Who is the Actor in the Liberty Mutual “Say the Line” Commercial? (Tanner Novlan)

By Carmichael Phillip

  • Who is the Actor in the Liberty Mutual “Say the Line” Commercial?

    Tanner Novlan returns as Liberty Mutual’s memorably awkward “Liberty Biberty” actor in the Truth Tellers campaign.

    (By Carmichael Phillip)

    Quick Summary: The actor in Liberty Mutual’s “Say the Line” commercial is Tanner Novlan. He reprises the intentionally incompetent commercial actor who became famous for accidentally saying “Liberty Biberty” instead of Liberty Mutual. In the new advertisement, people recognize him and repeatedly encourage him to deliver his famous line.

    Quick Facts

    • Brand: Liberty Mutual Insurance
    • Commercial title: “Say the Line”
    • Campaign: Truth Tellers
    • Featured actor: Tanner Novlan
    • Character: The struggling “Liberty Biberty” actor
    • Air date: Spring 2026
    • Setting: A waterfront location overlooking the Statue of Liberty
    • Exact filming location: Not publicly confirmed
    • Product promoted: Bundled Liberty Mutual insurance
    • Famous line: “Liberty Biberty”
    • Commercial style: Self-referential character comedy
  • Who Is the Actor in “Say the Line”?

    The actor in the Liberty Mutual “Say the Line” commercial is Tanner Novlan. The Canadian actor is widely recognized for playing Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan on the daytime television series The Bold and the Beautiful.

    Novlan has also become famous for playing Liberty Mutual’s struggling commercial actor. The character first appeared while attempting to film an insurance advertisement in front of the Statue of Liberty.

    He repeatedly forgot or mispronounced his dialogue, eventually saying “Liberty Biberty.” The mistake became so memorable that Liberty Mutual brought the character back for several additional commercials.

  • What Happens in the Commercial?

    In “Say the Line,” Novlan’s character has become recognizable because of his earlier advertising failure. People approach him and encourage him to repeat the phrase they associate with him.

    When someone tells him to “say the line,” the character misunderstands the request and responds literally. The joke continues the established idea that he is handsome and confident but unable to follow simple acting directions.

    The commercial also promotes the possibility of saving money by bundling insurance with Liberty Mutual. The character’s popularity attracts attention, while the narration communicates the actual offer.

  • Acting Breakdown

    Tanner Novlan plays the role with exaggerated confidence and carefully controlled confusion. He behaves as though he is a talented celebrity even when he completely misunderstands what people want him to say.

    His straight-faced delivery is essential to the humor. Novlan never appears to realize why “Liberty Biberty” became famous. He treats every mistake as a professional performance.

    The actor also uses pauses, puzzled expressions and a deep, overly dramatic voice to make the character memorable. His commitment prevents the commercial from feeling like an ordinary insurance presentation.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Who plays the Liberty Biberty actor?
    The character is played by Tanner Novlan.

    Is Tanner Novlan a real soap-opera actor?
    Yes. He plays Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan on The Bold and the Beautiful.

    Why does he say “Liberty Biberty”?
    The phrase originated when his fictional actor character repeatedly mispronounced Liberty Mutual while filming a commercial.

    Is “Say the Line” part of a series?
    Yes. It is part of Liberty Mutual’s Truth Tellers campaign and continues the story of the struggling actor.

    Where was the commercial filmed?
    The advertisement uses Liberty Mutual’s familiar waterfront setting with the Statue of Liberty visible. The precise production location has not been publicly disclosed.

    When did the commercial air?
    The advertisement was released during spring 2026.

    Is Doug in the “Say the Line” commercial?
    The principal performer is Tanner Novlan’s struggling-actor character. Doug is a separate Liberty Mutual character played by David Hoffman.

  • Why Tanner Novlan Keeps Returning

    The original Liberty Biberty advertisement created an instantly recognizable character. Viewers remembered Novlan’s voice, confused expression and ridiculous mistake long after the commercial ended.

    Liberty Mutual can now reference that history without explaining it in detail. Fans understand why people ask him to repeat the line, while new viewers can still appreciate the character’s literal misunderstanding.

    The campaign is also an example of an actor turning a brief commercial role into a recurring advertising character. Novlan’s performance has become nearly as recognizable as Liberty Mutual’s LiMu Emu and Doug partnership.

  • Authoritative External Link

    For official information about Liberty Mutual’s automobile, home and bundled insurance products, visit the official Liberty Mutual Insurance website.

  • Related Links

  • Final Thoughts

    The actor in Liberty Mutual’s “Say the Line” commercial is Tanner Novlan. He returns as the struggling actor whose famous “Liberty Biberty” mistake transformed him into a recurring advertising character.

    Novlan’s exaggerated confidence, literal thinking and deadpan delivery make the brief commercial memorable. What began as a joke about a bad actor has become one of Liberty Mutual’s most recognizable campaign storylines.

    Carmichael Phillip is a managing editor of Acting Magazine. In addition to editing, Mr. Phillip is a writer, coordinator and creative director.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • Actor Profile: Keke Palmer

    Actor Profile: Keke Palmer From Akeelah and the Bee and Nope to Verizon, Google and Starry, Keke Palmer has grown from child performer into one of entertainment’s most versatile stars (By Carmichael Phillip)…

    Actor Profile: Patrick Mahomes

    Actor Profile: Patrick Mahomes The Kansas City Chiefs superstar has become one of advertising’s most recognizable athlete-performers (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Patrick Mahomes is a superstar NFL quarterback for the Kansas City…

    Actor Profile: Milana Vayntrub

    Actor Profile: Milana Vayntrub The actress behind AT&T’s Lily Adams turned commercial comedy, improv and voice acting into a remarkably versatile career (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Milana Vayntrub is an American actress,…

    Actor Profile: Donald Faison

    Actor Profile: Donald Faison From Scrubs and Clueless to T-Mobile, Donald Faison has turned comic timing, friendship and natural charisma into a remarkably durable career (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Donald Faison is…

    Actor Profile: Terrence Terrell

    Actor Profile: Terrence Terrell Meet the Emmy-winning actor behind Progressive Insurance’s unforgettable half-man, half-motorcycle character, Motaur (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Terrence Terrell is an American actor, writer, director and author best known…

  • Ad

  • Actor Profile: Jon Hamm

    Actor Profile: Jon Hamm From Don Draper to Carvana, Mercedes-Benz and Progressive, Jon Hamm has turned effortless authority and dry humor into a remarkably versatile career (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Jon Hamm…

    Actor Profile: Glen Powell

    Actor Profile: Glen Powell From Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters to Ram Trucks, Glen Powell has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable modern leading men (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Glen Powell is…

    Actor Profile: Blair Underwood

    Actor Profile: Blair Underwood From L.A. Law to Lexus, Blair Underwood has built a career defined by intelligence, authority and understated screen presence (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Blair Underwood is an American…

  • Ad

  • Actor Profile: Anthony Anderson

    Actor Profile: Anthony Anderson From Black-ish to T-Mobile and Arby’s, Anthony Anderson has built one of television’s most recognizable comedic careers (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Anthony Anderson is an American actor, comedian,…

    Actor Profile: Paul Mabon

    Actor Profile: Paul Mabon Meet the veteran actor and improviser behind Alan in Progressive Insurance commercials (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Paul Mabon is an American actor, comedian and poet who is widely…

    Actor Profile: Bill Glass

    Actor Profile: Bill Glass The actor and improv veteran behind Progressive’s mustachioed Parenta-Life Coach, Dr. Rick (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary Who is Bill Glass? Bill Glass is an American actor, comedian and…

    Actor Profile: Natalie Palamides

    Actor Profile: Natalie Palamides The fearless comedian behind Progressive’s Mara built her career through clowning, improv, voice acting and unconventional one-person shows. (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Natalie Palamides is an American actress,…

    Actor Profile: Jim Cashman

    Actor Profile: Jim Cashman Meet the actor, comedian and writer behind Jamie in Progressive Insurance commercials (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Summary: Jim Cashman is an American actor, comedian and writer best known for…

  • Ad

  • Actor Profile: Dean Winters

    Actor Profile: Dean Winters The actor behind Allstate’s Mayhem built a career spanning gritty drama, sharp comedy and one of advertising’s most recognizable characters. (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Answer Who is Dean Winters?…

    Happy Coach – State Farm Commercial (Kevin Miles, Curt Cignetti)

    Happy Coach – State Farm Commercial (Kevin Miles, Curt Cignetti) Curt Cignetti tries to show his excitement while Kevin Miles, better known as Jake from State Farm, explains the Personal Price Plan. (By…

    Wings | Liberty Biberty | Liberty Mutual Insurance Commercial (Actor Tanner Novlan)

    Wings | Liberty Biberty | Liberty Mutual Insurance Commercial (Actor Tanner Novlan) Tanner Novlan returns to Liberty Mutual’s “Liberty Biberty” universe as the joke that made him famous becomes a full-fledged advertising character….

  • Ad

  • Progressive | “Tuning In” Commercial – Dr. Rick (Actor Bill Glass)

    Progressive | “Tuning In” Commercial – Dr. Rick Bill Glass returns as Dr. Rick to help young homeowners navigate streaming services, remote controls and another familiar symptom of “turning into your parents.” (By…

    Actor Profile: Kevin Miles

    Actor Profile: Kevin Miles The actor behind Jake from State Farm turned persistence, classical training and commercial work into one of advertising’s most recognizable roles. (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Answer Who is Kevin…

    Actor Profile: David Hoffman

    Actor Profile: David Hoffman The actor behind Liberty Mutual’s Doug built his career through improv, television, film and years of commercial work. (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Answer Who is David Hoffman? David Hoffman…

    Who Are the Actors in the T-Mobile “Treadmill” Commercial? (Zach Braff and Donald Faison)

    Who Are the Actors in the T-Mobile “Treadmill” Commercial? (Zach Braff and Donald Faison) The longtime Scrubs co-stars return as T-Mobile’s enthusiastic Home Internet neighbors. (By Carmichael Phillip) Quick Answer Actors: Zach Braff…

    Who Is the Actor in the T-Mobile “Guarantee Switch and Save” Commercial? (Ben Barnes)

    Who Is the Actor in the T-Mobile “Guarantee Switch and Save” Commercial? (Ben Barnes) Ben Barnes returns as T-Mobile’s charming British spokesman in the 2026 “Guarantee Switch and Save” campaign. (By Carmichael Phillip)…

  • Ad