15 Odd Celebrity Endorsements That Ended Up Working

Even after starring in an award-winning film or releasing a hit album, money doesn’t last forever. That’s why so many celebrities invest in businesses, real estate, and food ventures to keep their wealth growing.

Another popular way stars make money is through advertising. Brands in the U.S. and around the world pay celebrities to endorse products and appear in commercials, often for impressive long-term payouts. Some of these partnerships, though, are a little more unusual than others.

This isn't a new celebrity endorsement, but it's strange enough to include. Does anyone see John Cena as someone who wears Crocs? Well, even if he doesn't, he was part of their ads for years and a big part of the brand’s “Come As You Are” campaign.

Simon Cowell, known for his eye rolls and anger, partnered with Royal Match, a mobile game. He's one of many celebrities turning to these ads.

Justin Bieber isn't too into nail polish, at least from what we know. And yet, when he was an up-and-coming artist, he endorsed Nicole by OPI. In 2010, he collaborated with the makeup brand that created the One Less Lonely Girl Collection.

It's funny when celebrities endorse and work with insurance companies, just because they feel so far apart from us. Still, Shaquille O'Neal's partnership with the General works. Why? Not sure. His charisma might have something to do with it. Apparently, while in college, O'Neal did use the General.

A growing trend for ads for mobile games is using celebrities. Pedro Pascal has joined the long list of celebrities starring in game ads. He is now part of the Merge Mansion celebrity family. He's also not shy about the ads and talks about them in interviews. He loves mysteries and thinks the game and story are fun.

Early 2000s kids in Britain might remember this strange commercial. Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne made a commercial pushing I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! In the ad, he stars alongside an impersonator mimicking his actions.

A lot of the weirder celebrity endorsement ads are aired in other countries. An example of this is Tom Hiddleston, who endorsed Centrum Silver in a bizarre commercial. In the ad, he makes the viewer breakfast with no context. Halfway through the commercial, he picks up the Centrum vitamins while looking kinda sad.

Charmin is a great company that stands strong. Most people know this toilet paper brand. But is it because of Kim Kardashian's endorsement and event? Probably not. But they are a weird mix considering it's hard to see the ultra-rich Kardashian using Charmin.

KFC loves to partner with celebrities on their ads and commercials. Many of these play the role of Colonel Sanders. In 2018, Reba took over the role, starring in commercials and ads fully decked out in the iconic costume.

Do you believe that Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian actually bake, cook, or even use their own kitchen? It's hard to imagine. Still, though, the duo endorses Country Crock's Plant Butter in ads.

During the late 70s and early 1980s, Muhammad Ali starred in a lot of D-Con roach trap ads. He endorsed the product and even showed how to use it in the ads.

This ad made a lot of sense and worked super well. It's to the point where people consider Hot Pockets as the ultimate stoner snack. Snoop Dogg also endorsed a lighter with Martha Stewart.

Another actor to advertise out of the country is Tommy Lee Jones. He endorses and stars in countless ads for Suntory's Boss Coffee. He's been endorsing the company since 2006. In one ad, he played a grumpy and strict teacher, and at the end, he takes a sip of the coffee.

Japan loves American celebrities, especially for product endorsements. Scarlett Johansson has starred in Japanese commercials for the Lux shampoo product. In the ad, she calls Hatsune Miku, a virtual singer, and offers words of encouragement.

Katy Perry has joined the long list of American celebrities lending their acting and singing skills to foreign companies. She endorses a few different companies, although the more popular and well-known ad is for Lieferando. In the ad, she sings about ordering food deliveries.