When Super Bowl XXXII aired in 1998, viewers expected thrilling football action—but they also got something else: a Doritos commercial that would go down in history. Featuring the stunning and charismatic Ali Landry, this ad wasn’t just about selling chips—it launched an entirely new career for its leading star.
Super Bowl ads are designed to be memorable, but few commercials have reached the iconic status of Ali Landry’s Doritos campaign.
Set in a laundromat, the ad showed Landry effortlessly snacking on Doritos while pulling off acrobatic stunts, catching chips mid-air in slow motion. The combination of humor, action, and Landry’s undeniable charm made it one of the most replayed and talked-about commercials of the era.
- A Unique Approach: Instead of a generic snack ad, the commercial used action-packed visuals to make an impact.
- Ali Landry’s Performance: Her playful yet confident demeanor made her the perfect fit for the brand.
- Rewatch Value: The ad became instantly iconic, leading to widespread discussions and multiple replays.
Before the Doritos commercial, Ali Landry was already well-known as Miss USA 1996. But this Super Bowl moment made her a pop culture sensation, leading to:
- Major TV appearances, including roles in “Eve,” “Felicity,” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
- Film projects such as “Repli-Kate” and “Bella.”
- Hosting opportunities for MTV, E!, and various entertainment news platforms.
This one commercial turned Landry into a household name, proving that a well-crafted ad can do more than just sell a product—it can create a star.
Even decades later, the Doritos ad remains a fan favorite, often appearing on “Best Super Bowl Commercials” lists. Landry’s performance helped reshape how brands use celebrities in commercials, proving that an advertisement could become entertainment on its own.
Ali Landry’s Doritos commercial didn’t just promote a snack—it launched a new kind of advertising phenomenon. The perfect mix of humor, action, and star power ensured its place in Super Bowl history, and Landry’s career has remained a testament to its impact.
