Search
 
  Site Index
  TV Resources
  TV Character Bios
  What's New?
  Our Theme Song
  Archives
  About Us
  Abbreviations
  Acknowledgements
  Contact Us
  On-line Store
 

 
Home > Index Advertising > Mascots (People) > Old Spice Sailor
       
  Advertising Mascots - People    
       
 

Old Spice Sailor - Clean-shaven, nice smelling sailor from the Old Spice After Shave Lotion and Cologne commercials aired on television during the 1970s and 1980s. In each commercial, a sailor wearing a dark blue wool jacket and a cap saunters off a ship carrying a duffle bag over the shoulder. His destination is always a good looking woman. As the handsome yet rugged sailor walks through the streets, we hear an anonymous whistler softly whistling the Old Spice theme song. Late night talk show host Johnny Carson spoofed the commercial on one of his Mighty Carson Art Players skits. Instead of searching out a beautiful woman, the sailor ends up with a guy. Procter & Gamble Co. (PG ) acquired Old Spice in 1990.

Old Spice Ad

TRIVIA NOTE: The Old Spice jingle was written by Ginger Johnson. He wrote a number of very successful advertising jingles, including several for Coca-Cola. The whistling melody and harmonica playing in the Old Spice commercials was provided by legendary Jazz guitarist, whistler and harmonica player Jean "Toots" Thielemans. As a harmonica player, Toots is featured on movie soundtracks like Midnight  Cowboy and Sugarland Express. He also plays on and wrote the theme to PBS's SESAME STREET and his whistling was featured in opening credits of THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW/CBS/1960-68. In 2002 Toots celebrated his 89th birthday.

John Bennett Perry is the actor who played the role of the Old Spice sailor. Born January 4, 1941 John Perry is the father of actor Matthew Perry (from NBC's FRIENDS). A native of Williamstown, MA, John Perry studied psychology and music at St. Lawrence University. His film and television acting career included the movies Midway (1976), Only When I Laugh (1981), I Married Wyatt Earp (1983), The Other Lover (1985), Independence (1987), False Witness (1989), and Fools Rush In (1997). He also had regular TV roles on such series as POLICE STORY, 240-ROBERT (lead role), PAPER DOLLS, FALCON CREST (during 1985-86), and on the daytime soap opera DAYS OF OUR LIVES, as well as guest-starring roles on CIVIL WARS, MURDER SHE WROTE, and SILK STALKINGS. Old Spice Cologne Company  Old Spice Cologne Bottles  John Perry Bio

 
 

             
 
   
[two blasts from a bosun's mate whistle]

Yo-ho! Yo-Ho!

Brushless or lather boys,
Whichever you've a notion
Fifty cents for the shaving cream,
A dollar for the lotion.
"Old Spice means quality,"
Said the Captain to the Bosun.
So look for the package with
The ship that sails the ocean.

Yo-ho!, Yo-Ho!.
  --1950s Ad Jingle
   

 

                    
 

Back to Top

 

Home  |  Site Map  |  Search  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy  |  Archive

 



Copyright © TV Acres. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
All photos are the property of their respective companies
.