Who are the actors in the new Aflac commercial?
The faces behind Aflac’s latest ad campaign
(By Carmichael Phillip)
The star‑players: who appears in the new Aflac ad
In the newest television commercial from Aflac — the spot titled Duck Dunk — several well‑known athletes and media personalities make cameo appearances alongside the iconic Aflac Duck.
The actors/celebrities credited in this commercial include:
Dawn Staley — head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team.
Andraya Carter — ESPN and SEC Network analyst and WNBA reporter.
Allisha Gray — WNBA guard for the Atlanta Dream and a two‑time WNBA All‑Star.
These faces represent a deliberate push by Aflac — through a partnership with the creative agency Dagger and interns at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) — to spotlight women’s sports and equity in athletic recognition.
Why these choices matter: Aflac’s intent behind “Duck Dunk”
By featuring Dawn Staley, Andraya Carter, and Allisha Gray, Aflac clearly aimed to highlight and elevate women’s athletics, particularly women’s basketball — a demographic and sector often underrepresented in major brand advertising. The choice underscores a commitment to equity: for example, the ad includes a symbolic prize‑money check given to Allisha Gray by Aflac — a pointed nod to historic disparities in compensation between male and female athletes.
Moreover, involving SCAD interns and the creative agency Dagger signals that Aflac is investing in fresh creative talent — not just established actors or conventional spokespersons — perhaps to inject originality and genuine cultural relevance into their campaigns.
Other recent Aflac ads: more familiar faces and icons
The “Duck Dunk” commercial isn’t the only recent Aflac advert. In another series of 2024–2025 ads, Aflac resurrected a partnership with prominent college‑football figures: Nick Saban and Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders have appeared alongside the Aflac Duck in spots such as Everybody Wants Aflac.
For example, the ad titled Coaching Contemplations from 2025 credits Nick Saban as the “Coach” — indicating that Aflac continues to lean on recognizable sports personalities to communicate its message.
What “new” really means for Aflac: evolving strategy in ad casting
So, when people talk about the “new” Aflac commercial — what they’re likely referring to is this shift marked by “Duck Dunk.” Rather than relying solely on veteran coaches from men’s sports like in prior campaigns, Aflac appears to be diversifying its roster:
Featuring women athletes and sports commentators, expanding representation beyond traditional male‑dominated sports advertising.
Incorporating creative talent from art & design students/interns (via SCAD/Dagger), suggesting a tilt toward innovation and cultural relevance rather than star power alone.
Continuing to use the Aflac Duck icon — to keep brand continuity — while pairing it with people who reflect a broader, perhaps younger or more diverse audience.
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