Who are the actors in the More You Know commercial?
Exploring the iconic PSA campaign and the many stars who brought it to life
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Summary
The More You Know commercials are not traditional product ads but public service announcements (PSAs) from NBCUniversal that feature a wide range of well‑known actors, TV personalities, journalists, and entertainers delivering meaningful, educational messages. Over the decades, the campaign has included stars from Friends, Law & Order, Saved by the Bell, NBC News anchors, and current NBCU talent — all appearing in brief spots aimed at raising awareness on issues like kindness, education, diversity, and community engagement.
The Origin of “The More You Know”
“The More You Know” is one of television’s longest-running and most beloved public service campaigns. First launched by NBC in 1989, the campaign was designed to educate audiences—particularly young viewers—about issues ranging from literacy and education to diversity, health, and community involvement. What set it apart from other PSAs was its simplicity: a well-known actor, standing in front of a dark backdrop, delivering a brief but meaningful message that ended with the now-iconic rainbow shooting star and the phrase, “The More You Know.”
Over the decades, the campaign has featured an extraordinary lineup of actors, comedians, musicians, journalists, and even political figures, each lending their voice and presence to highlight social issues. The strength of the campaign lies in its credibility: when a familiar face tells you about the importance of kindness, education, or civic engagement, the message lands more deeply.
Quick Facts: The More You Know Commercials
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Campaign Name: The More You Know
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Origin: Launched by NBC in 1989 as a PSA series.
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Purpose: Educational and public‑service messaging on social issues.
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Featured Talent: Actors, journalists, and celebrities from across NBC, Peacock, and universal entertainment.
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Notable Appearances: Tom Brokaw, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Aniston, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, and many NBC news anchors and stars.
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Modern Participants: Contemporary NBCU talent from TV and streaming continues the tradition with PSAs addressing topics like mental health, kindness, and acceptance.
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Format: Short, impactful clips often ending with the iconic rainbow graphic and tagline.
Famous Actors Who Have Appeared
One of the most striking aspects of “The More You Know” is the sheer variety of actors who have participated. Stars from NBC shows across decades often appeared, making the PSA campaign a showcase of the network’s talent.
Tom Brokaw – As one of NBC’s most trusted news anchors, Brokaw lent his authoritative voice to several spots on education and literacy.
Kelsey Grammer – Known for his role as Dr. Frasier Crane, Grammer delivered heartfelt messages about family and communication.
Jennifer Aniston – During the height of Friends, Aniston appeared in a spot encouraging young people to stay in school.
Will Smith – At the height of his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fame, Smith brought charisma and humor to his PSA.
Denzel Washington – One of the campaign’s most memorable appearances, Washington spoke about the importance of community and helping others.
These are just a handful of the many stars who stood in front of that iconic backdrop, but each brought a unique energy to the role.
How NBC Leveraged Its Own Stars
NBC cleverly used “The More You Know” as a way to reinforce its brand identity. Actors from NBC’s most popular shows—Friends, Frasier, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Saved by the Bell, and Law & Order—were regular participants.
This served a dual purpose:
It kept the PSA campaign relevant, since audiences recognized and admired the actors.
It gave NBC an additional avenue to showcase its stars in roles that extended beyond scripted entertainment.
By seeing their favorite actors step out of character and address important issues, viewers felt a closer bond with both the actor and the network.
Memorable Appearances from the 1990s
The 1990s were a golden age for “The More You Know.” The campaign’s style was instantly recognizable, and the participating actors made lasting impressions.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved by the Bell) spoke directly to teens about resisting peer pressure.
Tiffani Thiessen also from Saved by the Bell, encouraged kindness and inclusivity.
Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) contributed a PSA about civic responsibility.
Courtney Cox and Matthew Perry (Friends) each appeared in separate PSAs that promoted education and responsibility.
This era is especially nostalgic for many viewers because it featured so many actors at the height of their fame, delivering messages that felt both authentic and culturally relevant.
The Campaign’s Expansion Beyond NBC
While NBC originated “The More You Know,” the campaign eventually expanded to include actors and celebrities outside the NBC roster. Musicians, athletes, and even U.S. Presidents appeared in spots that gave the campaign additional legitimacy. For example, First Lady Hillary Clinton appeared in a 1990s PSA encouraging children to read, while President Barack Obama contributed a message decades later, underscoring the campaign’s bipartisan, inclusive spirit.
This inclusivity broadened the campaign’s reach and ensured that its messages resonated across audiences of all ages and political affiliations.
Why Actors Participated
For many actors, appearing in a “The More You Know” commercial wasn’t just a contractual obligation—it was a chance to use their fame for good. These PSAs allowed them to show audiences another side of themselves, one rooted in sincerity and compassion.
Participation also reinforced their connection to fans. When an actor known for comedy paused to speak seriously about education, viewers saw them in a new light. This built trust and expanded their personal brand beyond their fictional roles.
The Impact of the Campaign
The longevity of “The More You Know” proves its effectiveness. The PSAs became cultural touchstones, parodied on comedy shows, referenced in films, and widely recognized even by people who couldn’t recall specific commercials.
What made them impactful was their consistency. The same shooting star graphic, the same music cue, and the same delivery style made each PSA instantly recognizable. This allowed the focus to remain squarely on the actor and the message.
FAQ: The More You Know Commercials
Who are the actors in The More You Know commercials?
The More You Know features a rotating roster of actors, journalists, musicians, and media personalities — from Tom Brokaw and Kelsey Grammer to Jennifer Aniston and Denzel Washington — who appear in short PSAs delivering educational and socially relevant messages.
What is The More You Know?
The More You Know is a long‑running PSA campaign from NBCUniversal that aims to educate viewers on issues like literacy, diversity, kindness, health, and civic engagement through brief, celebrity‑voiced announcements.
How long has The More You Know been on TV?
The campaign debuted in 1989 and continues today, evolving to include television, streaming, and social formats.
Why do famous actors appear in The More You Know spots?
Celebrities participate to use their platforms for public good — lending their recognition and credibility to important educational and social messages that benefit audiences.
Are the The More You Know commercials still made today?
Yes — NBCUniversal continues the campaign with new PSAs featuring contemporary talent addressing timely issues such as mental health, kindness, and social awareness.
Do these spots promote products?
No — unlike traditional commercials, The More You Know PSAs share informational messages rather than advertise consumer products.
Where can I watch The More You Know PSAs?
These announcements air on NBCUniversal networks and streaming platforms like Peacock, and are often shared on social media and TheMoreYouKnow.com.
Modern-Day Participants
Even today, “The More You Know” remains active. Modern NBC stars, such as those from This Is Us, The Office, and Saturday Night Live, have continued the tradition.
Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore appeared in spots tied to This Is Us.
Kenan Thompson of SNL brought his comedic charm while delivering important messages.
Sterling K. Brown focused on themes of diversity and empathy.
The campaign’s continued relevance shows that, even in a digital age dominated by social media, a straightforward PSA still has power.
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