U.S. Advertising Icons Trivia Quiz

Answer: Ronald McDonald

Ronald McDonald, the "hamburger-happy clown", made his TV debut in 1963. He was played by none other than Willard Scott who went on to fame as the weatherman on the 'Today' show. Ronald looked a bit different in the early days. He had curly blond hair, a fast-food tray for a hat, and a paper cup for a nose.

His transformation over the years must have been a success because there are McDonald's restaurants world-wide.

Answer: Coppertone

Before warnings about skin cancer entered the public's awareness, artist Joyce Ballantyne Brand created a little girl in the image of her three-year-old daughter Cheri. When the ad went from magazine to television, actress Jodie Foster, making her acting debut, became the Coppertone girl.

As child nudity became less acceptable over the years, Coppertone changed the drawing to reveal only the little girl's back.

Answer: Joe Camel

Joe Camel was originally created for an ad campaign in France during the 1950s. In 1991 the new Joe Camel ads angered children's advocacy groups, who claimed that the cartoon ads were aimed at children, although R.J. Reynolds denied this despite the fact that the company's marketing team was asked to update the image of Joe. R.J. Reynolds wanted the updated version because the company felt that the Camel brand was associated with being an old man's brand. Tobacco advertising aimed at children was banned in 1998. R.J. Reynolds is no stranger to lawsuits.

There is still controversy surrounding the cigarette company and its ads.

Answer: Pillsbury Dough Boy

In the 1970s a soft doll replica of the Pillsbury Dough Boy, or Poppin' Fresh, came out in stores and I actually bought one. He really was quite cute, all dressed in white with his baker's hat. The original version was created in 1965 and became an animated advertisement that used a stop-action technique, unique for that time. Actor Paul Frees, who provided the voices of other animated cartoons during the 1960s and 1970s, lent his voice to little dough boy.

Answer: Gerber

Contrary to popular beliefs, the baby is not Humphrey Bogart or Elizabeth Taylor. The sketch is that of Ann Turner Cook, who later became a teacher and author. When Gerber first set out to find a picture of a baby to place on the label of their food jars in order to promote sales, Dorothy Hope Smith provided the winning sketch.

Although Gerber originally wanted a real picture, they liked Smith's sketch so much they left it exactly as it was. In 1996, the company updated its look, but the label still uses Cook's baby face.

Answer: Betty Crocker

In 1936 artist Neysa McMein blended the faces of several female employees to create the likeness of Betty Crocker. Betty's face has changed over the years. She's been made to look younger, more professional, and more multicultural to reflect the changing times.

Answer: Juan Valdez

The Doyle Dane Bernback ad agency went looking for the right man for the company's image. They found him. The image of Valdez was so successful that the company incorporated it into their logo. Juan Valdez was first played by José Duval. From 1969-2006 Carlos Sanchez took over the role.

Answer: Mr. Whipple

The Charmin ads ran from 1965 until 1989. The marketing team of Benton & Bowles Advertising figured that if Mr. Whipple was constantly breaking his own rule then viewers would assume that Charmin must be the softest toilet paper on the market. British actor Dick Wilson played the role of Mr. Whipple.

Answer: Aflac

Aflac Duck was the brainchild of art director Eric David. He discovered how much the name Aflac sounded like a quacking duck when he repeated the name over and over. For many years actor Gilbert Gottfried provided the voice for Aflac Duck until he was fired in 2011. Daniel McKeague now provides the voice.

Answer: Baked Beans

Jay Bush's own dog was too camera-shy to appear on TV so a stunt double was hired to fill in for the TV spots and the gigs on the road. Naturally both dogs are sworn to secrecy.