Who is in the Gillette razor commercial?
A look at the faces behind Gillette’s powerful marketing campaigns
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Gillette, one of the most recognizable brands in men’s grooming, has long been known for its memorable commercials. These ads are often packed with emotion, athleticism, and social commentary. But just as iconic as the brand’s messaging are the people who star in its commercials—famous athletes, actors, and even regular men whose stories resonate with audiences across the world.
So, who are the faces behind Gillette’s razor commercials? Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most notable names featured in their campaigns over the years.
The Gillette “Best Men Can Be” Campaign – A Shift in Direction
In 2019, Gillette made headlines with its bold “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be” commercial, which tackled issues of toxic masculinity, bullying, and harassment. The video became one of the most talked-about ads of the year.
The ad featured a montage of scenes depicting traditional masculine behavior—some negative, like boys fighting or men talking over women—and others encouraging change. The commercial was voiced by actor Peter Jacobson, known for his role as Dr. Chris Taub on the TV show House. His narration provided a calm yet firm voiceover that set the tone for the ad’s message.
Example:
Jacobson’s line: “We believe in the best in men. To say the right thing, to act the right way…” emphasized the brand’s new direction.
This campaign marked a pivotal moment where Gillette shifted from traditional product-focused ads to value-driven storytelling.
Famous Athletes in Gillette Ads – The Power of Celebrity Endorsement
Gillette has a long-standing tradition of working with famous athletes to promote its brand, showcasing themes of performance, discipline, and grooming excellence.
1. Roger Federer – The tennis legend was part of Gillette’s Champions campaign in the late 2000s. His poised demeanor and global popularity made him a natural choice.
2. Tiger Woods – Before his personal controversies, Tiger Woods was a prominent face of Gillette, representing confidence and excellence.
3. Thierry Henry – The French soccer icon appeared in multiple Gillette spots, especially in international markets.
4. Derek Jeter – The New York Yankees superstar added an American touch to Gillette’s “Champions” campaign.
These athlete-led commercials typically emphasized themes like “precision,” “control,” and “the art of shaving,” tying in performance both on and off the field.
The Gillette Labs Series – The Modern Everyman
More recently, Gillette launched its Gillette Labs series of razors, which came with new commercials highlighting not just elite athletes but relatable, modern men.
One example is the ad titled “A Quick & Easy Shave”, which features a regular guy getting ready in a sleek, futuristic bathroom. Though the actor is not a celebrity, his image is relatable—clean-cut, confident, stylish.
Example:
In this commercial, the actor uses the Gillette Labs Heated Razor while upbeat, motivational music plays in the background. The actor, while not named publicly, is part of Gillette’s effort to promote sleek tech and luxury grooming without needing an A-list face.
Real People, Real Stories – A New Approach
Gillette also rolled out commercials that featured real men and real stories, including dads teaching their sons how to shave and men discussing body image and self-care.
In one ad, Samson Bonkeabantu Brown, a Black transgender man and activist, was featured shaving for the first time with his father’s support. This was a groundbreaking move by Gillette and widely praised for representation.
Quote from Brown:
“I’m glad I’m able to share my story with the world. I always wanted my transition to be seen as something positive.”
Gillette’s shift to highlighting diverse stories reflects a broader change in advertising—one focused on connection and inclusion.
Gillette’s Voiceover Artists – Who Narrates These Commercials?
In addition to recognizable faces, Gillette commercials often rely on strong voiceover talent. As mentioned earlier, Peter Jacobson narrated the “Best Men Can Be” ad.
Other ads have featured professional voice actors with deep, resonant voices to deliver impact. While Gillette doesn’t always publicize these names, fans online have identified voice artists such as:
Redd Pepper – A British voice actor known for trailers and commercials, rumored to have voiced several UK Gillette ads.
Dave Pettitt – A popular voiceover talent known for dramatic delivery.
Scott Rummell – An American voice actor who has worked on various ad campaigns and could be behind the voice in some Gillette commercials.
These voices play a crucial role in setting the tone, whether it’s inspirational, authoritative, or comforting.
From Humble Beginnings – Vintage Gillette Ads
Gillette commercials have come a long way. The earliest ones were simple, black-and-white segments featuring pitchmen showing off the blade’s sharpness and comfort. One such actor was Jim Backus, the voice of Mr. Magoo and the millionaire on Gilligan’s Island, who appeared in Gillette radio and TV spots in the 1950s.
Example:
In a 1955 TV ad, an actor demonstrates shaving with the slogan: “Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp!”
These early ads focused more on the blade’s precision than on storytelling, but they laid the foundation for the emotional advertising Gillette uses today.
Gillette’s Future – Who Will Be Featured Next?
As Gillette continues to adapt its branding for modern audiences, the question remains: Who will star in the next big campaign? With trends leaning toward:
Inclusivity
Diversity
Authentic storytelling
…it’s likely we’ll see more real people, social media influencers, and possibly even AI-generated or interactive personalities.
One rumored campaign is said to feature college athletes now able to profit from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Expect fresh, young faces representing the brand.
Conclusion – The Face of Gillette is Evolving
From sports legends like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods to brave real-life voices like Samson Brown, Gillette commercials showcase a wide range of personalities who embody the brand’s evolving message. Whether it’s challenging gender norms, promoting performance, or celebrating the everyday man, Gillette has mastered the art of using its platform to reflect—and shape—modern masculinity.
And while not every commercial features a household name, the faces and voices in Gillette’s ads continue to spark conversation and resonate with audiences around the globe.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.