Patty Duke Stars In Corny Social Security TV Commercial
There Once Was A Girl Who Watched TV...
There I was, sitting on my couch watching my HD television, when the show paused for a commercial break. Completely understandable.
Sometimes I use the breaks to get odd jobs done around the house, however that day I watched the commercials. Better yet, I actually paid attention. I laughed as well.
One commercial featured a family at a table, sitting down to eat a large turkey dinner. The elevator music and fake tone of the actors caught my attention immediately. The actors discussed Medicare benefits and backed the U.S. Social Security Administration for funding the benefits. The website "www.socialsecurity.gov" appeared along the bottom of my HD screen.
I was hooked. Corny lines and instrumental tunes, what more could you ask for? I found the commercial on YouTube. 7,270 views as of today. Hey, not bad!
Then I found out more details. The feature actor in the commercial was Patty Duke. Seriously. Not only that, the "family" surrounding her at dinner were the cast of her TV show "The Patty Duke Show."
Um, Excuse Me, Who Is Patty Duke?
Patty Duke has starred in several movies, both on the big-screen and on television. Like many actors, she began her career in commercials. Here we see her work run full circle.
Her popularity sky-rocketed when she starred for three years in "The Patty Duke Show," which premiered in 1963. The TV show lasted for three seasons and Duke was nominated for an Emmy for her role.
Fast Forward to Today
Today Duke is a star of the commercial promoting the socialsecurity.gov website. The majority of the cast from "The Patty Duke Show" joins her around the dinner table for a fake-feeling reunion.
Now I don't know about you but when I sit around the table for a fancy dinner, I don't tend to talk Medicare. Maybe that's just me.
Patty Duke Show Family Reunion
Let's Talk Turkey... No, I Mean Benefits
The commercial sends viewers the message that by signing up for benefits through the U.S. website, American residents will be able to process their applications quickly with little hassle. The agony of standing in a long line-up or taking a number and waiting can be avoided through the online application process.
By featuring Patty Duke in the lead role, an element of authenticity is added for all who recognize her. If Duke endorses the process, viewers may be more inclined to believe the website attractive and pursue it further.
As for me, I live in Canada and the website offers little detail to which I can relate. I am, however, suddenly craving turkey.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Would You Be More Likely To Use The U.S. Government's Social Security Webite After Watching The Commercial?
Ah Laughter
- What does it mean when one says, laughter is the best medicine
Laughter is the best medicine. Not cough syrup, Advil, or the chicken soup your mother said would alleviate your flu.
Comments
AUTHORYes the trend for using celebrity status is on the rise! Thanks teaches12345 for taking a read, I appreciate it!
- AUTHOR
Hi Posh, thanks for coming by to read and comment. Good point that celebs may back products that may be not be up to par. Depends on the product and the celebrity at hand. Your compliment has me smiling!
There are a lot of commercials such as insurance, medicare, mortgage rates, etc. that are using famous "older" actors to endorse commercials. Some I respect and would consider, others I just ignore. I agree with you that the turkey looks wonderful!
Celebs these days will endorse any old product or service if they are paid highly enough. It is a sad fact that they need to earn a buck as we do. Just because someone famous endorses a product doesn't mean it is a good product. Many people may think so. Bucks for the celeb and for the company.
You certainly know how to put a good hub together Christy.
- AUTHOR
Thanks Cammie for taking a read! I would be interested to know if more people went to the website after the commercial aired. The celebrity status certainly does help.
- AUTHOR
Hehe Hi April, thanks for stopping by to read. Now I wonder if it is real turkey or "prop" turkey in the commercial...
I'm craving turkey too...
There is nothing like using a famous actor to endorse something. Especially when the target audience is as spot on as this. Patty Duke, elderly, talking with and to other elderly folks to endorse something that the elderly would be looking into. Wow
Interesting hub! Voted up!
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