Monday, November 9, 2009

'Mean Joe' to Get Clio Award


Those of us who grew up in the 1970's will never forget the 'Mean' Joe Greene Coca-Cola commercial. The ad ended up winning a Clio Award, the Oscar of commercials. Now, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the classic commercial, Joe Greene will receive that Clio Award before this Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

“We had a lot of takes,” said Greene. “There were a lot of parts. It was two and a half days. I was drinking the Coke. I drank a couple of cases for sure. I knew I drank an awful lot because I belched between my lines a couple of times.”

“I had no idea it would be that popular,” said Greene. “Over the years they would show the commercial over and over. They did retire the commercial last year on that show. We won’t see it again.”

Although the ad has been retired, a new generation has gotten the idea behind it when, during last year's Super Bowl against the Cardinals, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu stepped into the role played by Greene 30 years earlier. The newer version doesn't have quite the nostalgic feeling to it, but it's still a pretty cool commercial.

Congrats to 'Mean' Joe for finally getting the recognition for contributing to iconic American pop culture.



4 comments:

Sue said...

***stands and applauds Mean Joe***

Troy...not so much. He is still playing! LOL

blackandgoldfan said...

Sue: Can't wait for Sunday! Gonna be a good rematch.

I'm with you. I prefer Mean Joe's commercial.

j summett said...

I always loved that commercial!!!

blackandgoldfan said...

Me too, j! It'll never get old.