Who are the actors in the Old El Paso commercial?
A closer look at the familiar faces behind the taco brand’s memorable ads
(By Carmichael Phillip)
The Legacy of Old El Paso Advertising
Old El Paso has been one of the most recognized Mexican-inspired food brands in the United States, Canada, and the UK for decades. Known for its taco kits, tortillas, salsas, and spices, the brand has relied heavily on commercials to promote not only its food but also its family-oriented, lighthearted image.
These commercials often feature warm, humorous, and relatable characters—sometimes played by professional actors, sometimes by celebrity guests. The casting choices are central to why so many viewers remember Old El Paso ads long after they’ve aired.
The “Why Not Both?” Girl – Mia Agraviador
Perhaps the most famous Old El Paso ad ever made is the one featuring a young girl who solved a family debate between soft and hard tacos by suggesting, “¿Por qué no los dos?” (“Why not both?”). The girl, Mia Agraviador, became an internet sensation.
Filmed in Australia in 2007, the ad became a global meme years later, with her simple but charming line used as a punchline for countless debates online. Mia, originally from the Philippines but raised in Australia, had no idea she would achieve worldwide recognition for such a short appearance. Today, she occasionally acknowledges her internet fame but leads a private life away from the entertainment spotlight.
Celebrities in Old El Paso Campaigns
Old El Paso has also brought well-known actors and celebrities into its commercials, particularly in the UK and Canada.
Dani Harmer – Best known for her role as Tracy Beaker in the popular British children’s series, she appeared in a UK-based Old El Paso campaign.
Jack Whitehall – The comedian and actor lent his voice to Old El Paso’s humorous TV spots.
Hollywood Cameos – On occasion, Old El Paso has experimented with higher-profile guest stars, though usually in limited regional campaigns.
The brand often uses humor, nostalgia, and family-friendly celebrity personalities to boost its message of fun, sharable food experiences.
Community Casting and Everyday Families
Not all Old El Paso commercials rely on professional actors or celebrities. Many ads feature ordinary families cast specifically to look like “your neighbors.” These ads, often shot in kitchens or backyard barbecues, highlight the communal and family-oriented values tied to tacos and shared meals.
Producers of these commercials have emphasized authenticity, sometimes bringing in multicultural households to reflect the diverse audiences who buy Old El Paso products. This relatable casting helps viewers imagine themselves at the table, laughing and enjoying taco night.
Behind the Scenes: Casting Choices
The casting process for Old El Paso commercials depends heavily on the market. In the U.S. and Canada, casting agencies often choose multicultural families that represent the brand’s wide audience. In the UK and Australia, humor and quirky personalities are prioritized.
Advertising agencies working with Old El Paso, such as General Mills’ creative partners, have explained in interviews that the “faces of the commercials” are meant to be relatable first and foremost. While some memorable actors have emerged from the ads, the goal has always been to showcase a lifestyle rather than a single spokesperson.
How Old El Paso Ads Became Internet Culture
The “Why Not Both?” ad is the clearest example of how Old El Paso commercials transcended their original marketing purpose to become pop culture phenomena. Meme culture embraced the line for everything from food debates to political arguments.
Actors like Mia Agraviador unknowingly became cultural icons, with the commercial shared millions of times across platforms. For Old El Paso, this represented a kind of accidental viral marketing that continues to this day.
The Impact of Familiar Faces on Branding
Advertising experts point out that memorable faces—whether celebrity or child actor—create trust and relatability. For Old El Paso, the combination of authenticity, family-friendly humor, and warm performances has built decades of loyalty.
Audiences may not always know the names of the actors, but they remember the laughs, the taglines, and the shared family experience. This emotional connection is what keeps Old El Paso as a leader in the Tex-Mex food market.
Conclusion: The Cast That Keeps Tacos at the Table
From everyday families to meme-worthy child actors and celebrity cameos, the actors in Old El Paso commercials are a diverse group with one common goal: to make taco night look irresistible.
While some, like Mia Agraviador, achieved viral fame, others quietly played their part in building a warm, inviting brand identity. Whether you’ve laughed at the “Why Not Both?” girl, recognized a celebrity cameo, or simply enjoyed the feeling of family togetherness, Old El Paso’s commercials prove that casting is just as important as the food being sold.
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