Mr. Peanut

Mr. Peanut is a popular advertising mascot and logo of the Planters snack food company, a subsidiary of Hormel. The character was created in 1916 by a 14-year-old boy named Antonio Gentile for a sketch contest held by Planters. The character is an anthropomorphic peanut, known for his top hat, monocle, and cane.

History

The character of Mr. Peanut was created as part of a contest held by Planters in 1916. The winning entry was submitted by Antonio Gentile, a 14-year-old boy from Suffolk, Virginia. His original sketch was of a peanut person with arms and legs. A commercial artist later added the top hat, monocle, and cane, which have since become Mr. Peanut's defining features.

Mr. Peanut has been used in a variety of advertising campaigns for Planters. He has appeared in print ads, television commercials, and even on the packaging of Planters products. In 2010, Mr. Peanut was given a voice for the first time in his history, provided by actor Robert Downey Jr..

Cultural Impact

Mr. Peanut has become a well-known figure in American popular culture. He has been referenced in various forms of media, including television shows, films, and books. The character's distinctive look has made him a recognizable symbol of the Planters brand.

In 2006, Planters conducted an online vote to determine whether Mr. Peanut should add a bow tie, cufflinks, or a pocket watch to his outfit. The majority of voters chose the pocket watch.

Death and Resurrection

In January 2020, Planters released a commercial in which Mr. Peanut dies while saving the lives of actors Wesley Snipes and Matt Walsh. The commercial was part of a larger advertising campaign for the 2020 Super Bowl. However, in a Super Bowl commercial aired in February 2020, Mr. Peanut was resurrected as "Baby Nut".

See Also

• Advertising mascot
• Planters
• Hormel