Little Mikey

Little Mikey 1972

Little Mikey is a fictional character featured in a popular advertising campaign for Life cereal in the 1970s. The character was portrayed by child actor John Gilchrist and became an iconic figure in American advertising.

Overview

Little Mikey is best known for his role in the Life cereal commercials, where he is depicted as a picky eater. The famous tagline from the commercial is, "He likes it! Hey Mikey!" This phrase became a part of American pop culture and is often referenced in various media.

Advertising Campaign

The Life cereal commercials featuring Little Mikey first aired in 1972. The campaign was created by the advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach. The commercials were designed to promote Life cereal as a nutritious and tasty option for children, even those who are notoriously selective about their food.

Cultural Impact

The character of Little Mikey and the associated tagline became widely recognized and have been referenced in numerous television shows, movies, and other forms of media. The success of the campaign is often cited as an example of effective advertising in the food industry.

John Gilchrist

John Gilchrist, the actor who played Little Mikey, was only three years old when he starred in the Life cereal commercials. Despite the widespread recognition of his character, Gilchrist did not pursue a long-term career in acting. He later worked in media sales.

Urban Legends

Over the years, several urban legends have emerged about Little Mikey, including false rumors about the actor's death. These myths have been debunked, and John Gilchrist is alive and well.

Related Pages

• Life (cereal)
• Doyle Dane Bernbach
• John Gilchrist (actor)
• Advertising campaign
• 1970s in American television