Why do people we might normally respect sell themselves out by shilling for products on television?
The Ones That Bother Me Most
I guess the one that bothers me most is Tom Selleck, an actor I’ve admired for years, acting like he’s in some position to advise us on reverse mortgages. Close behind is Joe Namath, former AFL and NFL football player, telling us he learned upon making a phone call he wasn’t getting all the Medicare benefits he deserves. Those benefits include rides to doctor appointments. And the least obnoxious, I suppose, is Alex Trebek trying to promote Colonial Penn life insurance.
Selleck’s Home and Net Worth
Selleck, 74, has a net worth of $45 million and among his homes is an avocado ranch near Los Angeles. He probably will never search for or need a reverse mortgage, so why would an audience trust his judgement? Better yet, why should he stoop to promoting something that has been controversial. I’m sure reverse mortgages have their place but many people have regretted taking these out.
Namath’s Net Worth
Namath, who played for both the American Football League and National Football League as a quarterback, is worth $18 million. His medical needs, whatever they may be, probably aren’t helped by calling a helpline.
Trebek’s Net Worth
Trebek, who is now fighting pancreatic cancer, is worth $75 million after a long career in television. Among his accolades are emceeing more game shows than anyone in history. While he may have life insurance, he isn’t shopping for Colonial Penn at $9.95 per month.
Ellen DeGeneres and Cover Girl
I haven’t seen Ellen advertising Cover Girl for a while. But I never believed she used this brand of cosmetics. I’m pretty sure she can afford a pricier brand–easily. I actually did use the product she advertised and liked it, but she wasn’t the reason I made the purchase decision.
Celebrity Endorsements and Us
Why is it we would believe a product has more credibility if it were being sold to us by a celebrity we know? I feel it is clear when we see Capital One commercials that Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Garner are paid actors in those. The same is true with Tina Fey in her Allstate commercial. They in no way are telling us they use the product.
Make Your Living as You See Fit
Of course, these celebrities and others are welcome to make their living as they see fit. But, by the same token, I can wonder about why people with so much money want to make more at what, in my opinion, is a bit misleading.
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