Michael Constantine was a renowned commercial actor who appeared in several popular TV commercials in the 70s and 80s. He was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1927, and began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor.
Michael gained popularity in the late 70s when he starred in a series of popular commercials for the fast-food chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). He played the character of Grecian-sounding restaurant owner "Gus," who would often proclaim the virtues of KFC's "finger-lickin' good" chicken.
Apart from KFC, Michael also appeared in commercials for brands such as Alka-Seltzer, Mr. Coffee, and Prudential Insurance. His recognizable voice, expressive face, and comedic timing made him a household name and a much sought-after commercial actor.
In addition to his commercial work, Michael had a successful acting career on stage and screen, appearing in numerous movies and TV shows. He received critical acclaim and won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the ABC sitcom "Room 222," which ran from 1969 to 1974.
Michael Constantine passed away on August 31, 2021, at the age of 94, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a talented and versatile actor. His contributions to the entertainment industry, especially in the world of commercials, cannot be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats in his field.