Shell Answer Man
The Shell Answer Man was a series of television advertisements from the 1960s through the 1990s sponsored by Shell Oil in which answers were provided to common questions from the public about driving, with advice on vehicle maintenance, repair and safety. Companion booklets were inserted into major magazines.[1]
The campaign was developed in the late 1960s for Shell by the advertising firm of Ogilvy & Mather, a relationship that would continue for nearly four decades. By the time Shell ended the relationship, Ogilvy & Mather had 60 employees based in Houston, Texas largely dedicated to the Shell account.[2]
Actor and announcer Don Morrow appeared in the campaign in the 1960s, offering tips to drivers.[3] Actor Vince O'Brien landed the role of the Shell Answer Man in the late 1960s and 1970s, an opportunity he described in a newspaper interview as being "like hitting the state lottery."[4]
References
- ^ Staff. "New Shell Oil Co. advertising campaign marks return of Shell Answer Man, answer booklets.", PR Newswire, March 8, 1990. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- ^ via Associated Press. "Ad firm, Shell agree to part ways", Dallas Morning News, November 18, 1999. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- ^ Staff. "Moving Beyond the Spots; Cablers Are Using Innovative Strategies to Close the Broadcast Advertising Gap.", Television Week, January 19, 2004. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- ^ Levin, Jay. "Character actor Vince O’Brien, 91, of Haworth dies", The Record (Bergen County), June 21, 2010. Accessed June 22, 2010.