I’m betting Tina Fey got a little “business drunk” earlier this week when her long-lost first commercial from her Second City days hit the web. The 1995 spot for Mutual Savings Bank features a short-haired, vest-wearing Tina in all her 90s glory prattling on about high interest rates, and her brother Phil. It’s proof positive that lesbians are not the only people who continue to be haunted by bad ’90s vests.
Now I couldn’t get a close look in the commercial, but if Tina paired that appliqué vest with a pair of bi-curious shoes then I finally understand where all the lesbian jokes on 30 Rock come from.
Of course, Tina isn’t the only star with commercial work in her past. The results range from cute to cringe-worthy. So to prove I’m an equal opportunity embarrasser, here are a few other stars shilling for the camera early in their career.
The old Mary Poppins and the never-ending carpetbag routine never gets old. But there is no way you’re convincing me that Ellen, even back in 1994, carried a purse.
OK, if Ellen with a purse was unbelievable, Shane with a purse and a boyfriend is super unbelievable.
She could even steal a scene from Tony the Tiger. Also, Christopher Guest directed this spot, which led to Jane’s role in Best in Show.
You have to wade through a lot of Bond, James Bond before you get to Joan Holloway. The accent is OK, but the ad isn’t really taking advantage of her best, um, assets.
People who were surprised by Callie’s sexual orientation on Grey’s Anatomy clearly never watched this MTV spot. Also, note to advertisers, having Sara make out with ladies is the genius way for me to not fast forward through your spot. Just a suggestion.
I kind of miss seeing her in these ads. And the short hair.
Tiny, adorable Bella! Who needs Edward or Jacob when you have a 911 Porsche Carrera?
That hat, those braids, that T-shirt — how could we not have know Sara would grow up to be family?
Um, what I said about Sara, times 1,000.
Sure this is a fake ad, but, really, is it more embarrassing than her real one? Tough call.
So, there you have it. Who is the cutest? Who is the cringiest?
