Celebrity endorsements are nothing new, but sometimes stars lend their faces—and their reputations—to products so odd, you can’t help but wonder what they were thinking. From the bizarre to the downright hilarious, these celebrity-backed items will have you scratching your head and maybe even reminiscing about some questionable purchases.
1. Joe Namath’s Beautymist Pantyhose
Yes, Broadway Joe, the football legend, once modeled pantyhose in a TV ad to prove how comfortable and stylish they were. The sight of the rugged quarterback lounging in sheer tights was enough to make fans both chuckle and blush.
2. Orson Welles and Frozen Peas
The legendary actor and director famously recorded a commercial for frozen peas, but his dramatic disdain for the script in outtakes became even more famous. “In July?!” he fumed, leaving us all wondering why anyone thought this was a good fit.
3. Jaclyn Smith’s Kmart Clothing Line
In the 70s, when TV’s “Charlie’s Angels” star Jaclyn Smith launched a line for Kmart, it seemed bizarre. But baby boomers quickly discovered it was actually a hit—proving even superstars could bring style to a discount aisle.
4. Frank Sinatra’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Old Blue Eyes crooning about cookies? Believe it or not, Sinatra was famously and vocally a huge fan of Regina biscuits, sometimes called sesame cookies, to the point that it was famously his go-to snack.
5. Burt Reynolds’ Hickok Belts
The 70s heartthrob endorsed a line of belts, emphasizing rugged style. Burt was undeniably cool, but let’s be honest—few people remember the belts; they just remember him posing shirtless in that bearskin rug photo.
6. O.J. Simpson and Hertz Rental Cars
Before his infamous legal troubles, O.J. was sprinting through airports in Hertz commercials. It seemed like a perfect match for his athletic persona, but in hindsight, it feels more than a little awkward.
7. Farrah Fawcett Shampoo
With her iconic feathered hair, Farrah was the queen of 70s beauty trends. Her shampoo line promised you could achieve her luscious locks—if you ignored the fact that her look was mostly blow dryers and hairspray.
8. Suzanne Somers’ ThighMaster
In the 90s, Three’s Company star Suzanne Somers became the face (and legs) of the ThighMaster, a piece of exercise equipment that promised toned thighs and a fit physique. The commercials were unforgettable, with Suzanne demonstrating the gadget’s “easy” use while delivering her signature charm. While undeniably gimmicky, the ThighMaster became a pop culture phenomenon—and probably still lurks in a few closets today!
9. Sylvester Stallone’s High-Protein Pudding
The star of Rocky decided to corner the health market in the 90s with a line of protein-packed pudding. While the product was aimed at fitness buffs, fans weren’t exactly clamoring for “Sly’s” creamy creations.
10. Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds Perfume
Few celebrity endorsements have been as iconic as Elizabeth Taylor’s for her White Diamonds fragrance. With her elegant demeanor and dazzling Hollywood glamour, Taylor made perfume commercials feel like mini-movies. Her famous line, “These have always brought me luck,” became as timeless as the fragrance itself, making it a best-seller for years. White Diamonds wasn’t just a perfume; it was a piece of Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy.
11. William Shatner’s Commodore Computers
Captain Kirk selling home computers? In the early 80s, William Shatner boldly went where few actors had gone before, touting the wonders of Commodore. The tech might have been clunky, but Shatner’s charm almost made it work.
12. Michael Jackson and Suzuki Motorcycles
The King of Pop’s pairing with Suzuki motorcycles in the 80s left many scratching their heads. A smooth criminal on a two-wheeler? It felt less like a match and more like a marketing leap off the handlebars.
These quirky endorsements are a testament to a simpler time when celebrity tie-ins could make or break a product. Love them or laugh at them, they’re unforgettable pieces of pop culture history—and maybe even a little reminder of our own oddball purchases. Did you fall for any of these? Be honest—we won’t judge!
