Kevin Spacey—Honda
Spacey has a great vocal cadence that’s ideal for voice-over work, something he’s managed to master in his film career (he does the voice-over in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects) as well as for major advertising gigs. That’s his voice hawking the latest Honda models in national commercial spots, something he’s done since 2006.
John Krasinski—Verizon Blackberry Storm
Krasinski has nailed the deadpan look into the camera on his hit show The Office, and his voice offers that same guy-in-the-next-cubicle tone in Verizon’s latest TV spots for its Blackberry Storm. To hear about the latest Blackberry benefits from a guy who sounds like he’s familiar with the product is a bonus.
Gene Hackman—Lowe’s
You’ve probably heard Hackman more than you’ve seen him recently, thanks to his voice-over work for Lowe’s Home Improvement store ads, a gig he’s held on to since 2002. That kind of vocal longevity can be rare, so you’re forgiven if the actor’s vocal talents have been lost on you over time.
Zach Braff—PUR Water Filter Commercials
Braff's is the voice inside your head that could drive you crazy if not placed. And why? Because as “Dr. John ‘J.D.’ Dorian” on Scrubs, his voice-overs drove the show. Now that voice drives the ad campaign for PUR water filters as Braff literally speaks as water with quips like, “I’m water. I shouldn’t be trapped in a bottle. I’ve got things to do. Trees to grow. Thirsts to quench . . .” Braff’s tone is totally easy to swallow, that’s for sure.
Nailing down that talking product or logo in a commercial can be like solving a puzzle, especially when those actors aren’t really going for recognition in this line of work. But hearing our favorite celebrities promoting goods we actually use is half the appeal. Plus, hearing someone famous other than Morgan Freeman offers a nice change of pace too.
Updated September 29, 2010
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
