Classic Commercial Icons

I don’t know about you, but I love some of the old commercial character icons of the past. I remember watching them throughout the years. Later, my children became mesmerized when they appeared on the screen.

Tony the Tiger, the friendly, loveable, talented, and boastful mascot for Kellogg‘s Frosted Flakes was one of my favorite advertising icons. He came to the screen in 1951 and spanned several generations. But, did you know he competed with Katy the Kangaroo, Elmo the Elephant, and Newt the Gnu, for his honored position. I love his characteristic deep bass voice, declaring his delight with the familiar “They’re Grrrrreat!” catchphrase.

Another cereal icon favorite was Toucan Sam with his large orange-red-pink-and-black bill yhat helped him sniff out his favorite fruit-flavored cereal, beginning in 1963. The tropical parrot “follows his nose … it always knows”. Toucan Sam lived in the jungle, guiding his friends to Fruit Loops. Later, Toucan Sam’s nephews helped him outwit dastardly enemies like mad scientist Dr. Peacock, Blackbeak The Pirate, and the Greedy Witch Doctor.

The little frog with the big voice, Dig ‘Em, was introduced as the Honey Smacks icon in 1972. He loved the sweetened puffed wheat cereal. Dig ‘Em was a friendly prankster who liked to play tricks, especially on adults.

The Trix Rabbit began his lifelong quest to enjoy a bowlful of the fruity cereal in 1957. In his words, he just can’t resist those fruity flavors of raspberry red, lemony lemon, orangey orange, wildberry blue, grapity purple, and watermelon. Unfortunately, his tricks always met with the same refrain, “Silly Rabbit, Trix are for kids.”

Snap! Crackle! Pop!, the tiny gnomes appeared in Rice Krispies ads in the early 1930s. Snap! wears a baker’s hat, Crackle!, a red or striped stocking cap and Pop!, a dashing military hat.

In Finland, they’re called Poks! Riks! Raks!, in Mexico, Pim! Pum! Pam!, and in Germany, their names are Knisper! Knasper! Knusper!.

Poppin’ Fresh is a short, pudgy character, the color of unbaked dough, with bright blue eyes, smiling face, and a wonderful giggle. The Doughboy became the face of Pillsbury products in 1965. He was my son’s favorite toy as a baby. He was soooo lovable.

And, we cannot forget Mr. Peanut, with his top hat and monocle, who arrived on the scene long before I was born in 1916. He has been with us for a long time and never outstays his welcome.

The Jolly Green Giant, with his toga outfit of leaves, green skin, and impressive stature, is also a favorite. The friendly giant came on the scene in 1925 and has been around ever since. He works hard valley. I have eaten many of his vegetables, and each helping brings the “ho, ho, ho” voice to my ears.

And last, but not least is the jolly, frosty, smiling pitcher who surfed, jet-skied, played guitar, and starred in his own comic book series and computer game. The “Kool-Aid Man” has quenched our thirsts with Kool-Aid, since 1954. He was voted Favorite Icon, and was honored with a footprint ceremony at Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood (he wears a size 15XL). My kids were “Koolie Kids”, were you a “Koolie Kid”?