Farrah Fawcett Commercials

Before she became an icon of 1970s television, before the red swimsuit poster sold in the millions, and before she earned acclaim for her dramatic film roles--Farrah Fawcett was already a star, lighting up American living rooms in a string of unforgettable commercials. With her sun-kissed looks, approachable charm, and effortless screen presence, Farrah became one of the most recognizable faces in advertising. Her commercial work not only built her early career—it helped define an era.

Farrah's commercial journey began in the late 1960s and bloomed throughout the ‘70s. At a time when TV ads were becoming more visually ambitious and personality-driven, she stood out immediately. Not only was she beautiful, but there was a wholesomeness and joy to her that made products feel exciting—whether it was shampoo, shaving cream, or even a Mercury Cougar.

​In many ways, Farrah was the ideal pitchwoman: a symbol of health, freshness, and natural glamour.
“I became famous almost before I had a craft.”
Please note that the quality of these videos may not meet modern viewing standards. Many of this footage is several decades old and due to the technology available at the time—as well as the age of the recording—there may be issues with resolution, audio clarity, or overall visual quality. Despite these limitations, the content remains historically valuable and offers a rare glimpse into an important moment in television and cultural history.
Fedders Air Conditioner (1970s)

Fedders is a historic American brand known for producing reliable and affordable room air conditioning units. Established in the early 20th century, Fedders became a household name during the post-war boom, particularly in the 1950s through the 1970s, when window air conditioners became essential in many U.S. homes.
Serta Sleeper (1970s)

The Serta Sleeper mattress is a popular line of mattresses known for combining comfort, support, and durability at an accessible price point. Designed to appeal to a wide range of sleepers, Serta Sleeper mattresses typically feature innerspring support systems, often enhanced with foam or gel layers for pressure relief and motion isolation.

Available in several models under the “Perfect Sleeper” umbrella, the line ranges from basic budget-friendly designs to hybrids and memory foam models with more advanced comfort layers.

​The Serta Sleeper is often marketed with endorsements or appearances in pop culture (including past celebrity promotions like Farrah Fawcett in the 1970s) and is widely available in retail stores and online.
FTD (1970s)

This charming early 1970s television commercial promotes FTD Florists’ Forget-Me-Not Bouquet. The spot brings together two elegant stars of the era: Farrah Fawcett, then rising to fame, and the debonair French actor Louis Jourdan (known for roles in Gigi and Octopussy).
Head and Shoulders (1970s)

This Head & Shoulders commercial is a delightful time capsule of early 1970s advertising: it combines sharp humor, a simple but effective visual and narrative contrast, and even a dose of real-life camaraderie between its two stars. It not only promoted a dandruff-fighting shampoo but also introduced Penny Marshall to TV audiences and showcased Farrah Fawcett’s breathtaking hair, making it memorable in both pop culture and career-launching terms.

​Setting & Premise
The commercial introduces two roommates with sharply contrasting looks—Penny Marshall portrays the "plain" brunette (initially labeled as "homely" on set), while Farrah Fawcett embodies the glamorous blonde with enviable hair. The ad cleverly plays on this contrast to highlight the shampoo’s dual promise: “hates your dandruff, loves your hair."

Dialogue & Delivery
The spot unfolds with light, witty banter:
When Fawcett asks, “Do you know what I think?” Marshall teasingly responds, “You think you look adorable.”
Fawcett replies, “Not just that—I think your shampoo did a terrific, sexy number on my hair. I love it.”
Marshall then delivers the tagline: “Head and Shoulders—hates your dandruff, loves your hair.”
The exchange wraps up with Fawcett asking, “Okay, can I borrow some money?” signaling their playful but relatable dynamic.

Unexpected Kindness
Originally, stand-ins at the shoot were labeled with placards reading "Homely Girl" and "Pretty Girl." Fawcett, recognizing the sting of the label, crossed out "homely" and replaced it with "plain" to ease Marshall’s discomfort. This thoughtful gesture sowed the seeds of a friendship that lasted years.

Impact & Legacy
For Marshall, the commercial was her first television appearance and helped launch her career toward iconic roles like Laverne in Laverne & Shirley. For Fawcett, it showcased her famed, ultra-glamorous hair—the kind that became globally iconic in the late ‘70s. Critics and retrospectives note the ad’s charm in using humor and contrast—Fawcett as the effortlessly glamorous “after,” with Marshall grounded and endearing as the “before,” both effective in selling the product
Ultra Brite Toothpaste Commercial (1970s)
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In the early 1970s, before she soared to fame on Charlie's Angels, a young Farrah Fawcett starred in a memorable Ultra Brite toothpaste ad. The spot opens with Fawcett, sporting a playful ponytail, declaring: "Mother always told me, 'Sit up straight, eat all your vegetables, and stay out of small foreign cars.' But mother never told me about Ultra Brite!"

Immediately, she flops into the arms of "Joey" and jumps into his convertible—an instantly flirtatious moment that drives home the product’s tagline: Ultra Brite gives your mouth sex appeal. In another version of the ad, Fawcett takes center stage explaining the toothpaste’s brightening benefits, accentuating both her charm and the product’s promise of whiter teeth.

The Ultra Brite campaign embodied the era’s trend of blending beauty with everyday products. As Entertainment Weekly put it, “A molar‑wide smile built to sell toothpaste” embodied Fawcett’s early image—refreshingly sexy yet subtly shy.

​A Nostalgic Throwback: TV and nostalgia sources regularly cite these commercials as early glimpses of Fawcett’s iconic appeal. Television Obscurities notes multiple versions of the Ultra Brite ad, and MeTV underscores the cheeky, early‑1970s vibe of these spots, playing up Ultra Brite as "The Sex Appeal Toothpaste" for free-spirited boomers.
Winchester Cigars (1970s)

Launched in September 1972, Winchester Little Cigars were introduced by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company as part of "Project CC"—a product intentionally designed to blur the line between cigars and cigarettes, offering cigarette-like appeal while bypassing tobacco advertising restrictions.
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The product took advantage of a loophole: while cigarette ads were banned on television and radio, little cigars weren’t, allowing Winchester to tap into mass media promotion. A key selling point was the lower excise tax on little cigars, making Winchester significantly cheaper than cigarettes—an advantage heavily emphasized in its marketing.
Ford Mustang (1971)

In this iconic early‑70s car commercial, actress Farrah Fawcett pops up during what appears to be an overly formal book club meeting. Conversation halts when one member, “Charles,” abandons the gathering to take the newly redesigned Mustang for a drive. Farrah's presence amplifies the suggestion that the Mustang isn’t just a car—it’s a statement of effortless cool and charisma.

The ad plays up the notion that driving a Mustang transforms a man into the kind of confident figure who’d sweep a woman like Farrah off her feet. The vibe is charmingly tongue‑in‑cheek: the message is clear—get behind the wheel, and you become someone worth noticing.

It’s not just promotion—it’s a playful appeal to swagger, masculinity, and the irresistible allure of an iconic pony car.​ The commercial cleverly pairs two American symbols of the era—the sultry charisma of Farrah Fawcett and the bold attitude of the Ford Mustang—creating an unforgettable marketing moment.
Dubonnet Commercial 1972

In this stylish and flirtatious 1972 commercial for Dubonnet, a French aperitif wine, a young Farrah Fawcett and Tom Selleck—both then relatively unknown—share a sun-drenched romantic moment that captures the laid-back glamour of the early '70s.

The ad opens with a breezy, coastal atmosphere: Fawcett and Selleck, dressed in casual resort wear, lounge outdoors, basking in the sunshine and each other's company. There’s laughter, knowing glances, and flirtatious smiles. The mood is effortlessly sexy and relaxed.

Her delivery is warm and seductive, aligning perfectly with the drink’s intended appeal as sophisticated yet accessible. Tom Selleck, equally charismatic even in his pre-Magnum, P.I. days, exchanges a smirk that underlines the chemistry between them. The commercial closes with a classic '70s voiceover promoting Dubonnet as a chic, continental alternative to traditional American cocktails—something “different” for a new generation of drinkers.
Lady Schick Speed Styler (circa 1972–1974)

In this vintage print ad and TV commercial—circa 1972–1974—Farrah Fawcett demonstrates the Lady Schick Speed Styler blow dryer. She begins with wet hair, wrapped in a towel, and showcases how quickly the blow dryer transforms her damp strands into her signature, voluminous curls. Camera tricks help dramatize the transformation, making it appear instantaneous. Angela Cartwright (known for Lost in Space) appears alongside Farrah, also transitioning from wet to styled hair—showing the tool’s versatility across different hair types. 

This commercial played a significant role in solidifying Fawcett’s image as the epitome of ’70s glamour. Her effortlessly styled, bouncy hair became aspirational—many fans believed they too could replicate these curls at home thanks to products like the Speed Styler. She was a prolific beauty spokesperson throughout the decade, lending her star power to numerous products beyond Schick.
Noxzema Shaving Cream (1973) 

In this iconic and playful 1973 television commercial for Noxzema shaving cream, NFL quarterback Joe Namath is joined by rising star and model Farrah Fawcett in a flirtatious and memorable ad that blends sports celebrity charm with classic 70s advertising style.

The commercial opens with Namath preparing for a shave. As the camera zooms in, he looks directly at the audience and says with a grin, "I'm so excited—I'm gonna get creamed!" Farrah Fawcett then appears, stunning in a tight outfit and with her trademark blonde hair, playfully applying Noxzema shaving cream to Namath’s face.
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Throughout the ad, the tone is light, sexy, and cheeky, with Farrah seductively helping with the shave while a catchy jingle plays: “Let Noxzema cream your face... so the razor won’t!” The chemistry between the two stars, combined with the suggestive humor, helped make the commercial unforgettable.
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The ad became a pop culture moment of the 1970s, remembered for its innuendo, charm, and the early appearance of Farrah Fawcett before she became a household name on Charlie’s Angels. It’s widely regarded as one of the most famous and talked-about shaving cream commercials of all time.
Wella Balsam (1974)

In 1974, Farrah Fawcett was just beginning her rise to fame. Yet, she landed a three-year deal to promote Wella Balsam shampoo and conditioner—a testament to her instantly recognizable image and striking hair.

Wella Balsam’s marketing strategy centered on powerful visuals: celebrities like Farrah (and later her Charlie’s Angels co-stars) showcased gorgeous, healthy hair that communicated the product’s benefits as much as the text or voiceover.​
Continental Airlines (1975)

In a charming and lighthearted 1975 television commercial for Continental Airlines, a young Farrah Fawcett stars as a cheerful and radiant flight attendant. This commercial was part of Continental’s 1973–1978 “We Really Move Our Tail for You” campaign, which highlighted the airline’s dedication to customer service through friendly, personable staff. 

​Though Farrah appeared in numerous product campaigns—from shampoos to cars—her Continental Airlines spot remains one of the few that showcased her against a backdrop of travel, setting her apart from typical beauty or lifestyle endorsements.
Mercury Cougar 1977

​Farrah Fawcett starred in a series of eye-catching Mercury Cougar commercials during the mid-1970s. These ads blended sensuality with sleek automotive elegance, using the Cougar’s cat imagery to evoke a sense of power and allure. One of the standout taglines from the era was the poetic narration from a 1975 spot: “restless, civilized, a challenger, serene”— a vivid description intended to mirror both the car and Fawcett herself
Fabergé Shampoo (Late 1970s)

Farrah Fawcett's Fabergé Shampoo TV ads from the late 1970s and early 1980s were iconic beauty commercials that perfectly captured her superstar image and the era’s glamor-driven marketing. The ads were part of a campaign for Fabergé Organic Shampoo and Conditioner, emphasizing natural ingredients and healthy hair.

Synopsis of the Fabergé Shampoo Commercials Featuring Farrah Fawcett: In these commercials, Farrah Fawcett, already a household name from Charlie's Angels, appears with her signature feathered hairstyle — voluminous, bouncy, and gleaming. Set in soft lighting and often outdoors or in airy, fresh settings, the ads highlight the natural beauty and vitality of her hair.

Farrah speaks directly to the camera in a warm, sincere tone, describing how Fabergé’s shampoo and conditioner keep her hair looking its best. She emphasizes that the products are “organics” with herbal and natural ingredients, aligning with the health-conscious trends of the time. A key message is that great hair doesn’t need harsh chemicals, and that using Fabergé helps maintain shine, body, and manageability.
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The tone is wholesome and aspirational, aimed at women who admired Farrah’s style and wanted to emulate her effortlessly glamorous look. The campaign's success was fueled by her credibility as a beauty icon, making the products wildly popular for a time.
Camellia (1980s)

Farrah Fawcett signed a contract in 1982 with the Japanese firms Hakuhado Inc. and Miki Corp., approving these ads for Japanese broadcast only. Despite this agreement, the commercials were aired in the United States, featured on CBS network news, and at least 208 local CBS affiliate programs. Fawcett responded by filing a lawsuit for $10 million, citing embarrassment and unauthorized exploitation of her likeness. The suit demanded $50,000 for every U.S. telecast of each commercial, in addition to punitive damages.
American Cancer Society PSA  (1981)

Farrah Fawcett presents this tragically poignant Public Service Announcement on methods of cancer detection and prevention produced by the American Cancer Society in 1981. ​ 
Farrah Fawcett Shampoo (1981)

This follow-up advertisement reunites the magnetic duo—Farrah Fawcett and Joe Namath—not for shaving cream, but to tout her very own haircare line.

Setting:
Both appear wrapped in towels, giving the spot a playful, sensual vibe that echoes their earlier Super Bowl success. 

Dialogue & Tone:
Joe cheekily delivers the memorable tagline:
“Best of all, you can say you showered with Farrah Fawcett.”
The line is flirtatious, reinforcing the intimate yet lighthearted charm of the ad. 

Visual & Emotional Appeal:
The commercial trades sexual innuendo for glamorous allure—showcasing Farrah’s signature voluminous hair and radiant presence, with Joe as an admiring and charming co-star.
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​Marketing Magic:
By leveraging the duo’s established on-screen chemistry—from the iconic 1973 Noxzema ad—the shampoo commercial uses familiarity and star power to sell not just a product, but the fantasy of closeness with Farrah herself.
Women Against Cancer (1982)

American Cancer Society spokeswoman Farrah Fawcett speaks about a television special dedicated to cancer education entitled "Cancer: The Human Side" which aired on WTBS , March 31, 1982.