The Coppertone Commercial That Gave Jodie Foster Her Acting Start
Mia Walsh The Coppertone sunscreen advertisements are some of the most nostalgic ads that have since become an international symbol for sun, sand, and good times. The first one was released in 1956, with artist Joyce Ballantyne Brand using her own daughter Cheri as a model for the little girl in the picture. Over time, they became increasingly popular, featured on postcards, trinkets, and even billboards in and around beach towns. However, it was the 1965 commercial that cemented the Coppertone girl as an iconic symbol.
While Jodie Foster has earned a name for herself in the entertainment industry, she isn't the only child actor in her family. Her older brother Buddy Foster started his career appearing in commercials at nine years old, and Jodie would go with him when he would travel for auditions. Buddy landed an audition for the Coppertone commercials, but when he showed up, the casting agents felt like his little sister Jodie would perhaps be a better fit for the ad. Thus, Jodie Foster nabbed her first acting gig at age three, starring in the 1965 Coppertone commercial, bound to be remembered for years to come.