Who is the That’s How You Kohl’s actress?
Unveiling the face behind the memorable “That’s How You Kohl’s” campaign
(By Carmichael Phillip)
When you hear the tagline “That’s How You Kohl’s,” you’re likely recalling the cheerful voice, the stylish flair, and the big friendly persona helping shoppers find exactly what they need (and maybe what they didn’t know they needed). But who is the actress bringing that character to life?
Let’s dive into the story of the campaign, the actress behind it, her background, and why this role matters more than you might think.
The actress behind the campaign
The “That’s How You Kohl’s” campaign is fronted by American actress Ellie Kemper, who is cast as the character “Kohl’s Mom” — a relatable, savvy, stylish figure guiding shoppers through the store’s offerings.
According to a corporate press release, Kohl’s introduced the “Kohl’s Mom” campaign in the spring of 2025 with Ellie Kemper embodying the part.
In an exclusive interview, Kemper said that the role is essentially an extension of her real-life persona: “I will not be doing any acting in the role, because I am basically a Kohl’s mom in real life.”
So yes — when you see the commercial, that’s Ellie Kemper.
Ellie Kemper — Background & Career Highlights
Ellie Kemper Interview Highlights
Ellie Kemper was born May 2, 1980 in Kansas City, Missouri.
She attended Princeton University and briefly studied at Oxford.
Her rise to fame came via television:
She played Erin Hannon on the long-running sitcom The Office (2009–2013) where her upbeat, slightly quirky secretary character was well-received.
She then starred as the title character in the Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2019) where she played a woman rebuilding her life after surviving a cult.
Beyond television, she’s appeared in films like Bridesmaids (2011), 21 Jump Street (2012) and others, giving her a broad range between comedy and more dramatic work.
Wikipedia
With that background, she brings an approachable energy — exactly what Kohl’s seeks in a spokesperson: someone relatable, funny, grounded — yet with star quality.
The “That’s How You Kohl’s” Campaign: What it is & Why it Matters
The campaign titled “That’s How You Kohl’s” is a brand-personality push by Kohl’s, using the “Kohl’s Mom” character (Ellie Kemper) to embody the shopping experience: stylish, practical, fun, family-friendly. According to the company release: “Kohl’s Mom champions the busy moms who value trend, quality and affordability in the way they shop.”
In one commercial listed by iSpot, the tagline appears directly: “That’s How You Kohl’s.”
In another back-to-school variant, Ellie Kemper again appears as “Kohl’s Mom” helping families prepare for the new year.
Why it matters:
It moves beyond simply showing clothing racks and deals. The brand is giving viewers a character to connect with.
By casting Kemper — someone who already carries a “mom-friendly,” relatable vibe — they anchor the campaign in authenticity.
The message aligns with Kohl’s core shoppers: families, parents, style-conscious but budget-aware.
So when you see the ad and hear “That’s How You Kohl’s,” you’re also connecting with the idea that this is how you do it — the smart way, the stylish way, the practical way.
What This Role Means for Ellie Kemper & Her Brand
Ellie Kemper Styling & Campaign Behind‑the‑Scenes
For Kemper, stepping into the “Kohl’s Mom” role aligns nicely with her public persona and personal life. In the People magazine interview it was noted: “As a busy mom herself, Ellie Kemper is a real-life Kohl’s Mom, who juggles being an actress, writer, and comedian with being a mom of two.”
Some remarks she made:
“I would say the main difference is that I don’t necessarily in real life interact with customers as much as [this] Kohl’s Mom does.”
People.com
She also emphasized she prizes comfort in style—something many shoppers at Kohl’s relate to.
So for her:
It’s not just another ad — it taps into her identity.
It gives her broader visibility beyond her film and TV roles, into mainstream advertisement and family-oriented branding.
For Kohl’s, associating with her adds a layer of trust and recognizability.
Takeaways for Viewers and Shoppers
Ellie Kemper – Kohl’s Mom Back‑to‑School 2025
Here are some quick takeaways now that you know who is behind the campaign:
When you see a Kohl’s commercial featuring an upbeat, mom-friendly character saying “That’s How You Kohl’s,” that’s Elllie Kemper playing Kohl’s Mom.
The campaign aims to make shopping at Kohl’s feel less transactional and more experiential — you’re being guided by someone who gets it.
It underscores the value proposition: trendy styles, family-friendly, budget-aware — all wrapped in a character who is trustworthy and fun.
For you as a viewer/consumer, it means the next time you see the ad, you might feel a bit more connected: it’s not just a commercial, it’s a friendly voice telling you “this is how you do it.”
It’s also worth noting that these kinds of personas in advertising are becoming more common — brands want characters, not just models; they want spokespeople who feel like people you could know. And Ellie Kemper fits that mold.
In Summary
If you’re wondering “Who is the That’s How You Kohl’s actress?” — the answer is Ellie Kemper. She plays the character “Kohl’s Mom” in Kohl’s 2025 campaign centering around the “That’s How You Kohl’s” tagline. With her background in TV and film, her real-life persona as a mom, and her relatable style, she brings authenticity to the role. And for Kohl’s, she becomes the face that helps carry their brand message of style + savings + family.
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