The other day we highlighted a pair of classic John Madden ads for McDonald's. Today let's look at Emmanuel Lewis pitching Burger King.
It is a canny move to have Lewis hold that Whopper; it looks huge in his hands. Is it just me, though, or is there something smug about Lewis' 1980s persona? He always was right on that border of cloying and cute, but sometimes he came off as a little too satisfied with himself. I guess the idea is, awwww, he's so cute! Just look at him! And, yeah, that does kind of work.
The fact is, anyone adult doing this kind of ad based on being a star ought to have tongue planted more firmly in cheek. Child stars get away with it, or so goes the assumption, because they are supposed to precocious. It doesn't always work with me, though!
How old do you think Lewis is here? The spot is labeled as from 1984, and he was born in March 1971. Maybe it was filmed in early 1983, but I think it's safe to assume he is at least 12 and probably closer to 13.
(For more on my thoughts on this, check out our bonus episode on child additions to TV shows)
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