016 collection. ection. 

Photographed by Maciek Kobielski and styled by Jay Massacret, the American actor is seen wearing Frame Denim’s classic jackets, casual tees, denim jeans, and shirt jackets. The campaign remains consistent to the brand’s cool and casual style by featuring photos of Dafoe in a quiet interior holding flowers, eating a piece of melon, and just standing casually and enjoying the mood! 

Edward Furlong – Hot Noodles

Edward Furlong  pretty much sent every teenage girl in the 90s swooning due to his role as John Connor in the sequel to 1984’s Terminator with Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Rising to global fame, Furlong impressed more audiences as he was pitted against critically-acclaimed actors such as Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson and Kathy Bates in the movies Before And After and A Home of Our Own. The young heartthrob was then the perfect fit for the commercial Hot Noodle. 

For the Japanese brand, Furlong is seen wearing a student’s uniform as he runs towards a pretty teenage girl. The girl smiles and drops her bag upon seeing him. While the romantic mood of the commercial sets the viewers expectations that the two will end up kissing, the 15-second campaign ends with Furlong and the girl enjoying a steamy bowl of noodles!

Kyle MacLachlan – Georgia Coffee

American mystery drama series Twin Peaks reached the pinnacle of success and ultimately became an important show in pop culture in the 90s. It starred Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper, who set out to solve the gruesome murder of Laura Palmer in the fictional town of  Twin Peaks, Washington. Due to its cult following, the show sparked many media partnerships, tie-in books, and even a series of commercials in Japan! 

In 1993, a string of commercials for the brand Georgia Coffee featured MacLachlan in the role of Cooper. In the commercials, he is accompanied by a Japanese man named Ken, who tells him about his missing wife Asami. Before they talk about the case, Cooper suggested that they drink some Georgia Coffee–channeling his character’s love for the beverage. Together they had a sip. . .but did they solve the mystery? 

Francis Ford Coppola – Fuji

Way before state-of-the-art phones and smart televisions were used to play music and videos, video cassettes dominated the market. For Japanese brand Fuji, what’s the best way to market their product than to enlist one of the biggest names in the filmmaking industry? 

Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola is not just known for his work on films like Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, and The Rainmaker, he starred in various brand endorsements as well! For Fuji Cassettes, the director is seen caressing a cassette tape, a sensual representation of the close connection between the director and his art form!

Harvey Keitel – Direct Line

The insurance market is not just a tough place, it’s very competitive as well! While most insurance campaigns just focus on price messaging and highlighting their services to the customers, UK company Direct Line took the notch a little higher for their multi-million campaign starring the great Harvey Keitel! 

In the 30-second commercial, Keitel reprised his unforgettable role as The Wolf  from Quentin Tarrantino’s 1994 blockbuster Pulp Fiction. Dressed in a black suit, Keitel approaches a group of girls who complain about a broken car. He asks if their insurance is Direct Line, and tells them to call the company to arrange a hire car. Direct Line’s tagline flashes before the commercial ends: “A hire car from when yours is out of action. As standard.” 

 Marcia Cross – Rooster Potatoes

Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross brought Hollywood glamor to UK brand Albert Bartlett Rooster Potatoes! Directed by award-winning commercial director Paul Weiland, the catchy and campy advertisement is made to look like a hair product campaign! It shows Cross flipping and touching her famous ginger hair, and all of a sudden, an agent pops up to sell her some rooster potatoes!

Known for its delectable taste, the potatoes can be baked, roasted, turned into chips, and much more! Thanks to the creative team behind the commercial, the campaign became  a hit among young consumers. The commercial also led to an impressive sales rate! 

Justin Bieber – Softbank

The fact that superstar Justin Bieber has starred in numerous international commercials cements his status as a global icon. For the Japanese brand SoftBank, the pop sensation teams up with viral internet star Pikotaro, also known as the Pen Pineapple Apple Pen Man. The campaign features Bieber in a blue ensemble, looking as handsome as ever. 

It is set in a typical Japanese school, where Bieber is seen playing the piano. He starts to sing his worldwide hit What Do You Mean and it drives the students crazy over his presence. While the commercial is only intended for the Japanese market, Bieber’s fans from all over the world found out about it–making it go viral! 

Sources: BestLife, Buzzfeed, The Daily Beast, Ranker, Stylecaster, The Richest