You Won’t Believe Which Iconic Stars Got Their Start in Fast Food Commercials

Michael J. Fox (1961), best known for his role as Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, also appeared in a hamburger commercial. In 1980, he starred in a McDonald’s commercial where he played a boy who got his first kiss from a girl while eating McDonald’s. This commercial was one of his first screen appearances before he became a television star in “Family Ties” (1982 - 1989) and a film icon thanks to “Back to the Future” (1985).

Sarah Michelle Gellar (1977), best known for her role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, began her career very early. In 1981, at just four years old, she appeared in a Burger King commercial. This was an important experience for Gellar that helped open doors to the acting world. Besides “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997 - 2003) she is also known for films like “Cruel Intentions” (1999)

Before becoming the darling of romantic comedies, Meg Ryan (1961) appeared in a Burger King commercial in 1982. In this commercial, she played a server who cheerfully serves hamburgers to customers. This small role was one of her first steps into showbiz. Meg Ryan later became famous for films such as “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) and “You’ve Got Mail” (1989)

Jason Alexander (1959), known to many as George Costanza from the series “Seinfeld” (1989 - 1998) also started in fast food commercials. In 1985, he appeared in a McDonald’s commercial where he danced and sang about the joys of hamburgers. Besides “Seinfeld,” he has also appeared in series like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2000 - 2024) and "Desperate Housewives (2004 - 2012).

In 1989, long before he won an Oscar for the screenplay of “Good Will Hunting” (1997) and became Batman, Ben Affleck (1972) shot a commercial for Burger King. In this commercial, he played a young boy who takes an order from a girl and delivers her food. Besides “Good Will Hunting,” he is known for films like “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016)

For many actors, fast food commercials were the gateway to the entertainment world. These short spots provided them with their first experiences in front of the camera and introduced them to a wider audience. Although few remember these commercials today, they were an important step on the road to stardom for their protagonists.