Over the years, several performers and actresses have left a lasting impression on Wendy’s commercials.
From seasoned performers to rising stars, these performers have been integral to the brand’s success.
Here are the most well-known Wendy’s commercial actors and actresses, the adverts they appeared in, and the roles they played.
1. Dave Thomas
From the 1980s until his passing in 2002, Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, appeared in more than 800 ads for the company.
Dave’s friendly nature connected with the audience, highlighting Wendy’s dedication to serving made-to-order dishes and fresh, never-frozen beef.
His appearance in the ads was crucial in making Wendy’s the respectable fast-food restaurant company it is today.
2. Clara Peller
Clara Peller, a television personality, played the role of the feisty old citizen in Wendy’s commercials. Where’s the Beef? was her popular catchphrase, which captured the country’s attention in 1984.
She quickly became well-known for her memorable comment, which questioned the size of the beef patty in rivals’ burgers.
Her outstanding achievement earned Wendy’s a special place in the fast-food industry. The campaign’s effectiveness increased the company’s profits by 31% to $945 million globally in 1985.
In addition to Wendy’s, Peller starred in a commercial for Prego spaghetti sauce. According to the Los Angeles Times, her decision to do commercials for the sauce company led Wendy’s to terminate her contract in 1985.
3. Morgan Smith Goodwin
Morgan Smith Goodwin, renowned for her vibrant red hair and upbeat demeanor, played “Wendy’s Girl” in the company’s ads between 2012 and 2016.
She appeared in numerous Wendy’s commercials, such as:
- Wendy’s Salads, Wedding
- Wendy’s Pulled Pork on Brioche, Barbecue System
- Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger, Jury Duty
- Wendy’s Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad, Summer in a Bowl
As the face of the campaign during her time with the company, she represented Wendy’s dedication to using high-quality, fresh ingredients while promoting new menu items.
4. Reggie Bush
NFL star Reggie Bush wasn’t just making plays on the field; from 2013 to 2022, he scored big in Wendy’s commercials. Some of the ads he featured for the company include:
- Wendy’s Breakfast Superfan Commercial
- Wendy’s Biggie Bag Commercial
- Pretzel Pub Bacon Cheeseburger Commercial
The campaigns buzzed with energy and excitement with Bush on board, making every Wendy’s meal feel like a game-winning touchdown.
5. Nick Lachey
Recall 98 Degrees’ Nick Lachey? In 2013, he contributed his charisma and singing talent to Wendy’s pretzel bacon cheeseburger commercial campaign titled Pretzel Love Songs.
The promotion urged customers to tweet using the hashtag #PretzelLoveSongs about their experiences with the pretzel bacon cheeseburger.
The campaign led to a 31% boost in Wendy’s stock price, helping the firm meet its three percent same-restaurant sales target.
In addition to Wendy’s, Nick has done commercials for Axe, AAA Insurance, No MORE Project, DisneyNow, and Q Wunder.
5. Kristen Wiig
Before hitting it big on Saturday Night Live, Kristen Wiig starred in a Wendy’s commercial, Summer of 99 Cents, in the early 2000s.
In this memorable ad, she played a Wendy’s worker savoring the company’s new line of salads. Wiig made the salads look healthy and genuinely appealing with her trademark comedic flair.
This early role showcased her ability to bring humor and charm to everyday situations, hinting at the stellar comedy career just around the corner.
Besides Wendy’s, the comedian was also featured in Target commercials, where she was known as the Target Lady.
7. Bill O’Neil
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Bill O’Neil brought his charm to TV in 2022 as the skinny blond cashier Tyler in a series of Wendy’s commercials.
His quirky and memorable performance in those ads added a fun twist to grabbing a burger and fries.
8. Kathryn Feeney
Your beloved Wendy’s spokesperson, Kathryn Feeney, is more than simply the face of those clever ads. She is an actress in the television series Mr. Iglesias and Where’d You Go, Bernadette.
She has appeared in Wendy’s commercials, such as the Baconator ads alongside Reggie Bush and Regie Miller.
9. Reggie Miller
Former NBA player Reggie Miller has appeared in several Wendy’s commercials, most recently in The Square Hamburger commercials.
In these clips, Reggie cheerfully praises Wendy’s famous square burgers. These commercials showcased his versatility and ability to connect with audiences.
The former NBA player has also been featured in Miller Lite and State Farm commercials, where he appeared alongside Caitlin Clark and Jimmy Butler.
10. Willie Earl Jr
Willie Earl Jr is the Black manager and adds a lot of charisma and vigor to a few of Wendy’s advertisements.
He has been featured in numerous Wendy’s commercials, such as the Orange Dreamsicle Frosty and the Two Quarterbacks, starring football player Caleb Williams.
Willie’s comedy enables him to connect with audiences and makes the advertisements stand out.