We all watch commercials. You can’t avoid them (you can’t DVR users… you just can’t). Recently there have been a bunch with recurring characters. I was interested in seeing who played whom. And here they are…
Flo: Stephanie Courtney
She is a comedienne and member of the Groundlings, an LA based improv group. Wikipedia says, “It takes an hour for Flo’s hair to be prepared, and another hour for her makeup to be applied.” Removing beauty doesn’t come easy!
The World’s Greatest Spokesperson in the World (Nationwide): Bob Wiltfong
I have already written how this series of commercials is like chalk on a blackboard to me. Bob Wiltfong is a comedian and alum of The Daily Show, though I don’t remember him. His IMDB entry lists few credits like playing Executive #1 on a 30 Rock episode. I’m guessing his income really spiked in 2010.
Have I mentioned how annoying I find this character? Good.
Verizon Test Guy: Paul Marcarelli
These commercials aren’t currently running, but since he’s from North Haven it only seemed fair to mention him. In April the NY Times reported him selling his 2-bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village for $1.255 million. Things can’t be too bad.
He’d better not have an iPhone!
GEICO boss: Brian Carney
Brian Carney is Art Carney’s son! I really don’t think I need to add anything beyond that… not that I could. He has a sparse IMDB entry and no Wikipedia listing. I’ve read a few news stories that say he does mostly voice work. For sure he has a distinctive voice.
GEICO Gecko: Jake Wood
Jake Wood is a British actor who has worked steadily including nearly 500 episodes of the EastEnders. He’s unrecognizable here… except by voice. I guess he’s more recognizable than Brian Carney.