Finally figured out Farmers strategy

Why in the world is this constantly working actor of such stature as Simmons doing these hokey car insurance commercials? Cheesy car insurance commercials are what a celebrity does when their career is circling the drain. Simmons is so much better than this, and this type of embarrassing sellout really diminishes his status as an actor of stature. I don't get it.

It may diminish his status, but it certainly isn't diminishing his bank account. It's easy work, not many lines to remember, low stress, and pays out the wazoo. He gets a residiual every time those commercials air. His face is on their website. He is a huge part of their marketing strategy. He is getting paid BIG TIME.

Does that mean Scorsese sold out when he did a American Express commercial? And what about all the actors that have done voice over work on commercials? They have sold out as well also, or only if they physically appear in the commercial? One more question on the rules of selling out. Foreign commercials use american a-list actors all the time, are they sellouts as well?

"We’re changing from a code 3, direct pursuit, to a code 347…completely lost due to incompetence"

Why in the world is this constantly working actor of such stature as Simmons doing these hokey car insurance commercials?

For science! He built a flamethrower and a hybrid car/boat/house. I thought it was pretty obvious that University of Farmers was just a cover for Aperture Science.

The on-camera celebrity AmEx commercials have become a prestigious symbol of stature for Hollywood's elite. Scorsese appeared as himself in the AmEx commercials, as did DeNiro and the others. None of them played some dweeby character in a cheesy car insurance commercial, nor would they.

American stars do foreign commercials for the reason that they don't want to diminish their standing with American audiences by appearing in commercials.

Voice over is done here for the same reason, with exclusive contracts with big advertisers reserved for high profile stars with recognizable voices like Morgan Freeman for Visa, Gene Hackman for CNN, or Jeff Bridges for Hyundai.

I think the problem I have with JK Simmons "selling out" is that now, no matter which of the great shows he's been a regular on (especially The Closer) I can no longer watch him without thinking "Why is this guy doing those ridiculous car insurance commercials?" Sadly for me it detracts from the show and reminds me that I'm just watching actors acting.

Alright, that makes sense. I can relate, cause everytime i see Natalie Portman in something in my head I'm like, "that's Lukes mom".

"We’re changing from a code 3, direct pursuit, to a code 347…completely lost due to incompetence"

So....does this mean you can no longer eat M&Ms as well???

I actually like the Farmer's commercials with J.K. I think it allows him to do something with a comedic edge. While insurance is not per se funny. He plays a serious guy doing bizarro things. Considering that most of the characters that Simmons plays are serious or in some cases the heavy, it is fun to see actors doing things outside their perceived niche. Keep having fun J.K. Simmons!